n Pub Walks in the Malvern Hills by Roy Woodcock (Countryside Books, £6.95)

RETIRED geography teacher Roy Woodcock puts his hobby and his past career to good use by sharing 20 favourite jaunts close to his Malvern home.

Each one has been chosen with all age groups in mind. They vary in length between one and seven miles and are all based on a good, local pub.

"There is a lifetime of walking in the Malvern Hills," says Woodcock, "and this collection of circular routes is designed to whet your appetite for more."

Every journey begins at an interesting pub on old stagecoach or drovers' routes and among his choices are The Three Kings at Hanley Castle, The Cliffe Arms, Mathon, The Farmers Arms, Birtsmorton and the Red Lion, Stifford's Bridge.

Directions are precise and easy to follow and along the way, Woodcock points out interesting features, snippets of history and information about each particular pub.

Lace up those walking boots... and get in another round.

David Chapman