Walking the Wharfe: An ode to a Yorkshire river

Johno Ellison walked the entire length of the River Wharfe, the Yorkshire waterway beside which he grew up, in his new book for Bradt, Walking the Wharfe. He retraces the steps of Victorian author Edmund Bogg to investigate how the riverscape and its communities have evolved during the intervening 120 years. Along the way, he encounters a microcosm of English history and culture, including Viking and Roman heritage, modern developments, Victorian spa towns, the Industrial Revolution, and rare wildlife. He also learns from a family who have farmed the Yorkshire hills for five generations before reaching the Wharfe's trickling source amid a vast boggy moorland.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

In a world filled with adventurous explorers and remarkable journeys, Johno Ellison has chosen to embark on a personal quest that takes him back to his roots. Alongside the picturesque River Wharfe, the Yorkshire waterway that nurtured his childhood, Ellison sets out on a remarkable expedition, retracing the footsteps of Victorian author Edmund Bogg. Through his captivating new book, "Walking the Wharfe," Ellison delves into the captivating evolution of the riverscape and its vibrant communities over the past 120 years.

As he embarks on this immersive adventure, Ellison experiences the joys of wild camping, encounters modern-day Vikings, explores the haunted wartime ruins, and even navigates the challenges of dealing with a herd of curious cows. Along the way, he discovers a microcosm of English history and culture, from the ancient Viking and Roman heritage of the Vale of York to the modern developments, such as the tragic bridge collapse in Tadcaster in 2015.

Ellison's journey takes him through a plethora of Victorian spa towns, where he explores the impact of the Industrial Revolution and enjoys the sight of rare wildlife, including majestic red kites and playful otters, which have made a remarkable comeback thanks to successful conservation initiatives.

As he traverses the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including the iconic Dales Way long-distance footpath, Ellison is captivated by local legends of giants, trolls, and witches. He is tempted into wild swimming in the chilly river, although he refrains from venturing into the treacherous Strid, a section of the Wharfe known for its deadly reputation. Seeking refuge during a storm that caused a power blackout, Ellison finds solace in a candlelit pub, where he shares stories and experiences with fellow travelers.

As he continues his ascent, Ellison gains insights from a family who has farmed the Yorkshire hills for five generations, leading him to the Wharfe's trickling source amid a vast, boggy moorland. This enchanting travelogue is a must-read for anyone with a passion for exploration, history, and the natural beauty of the countryside.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804691106