Books round-up: Chillingham, geology and hidey holes on our coastline

Here is a round-up of three books featuring Northumberland which have been published recently.
A Chillingham cow and calf.A Chillingham cow and calf.
A Chillingham cow and calf.

Chillingham: Its Cattle, Castle and Church, edited by Paul G Bahn and Vera B Mutimer, is the first comprehensive book about Chillingham with its unique wild cattle, historic castle, church and family associated with them since the 12th century.

Its location not only contributed to some of the best archaeology in the county, but also a herd of wild white cattle unique in the history of the natural world, immortalised in songs, books and art by the likes of Sir Walter Scott.

Hidey Holes, by Robin Whitcomb.Hidey Holes, by Robin Whitcomb.
Hidey Holes, by Robin Whitcomb.
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Including a foreword supplied by Prince Charles, the lavishly-illustrated hardback book, featuring many rare and unpublished photographs, is published by Fonthill Media priced at £19.99.

Visit www.fonthillmedia.com• A book which allows people to explore our coastline through a series of geological walks has proved so popular that it has been reprinted.

Northumberland Coast Rocks! is aimed at seashore walkers, including families, who are looking for more insight into how our beautiful landscape has been formed.

The walks were researched and photographed by the Alnwick U3A Geology Group with the help of geologist Dr Ian Kille.

Hidey Holes, by Robin Whitcomb.Hidey Holes, by Robin Whitcomb.
Hidey Holes, by Robin Whitcomb.
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Author Helen Page, a former leader of the group, has produced a wonderfully comprehensive guide to the geology of this stretch of coastline.

Published by the Howick Heritage Group, priced £7.50, it is available from at tourist information centres and local shops.

• Robin Whitcomb has travelled across Northumberland to find and photograph its most beautiful locations for his latest book.

Hidey Holes charts his journey via motorhome, with his excitable chocolate Labrador Coco, through Northumberland, as well as Cornwall, Devon and Pembrokeshire in search of Britain’s unknown natural wonders.

Hidey Holes, by Robin Whitcomb.Hidey Holes, by Robin Whitcomb.
Hidey Holes, by Robin Whitcomb.
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Robin’s light-hearted account of his mishaps and discoveries is accompanied by landscapes by local painters and his own photography.

“Northumberland was somewhere I thought I knew well, but the coastline is teeming with the most stunning nooks and crannies,” he said.

The book, priced £14.99, is published by Matador. Visit www.troubador.co.uk