Small Steps with Paws and Hooves: A Highland Journey

by Spud Talbot-Ponsonby

In the wake of her recovery from cancer treatment, Spud goes with her family on a Scottish walking adventure—her story of the walk is moving, inspiring, and very witty
 
Meet Barnie, 11 months old, dangerously learning to walk; Tess the dog, who likes rolling in smelly things; Ben the cart horse, who barely fits through a stile; Spud, a young mother recovering from cancer treatment, who wants to share with her motley family the joys of following old drovers' trails around the Cairngorm Mountains; and Rob, who abandons his stethoscope to accompany her. Lively, funny, and contemplative, this deeply personal travel story will inspire readers to hit the road.

Genres: Travel

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kingfan30 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn into this book from the beginning, I liked the writing style and some of the wording was beautiful and gave me something to think about. I felt she was pretty brave to take this journey, although she did have company. I appreciated her need to walk to work things out, although not for the same reasons at all, I know always feel better for a bit of fresh air and a wonder, even if it’s only the trip round the block, it helps to clear the mind. I did feel some of the history of the drovers, or the area was a bit too in depth for my liking, but I loved hearing about the people she met on the way. Although she swapped Rob for Sophie towards the end of the trip, I felt like this was skimmed over. She also talked about the photos that she took on the way and it would have been lovely if some of them had been included, I think it really would have added to the book.

[Alison Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you rate this?

Such an inspirational book. Such an amazing woman. Both books showed such strength, perseverance, a love of everything natural. I just can’t put into words how moved and inspired I am having read both books. I will remember them for a very long time.

[alisonisreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really wonderful little book, charting the author's walk along Scotland's old drover trails with her toddler, dog, horse and the occasional friend. It also covers her cancer diagnosis and what followed afterwards. I'd recommend it - funny, informative, and very moving in places. Been thinking about some of the themes it covers for a few days now - truly thought-provoking.

[Leslee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy crikey that was a sad book. It was written in a 'homely' and 'familiar' fashion, much like a diary entry. The ending was a little devastating as the author...let me not destroy this for you. Sigh. It makes you pensive though - especially if you have a relative or friend who is or has struggled through cancer.

[Suzduell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book about a woman's three week walk around Scotland, with her horse, dog and little boy. The descriptions of the places she visited really made me want to go to Scotland!

[Samantha Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant second novel about this amazing lady