River (Amberley Publishing)

From a water-laden bog in the Cambrian Mountains of Wales to the mighty Bristol Channel, the River Severn carves its way through some of the most picturesque and varied landscapes in the country. River Severn: From Source to Sea follows the entire course of the river, describing its relationship with the surrounding countryside and how it has shaped local inhabitants' lives for centuries. A rivulet surfacing on the slopes of Plynlimon marks the beginning of the Severn, known here by its Welsh name Afon Hafren. The youthful Severn passes through rich sheep-rearing hillsides in Wales, before crossing the Marches into England and Shropshire. Here the Severn sheds its Welsh name as it meanders into the former border stronghold of Shrewsbury. Beyond, the Severn enters the Ironbridge Gorge, the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. It meets Bridgnorth, known for its association with the Severn Valley Railway, the Georgian town of Bewdley, historic Worcester, and picturesque Tewkesbury, where it is joined by the River Avon, before flowing through the Vale of Gloucester. The Severn meets the River Wye at Chepstow and finally ends its 220-mile journey at Avonmouth. Illustrated with stunning photography, River Severn: From Source to Sea conveys the topographical and historical importance of the river. Passing through pastoral scenes, Roman cities and medieval fortresses and driving modern industry, the Severn acts as a metaphor for the changing nature of Britain through the ages.

The River Cherwell carves its way through a broad, deep valley that runs north to south, starting a few miles above the market town of Banbury and continuing down as far as the university city of Oxford, bending and twisting, meeting up sometimes with the Oxford Canal and parting company again as they reach the city outskirts. It is joined by Sor Brook and the River Swere from the west near Adderbury, and the River Ray from the east at Islip. After flowing through college meadows it then becomes a major tributary of the River Thames, having travelled some 40 miles in total. The Cherwell Valley has witnessed plenty of activity since folk first started to settle along its length. During this time, it has managed to retain its traditional habitats of floodplain, pastures and meadows, ancient hedgerows, pollarded trees and broadleaved woodland. River Cherwell is essential reading for anyone who knows this river well, and also for those who are visiting the river for the first time.

Below the northern face of Cleeve Hill, a spring brings water to the surface. Here, the River Isbourne begins its journey. Within a matter of feet, the water is put to its first use by mankind. This book is a record of how, over the last thousand years, a small country river has been put to use by the local communities. The most common use of the river has been for watermills, with twenty-two sites identified, but many other diverse uses have also been found for the water of the River Isbourne, from swimming pools to tanning, and from ducking stools to 300-foot-high fountains. Little has been written about the mills of northern Gloucestershire and southern Worcestershire. Mike Lovatt provides details of the mills and the other uses on one river in the area so that this information at least is preserved for future generations. Within the pages of this fascinating, well-illustrated book, the reader is transported down the River Isbourne, from where it rises high on the Cotswold slopes and flows through the towns and villages of north Gloucestershire and south Worcestershire to where it somewhat insignificantly slides into the Avon at Evesham.

THE RIVER DOVE in Derbyshire has been attracting visitors for centuries. Today, protected as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', Dovedale is still one of the most visited tourist sites in Britain. But just twelve miles upstream, where the Dove rises on Axe Edge Moor near Buxton, the scene couldn't be more different. Jayne Darbyshire takes the reader on a journey along the entire length of the Dove, as she winds from desolate gritstone moors through spectacularly carved limestone dales, past the bustling market town of Ashbourne to her eventual confluence with the Trent. This beautifully illustrated and informative book allows the reader to submerge themselves in the vast wealth of history, folklore and outstanding beauty that lies along the Dove.

The Taff is one of the iconic rivers of Wales. It flows south from the highest peaks of the remote Brecon Beacons, following an interesting and varied route to Cardiff Bay. This stunning photographic journey gives an insight into the river's many facets, contrasting rural backwaters with urban landscapes, industrial heritage with unspoilt nature, inland with maritime. This book explores the river's history and hidden secrets and documents how people both past and present have interacted with it, from Isambard Kingdom Brunel to fly fishers and adrenalin seekers. We travel along the river via the 89-kilometre Taff Trail, passing reservoirs, dramatic waterfalls, stunning mountain backdrops and numerous historic bridges. Wonder at the heritage of the former South Wales mining area and watch as the river enters the tree-cloaked Taff Gorge via a legend-rich thermal spring. The book illustrates beautifully how the river meanders through woods and meadows before approaching the bright lights of Cardiff, terminating at the visually stunning Cardiff Bay. Many of the region's famous landmarks are located alongside the river, and are thus explored in this book. They include Castell Coch, Garth Hill, Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium.

The Clyde is a river of global importance – it was once the world's pre-eminent ship-building centre and a major trade hub for the British Empire. This book will explore the history, culture and geography of the river, from its source, in the remote southern uplands, to the city of Glasgow via Scotland's industrial heartland, and on to where it meets the sea in the beautiful Firth of Clyde. The Clyde rises in a relatively unknown, but ruggedly beautiful, part of the southern uplands. It meanders through moor and picturesque farmland that belies a very active mining past. Our journey takes us past the Falls of Clyde – a spectacular beauty spot and now a UNESCO World Heritage site – and past the mausoleum of Hamilton Palace, one of the grandest country houses ever built in Britain. Then the river reaches Glasgow itself. Beautiful river bridges, stations and riverfront buildings tell the story of the 'Second City of the Empire'. Over 25,000 ships have been built on the Clyde, including famous oceangoing liners such as the Queen Mary. Today the shipyards specialise in the construction of technologically advanced warships. The Clyde's trade in tobacco and sugar generated wealth that built the elegant streets of Glasgow. The river also runs right past two of the Commonwealth Games venues. The beautiful Firth of Clyde is home to many points of interest including islands, Second World War torpedo ranges, nuclear submarine bases and beautiful mountains.

The River Mimram rises from a spring to the north-west of Whitwell in North Hertfordshire and makes its confluence with the River Lea near Horn's Hill. The river is the subject of a Stevie Smith poem, 'The River God'. It is thought that the name is derived from a Celtic river god, although there has been little etymological research into the name. There is little doubt, however, that the river has been used through the centuries for a number of different purposes, including cress beds which have existed since Roman times. The river flows through two major Hertfordshire towns, including Hertford and Welwyn Garden City, and both have been greatly influenced by the river. Other themes touched upon include history, folklore and flora and fauna. Illustrated throughout, this is a must have for anybody who knows and loves this enchanting river.

The story of the River Tees is one that combines tales of Roman forts, mythical beings and manufacturing heartlands. Fascinating boom towns, brilliant bridges, areas of outstanding natural beauty and striking industrial heritage have characterised the Tees over the centuries. The river has also played an important part in shaping the identities of the areas that exist alongside it, playing a central role in everyday life. Authors Tosh Warwick and Jenny Parker take us on a journey along the Tees, unveiling the natural beauty, manufacturing history and fascinating stories of the 'steel river'.

'Water is Life and Heaven's Gift. Here Rivers Goyt and Tame Become Mersey. Flowing Clear From Stockport to the Sea' The Mersey springs to life in the centre of Stockport, fed by the Tame and Goyt rivers, which tumble down from the heart of the Peak District and the wild moors of the Pennines. Its 70-mile journey to the sea takes it through industrial and commercial landscapes, leafy residential suburbs, ancient water meadows, protected wetlands and the wide expanse of its tidal estuary. It enters the Irish Sea at Liverpool Bay, having emerged between the Port of Liverpool and the former seaside resort of New Brighton on the Wirral. This unique record, illustrated with new and original photographs, maps and old pictures, charts the journey of one of the world's most iconic rivers. It will appeal to all who live and work within its catchment, as well as visitors from the UK and abroad.