The Old Ways: A Journey on FootThe Old Ways: A Journey on Foot
Score Modern
What it's about
Robert Macfarlane follows the ancient paths, tracks and sea routes that crisscross the British Isles and beyond, from the chalk downs of England to the bird islands of Scotland's northwest, and from Palestine to the Himalayas. Blending natural history, geology and literature, he explores the voices that haunt old paths.
Why it's worth reading
It was a Baillie Gifford Prize finalist. It's an immersive, beautifully written book about walking and landscape.
You'll love it if you liked
Underland
Landmarks
H Is for HawkGood to know
It's lyrical and slow. Each chapter is a different journey.
By the numbers
- Readers79 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics24 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller8 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz1 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #152 of the 198 history books we rank
- #660 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1247 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
True story, Adventurous
More by Robert Macfarlane
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Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets
The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm XExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot worth reading?
Yes. It was a Baillie Gifford Prize finalist. It ranks #1,247 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 70.5 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot about?
Robert Macfarlane follows the ancient paths, tracks and sea routes that crisscross the British Isles and beyond, from the chalk downs of England to the bird islands of Scotland's northwest, and from Palestine to the Himalayas. Blending natural history, geology and literature, he explores the voices that haunt old paths.
How long does it take to read The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot?
About 9 hours (373 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot?
If you liked it, try Underland by Robert Macfarlane, Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane or H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald.