The British Lighthouse Trail

Like the author, Sarah Kerr, I’ve been fascinated by lighthouses for as long as I can remember, so this book was always going to be well received.

Basically, this is a thoroughly-researched reference book, detailing virtually everything you’d ever want to know about a particular lighthouse. The attention to detail is among its main selling points. From each lighthouses’s general appearance and accessibility to best vantage points for viewing and interesting facts about their unique light patterns, this book is a must for lighthouse aficionados.

The book’s organised layout will please those who are setting out on the mammoth task of visiting all 612 lighthouses featured, as well as those readers who’ll simply choose to keep the book handy for the occasions they take a trip to the coast.

Split into geographical regions with a handy site map kicking off each section, it’s easy to pinpoint any particular lighthouse; there’s even a useful tick box and “visited date” for readers to complete as you begin bagging your lighthouses, just like Wainwright and his Lakeland fells.

To be honest, you don’t have to use the book simply to help you visit the lighthouses. Fully illustrated, it’s fun just thumbing through and reading about the various structures dotted around our coast. The only disappointment is that there appears to be a handful of lighthouses which haven’t been photographed, which is a shame. But, perhaps I’ve missed them – I’m certainly not going to count. Instead, I’m just going to sit back with a cup of coffee and begin an imaginary journey around the British coastline.

So, overall, this is a delightful book for avid lighthouse enthusiasts and anyone who wants to discover a little bit more about these important structures watching over our oceans and seas.

The British Lighthouse Trail – A Regional Guide by Sarah Kerr is published in paperback by Whittles Publishing (www.whittlespublishing.com), price £18.99.