@ Edinburgh International Book Festival, on Thu 27 Aug 2015 @ 17:00

Simon Armitage is a poet, writer, broadcaster and the recently elected Oxford Professor of Poetry. He is also a keen walker and this is the subject of his latest book Walking Away. The poet is in discussion about his new work of travel writing at a special event at the Edinburgh International Book Festival chaired by one of the festival directors Jamie Jauncey.

Armitage has tackled the topics of walking and poetry before. Walking Home was published in 2012 and is the writer’s account of his travels along the Pennine Way. During this trip Armitage read poetry to eager (and some unsuspecting) audiences and their kindness helped pay for accommodation and offered him companionship during the 256 mile trip. Walking Away is the follow up to this book, but this time the poet tackles the South West Coastal Path taking in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

When being asked about his decision to do another book about walking, the poet states that “as a writer you get further inside. We all need contact with the outdoors.” The need to connect is very much a theme of the book. Getting out and meeting people, while building personal bridges through the reading of poetry is very much a motivation. Magnificent coastal scenery is another reason to walk the 250 mile coastal journey. Armitage describes the walk as “astonishing and exceptionally beautiful.” During the event the poet gives three readings from Walking Away, where we learn of the amusing and unconventional settings Armitage finds himself in. Here we discover the unpredictable nature of human beings, but also the kindness and warmth people can express in unlikely situations.

The event ends with Armitage reading a poem entitled Adder. Even though Walking Away is a book of prose, poetry still finds its way into the pages. The writer mentions that he is unlikely to do another book on walking and instead will focus all his attention on writing poetry. Although this is disappointing considering how entertaining both his walking books have been, Simon Armitage’s poetry feels vital, significant and essential reading for all.