Wayfarer

Love, Loss and Life on Britain's Pilgrim Paths

Phoebe Smith

$24.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

HarperNorth
02 July 2025

Autobiography: religious & spiritual; Christianity; Christian worship, rites & ceremonies; Walking, hiking, trekking; Travel writing

Shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year 2025A Financial Times best summer travel book of 2024Travel Book of the Year at the Inspire Global Media Awards'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.

By: Phoebe Smith
Imprint: HarperNorth
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 20mm
Weight: 240g
ISBN: 9780008566555
ISBN 10: 0008566550
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 02 July 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Phoebe Smith is an award-winning adventurer, presenter, broadcaster, author, photographer, and speaker. She hosts the Wander Woman Podcast and is Sleep Storyteller-in-Residence at Calm.com. She is the author of 10 books, including the bestselling Extreme Sleeps and has worked with a range of clients from the BBC to ITV, Radio 4, the Guardian, Ordnance Survey, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Rolls Royce, Lowe Alpine and Berghaus.

Reviews for Wayfarer: Love, Loss and Life on Britain's Pilgrim Paths

‘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 candid, personal memoir.' Financial Times '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 ‘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 'Full of tender, honest reflections and sharp observations.' Wyl Menmuir 'Lyrical and revelatory. … A moving tribute to the power of pilgrimage, illuminating Smith’s journey to find her authentic voice.' Sharon Blackie 'Pilgrimage is about getting to know yourself and Wayfarer finds Phoebe learning to sing out her soul.' Guy Hayward, Director, British Pilgrimage Trust 'An inspiring journey of honouring our memories while living a life in defiance of the past.' Jade Angeles Fitton 'As she walks, Smith reveals her love of nature and the countryside in poignant, finely observed prose.’ Country and Town House 'Timely and revelatory.' Geographical 'This multi-faceted book is a gem … Inspirational, honest and powerful.' Nation.cmyru Praise for Phoebe Smith ‘A splendid writer and an inspiring traveller’ Bill Bryson ‘Inspiring, passionate and practical’ Robert Macfarlane