Set in the midst of the green cultivated land of the English Midlands, the rocky knolls and jagged outcrops of Charnwood Forest are reminiscent of parts of Wales. Although much of the land is enclosed, there is a network of public footpaths across the area, so it is no surprise that the area is a favourite with ramblers.

The present booklet is prefaced by ten pages that outline, in simple terms, aspects of geological history and the geological processes that have left their mark on the Charnwood area. This admirable introduction is illustrated by diagrams and photographs. Some technical terms that are used are explained in a glossary at the end of the booklet, though I would have added the terms cleavage and trace fossil.

The main part of the booklet describes eleven walks, none of them arduous and mostly fairly short (though one is up to 11 km). The authors preface each itinerary with a brief statement of the features of geological interest that are to be seen, and mention practical details, such as where a car may be parked. Each itinerary strikes a balance between finding the route and spotting the geological phenomena on the way, whilst paying due attention to safety issues, and each is pleasantly illustrated with photos of key features. Following the description of the itineraries, there is a short account of the extraction and uses of minerals and building-stones in the Charnwood area, again pleasantly illustrated.

The map is packed with detail. About 100 km² of detailed local geology, taken from the BGS Loughborough sheet, is shown at 1:25 000 scale, and includes enlargements of the areas of most of the walks, with geological cross-sections and photos of the topography and geological features. When unfolded it is about a metre square, so it will need careful handling, especially on a windy day at the top of Beacon Hill. My advice to serious walkers is to use also the OS 1:25 000 map of the area (SK 41/51) because on that map the routes will be easier to read.

Although I have not yet put this guide-book to practical test, I think that, for newcomers to the area, or for any local walkers who take an interest in their surroundings, this wallet is excellent value.