Description

A Financial Times best summer travel book of 2024
‘A powerfully delicate book of love, loss and discovery, along paths of emotional understanding and physical wonder.’ Raynor Winn

On an assignment to walk the most famous pilgrimage in the world – the Camino de Santiago, in northern Spain – Phoebe Smith somehow lost her way.

Having spent a lifetime exploring unfamiliar places, she quit her dream job, ended her long-term relationship and headed home to North Wales to discover the point to… everything.

In her search for answers she found herself – quite by accident – walking some of Britain’s oldest pilgrim paths. And by following these old ways, she ended up confronting past traumas that she thought she had laid to rest.

But while it follows holy trails, this is not a book about religion. From losing her mother as a teenager to surviving toxic relationships, Phoebe offers an unflinchingly honest look at her battle with an eating disorder, depression, and the pitfalls of newfound singledom.

Skilfully weaving together Phoebe’s own story with those of countless travellers past and present, Wayfarer reveals how nature and place can heal past wounds, offering a pathway to salvation she’d never thought existed.

Publisher Review

‘Raw, honest, powerful. I couldn’t put it down.’ Cerys Matthews

‘A powerfully delicate book of love, loss and discovery, along paths of emotional understanding and physical wonder.’ Raynor Winn

‘A poignant reminder that the internal journey is as sacred as the external journey. Beautifully written.’ Levison Wood

‘Brave, bold and fearless. On this expedition into both ancient Britain and the self, Phoebe is the ultimate companion.’ Steve Backshall, British naturalist and explorer

‘Unflinching and tender. It will make you want to live boldly, open your heart, find your next adventure and sprint headlong towards it.’ Helen Mort, author of A Line Above the Sky

‘ Full of tender, honest reflections and sharp observations.’ Wyl Menmuir, author of The Draw of the Sea

‘Lyrical and revelatory, Wayfarer is a moving tribute to the power of pilgrimage, illuminating Smith’s journey to honour her longings and find her authentic voice.’ Sharon Blackie, author of If Women Rose Rooted

‘Pilgrimage is about getting to know yourself – the longest journey of all – and Wayfarer finds Phoebe learning to sing out her soul.’ Guy Hayward, Director & Co-Founder, British Pilgrimage Trust

Praise for Phoebe Smith’s work…

‘Phoebe Smith is a splendid writer and an inspiring traveller.’ Bill Bryson

‘Brimful of can-do how-to spirit, get-up-and-go energy, and love for Britain’s wild places. Inspiring, passionate and practical.’ Robert Macfarlane

‘Phoebe sets out instead to explore our greatest wildernesses and enjoy them simply by spending time within them. … offers a refreshingly different set of ideas for any would-be adventurer.’ Sir Ranulph Fiennes