In his latest Grampians guidebook, Tyrone T. Thomas has expanded the number of walks covered from 50 to 80. Many of these new walks fall into the ‘family walk’ category, often quite short strolls from a car park. Over six editions Thomas has refined his notes and they are clear, concise and describe a comprehensive selection of routes. However Thomas’s favourite walk on Hollow Mountain has been omitted as it followed a route that the authorities took exception to. This resulted in them refusing to sell the 5th edition in P.V. shops.

The problem with Thomas’s books has always been the maps. If you are prepared to concentrate, there is a wealth of information in them, but they tended to be cluttered and difficult to read. Perhaps I’m just getting used to them, but there appears to be a slight improvement in this book, particularly on those covering shorter walks. © David Sisson