Former BBC Radio Gloucestershire Breakfast Show presenter Mark Cummings has released a new travel guide to the county.
His book, titled "More Adventures in Glorious Gloucestershire," was published on Thursday, August 27. It follows the success of his previous work, "Glorious Gloucestershire."
Cummings has worked in radio and television for more than 40 years. He arrived in Gloucestershire in 1993 and went on to present BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Breakfast Show for 18 years. He has also fronted several West Country travel programmes for BBC Points West, writes a monthly column for Cotswold Life, is a Gloucester Rugby season-ticket holder and an honorary member of Gloucester Civic Trust.
The new publication takes readers on journeys through literary locations, folklore, and secret corners of the county. It includes day-trip suggestions and walks, as well as stories about natural healing traditions, ancient rebellions, and local rivalries.
Specific locations and figures
The book explores a variety of locations and profiles influential figures. Among the places featured are Adam Henson's childhood playground, poet Pam Ayres's preferred Cotswold ramble, and the Slad Valley, a favourite spot of former England cricketer and artist Jack Russell.
Gloucester is a central part of the volume. Former Gloucester Rugby captain Lewis Ludlow shares his favourite spots to unwind away from the game and reflects on his bond with the city and its supporters.
Cummings also examines the Siege of Gloucester and profiles influential women connected to the county. These include Gloucester’s first black woman councillor Carol Francis, the late Baroness Rennie Fritchie, Anglo-Saxon leader Aethelflaed, and Edith Tolkien, who inspired the character of Lúthien Tinúviel in "The Lord of the Rings."
A chapter titled "A Global Gloucestershire" traces international links. It includes mentions of statues of George Whitefield in America and Rudhall bells in Boston, Massachusetts.
The book features 100 new Gloucestershire quiz questions and a code-breaking challenge inspired by GCHQ.
Reception and events
Pam Ayres described the book as "another feast of knowledgeable, tasty Gloucestershire morsels from the man who knows it best." Adam Henson of Countryfile called it "such a healing, uplifting and surprising adventure."
Cummings is scheduled to appear at several literary festivals. These include the Gloucester History Festival, Cheltenham Literature Festival, and Stroud Book Festival.
He is due to discuss the county’s myths and legends at the Gloucester History Festival on September 18.