It can sometimes feel as if the world moves too quickly in an age of instant communications and on-demand entertainment. It’s not long after an article such as this appears on your feed before it is removed for the latest content. It’s about time we all remembered how important it is to take things slowly.
Slow Travel Britain is Liz Schaffer’s latest book. Hoxton Mini Press published this beautiful travel and photography book in conjunction with Lodestars Anthology. It is a more relaxed exploration of the wonderful island, its people, and its places.
Slow Travel Britain is divided into 22 chapters that offer readers a variety of ways to discover England, Scotland, and Wales. This book is filled with genuine recommendations for where to go, what to eat, and how to do it. It’s a great alternative to the habit of travelling around the world, ticking off landmarks, and posting photos on Instagram.
Liz’s independent magazine Lodestar Anthology inspired this book. Each issue explores one country and sells to an audience of over 10,000 people. Slow Travel Britain is perfect for those who are looking for an environmentally friendly and mindful way to travel.
Liz tells Creative Boom that “each chapter explores a specific region and why you should visit it – whether to forage in Pembrokeshire or commune with artists in Cornwall, or take the ultimate road trip across the top part of Scotland.” There are beautiful photos, essays, and interviews which capture the essence of each place. Also, there are handy directories to help you plan your trip.
Liz explains slow travel as a deliberate return to basics, using slower modes of transportation. Slow travel can also be about embracing mindfulness and seeking out different routes. Who would rush past a forest bath or a breathtaking view? Liz says, “At times, you can do nothing; just find a special place and settle in there for as long as your itchy feet allow.” Sounds like bliss.
Liz’s perception of slow travel evolved gradually over the past decade. Before I founded Lodestars Anthology, I thought slow travel was only for the brave,” she explained. To join the group, you needed to have worn-out boots, a desire for high mountains, and actively avoid creature comforts. Slow travel is much easier than that.
While there may not be a definitive definition, all that is needed to be at a relaxed pace (physically or mentally) while being fully aware of your surroundings is a feeling of connection to the people in the past or a particular landscape.
Liz worked with photographers to capture the breathtaking images that appear in the book. The shared experience of rushing off to capture the wonders and beauty of nature with other creatives helped shape the feel and look of the book.
Liz continues, “Many of the photographers are also avid slow travellers, and this shines through their work.” Each has its own unique style and skill, but the way they use light and capture the beauty of the scene really pulls you in.
She continues: “As far as the design was concerned, I trusted Hoxton Mini Press because they are champions of photographers.” You can’t go far wrong with the right paper stock, a designer who has a keen eye, and a designer who values aesthetics above budget.
Slow Travel Britain is a timely addition to the movement. Liz claims that the popularity of slow travel has increased as more people realize its value. In the introduction to her book, she states that “a large part of slow traveling’s appeal lies in how accessible it can be.” While living in England, I’ve found it fascinating to learn that you don’t have to travel far or stay for a long time to experience awe. You can find it just one county away.
We can immerse ourselves into a place when we don’t jump from one far-flung location to another (which is a hard urge to resist). We begin to notice its rhythms and the small things, which makes us feel as if we’re part of the location we are exploring. We might even change the way we think – by immersing ourselves in a Munro-framed body of water or talking to locals while drinking coffee. This allows creativity to flourish and our minds to drift to some fascinating places.”
Slow Travel Britain changed Liz’s perspective of the country. She is originally from Australia and has lived in Britain for more than 10 years. In 2022, she feared that her time there was ending.
“In my head, this book would be my farewell tour. It was a chance for me to explore places I had always wanted to see (the NC500 and the Cairngorms were at the top of the list of my bucket lists) and revisit others that I loved (who doesn’t like the Pembrokeshire Coast in late spring? She reveals.
The book, although it was a surprise to me, made me fall back in love with the place I’ve called home. Today, the thought of leaving is no longer certain. I need to find some way to travel between the two counties. I like the idea of an eternal summer.
Liz fell in love with Britain through countless small moments, such as swimming under the waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales, sailing in Norfolk at sunset on a restored fishing vessel, climbing a Munro before dawn, and relaxing in a Lake District resort.
She concludes, “Creating this book was the most exciting, challenging, brilliant experience. I hope it inspires to you set off somewhere fantastic and take your own time.”