Paul Curtis – författare

Explore the Isle of Wight with day walks through dramatic cliffs, rolling downland, marshes, woods, and historic villages, suitable for walkers of all abilities. Plus, discover the full 125km (78-mile) Coastal Path that circles the island, showcasing over 80% of the National Landscape and its iconic landmarks in a rewarding multi-day challenge. This guidebook presents all the options you need for walking on the Isle of Wight. 21 graded day walks, each taking between 2 and 8 hours to complete, allow walkers of all abilities to experience the best that the coast and countryside on the island has to offer, from cliff tops and beaches to ancient woodlands and quiet downland. Complementing these is the fully described Isle of Wight Coastal Path, a long-distance route that circumnavigates the island anti-clockwise in eight stages, with options to complete it in five to eight days. Each walk and Coastal Path stage is supported by clear, step-by-step route descriptions and 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps, helping you navigate confidently whether on a day walk or planning a multi-day adventureDay walks start from easy access points, including Newport, Cowes and Shanklin, and the guidebook includes practical information on refreshment stops and public transport options to explore without relying on a carDiscover local highlights such as The Needles, Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle and ancient woodlands, as well as quieter harbours, downland views and seasonal wildlifeAccommodation listings in coastal towns and villages, plus notes on island buses linking Coastal Path stages, are provided so you can use one central base or continue around the island in one loop Downloadable GPX files are provided for all routes on the Isle of Wight as a digital navigation option on both smartphones and GPS devices Immerse yourself in the island’s coastal beauty, historic villages, and varied countryside. Whether you choose day walks, the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, or a combination of both, this practical, trusted guidebook gives you everything you need to navigate and plan your walking adventures with confidence.

This amusing insight into Cunard’s legendary liners begins more than fifty years ago when Paul Curtis joined the original Queen Mary as entertainments officer. Over a Cunard high tea in the Queens Room, Paul recounts the stories of these iconic ships. Then, over a drink in the Red Lion, he shares the tales of the antics of both passengers and crews. The facts are delivered in vivid detail – some of them things you should know and an occasional peep at things you shouldn’t. Simply turning these pages releases a sniff of the sea and a whiff of champagne. Paul has worked, travelled upon or photographed every Cunard Queen ever built. He has an offbeat sense of humour and a keen appetite for the ridiculous. A life at sea can do that to you.

Discover 15 of the best short walks on the Isle of Wight, all carefully chosen to showcase the island’s coast, countryside and much-loved landmarks in under three hours. From resort promenades and quiet estuaries to castle ruins and clifftop views, this collection offers a relaxed way to experience the island on foot with confidence, without tough climbs or challenging terrain – perfect for families, casual walkers and anyone holidaying on the Isle of Wight. This guidebook focuses on easy to moderate routes that are generally short and straightforward, with only gentle ascents and no technical ground, making them suitable for children, older walkers and mixed-ability groupsEach of the 15 short walks includes clear, easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps tied to numbered route descriptions, helping you stay on track from start to finishRoutes span from charming villages and seaside towns like Godshill and St Helens to discovering famous attractions like The Needles, Carisbrooke Castle, Quarr Abbey and the Tennyson TrailAll details of your day out are covered, including where to park, and refreshment opportunities along the route and in key locations such as Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and RydeThe walks are viable all year round, with off-season visits offering less-crowded trails, though you should be prepared for some mud after wet weather Part of Cicerone’s Short Walks series, this Isle of Wight guidebook brings together everything you need for simple, enjoyable days out with family: short, generally easy routes, straightforward navigation, and plenty of ideas for what to see along the way. Whether you’re visiting on a day-trip from Lymington or a longer holiday, it’s an ideal companion for discovering the island’s famous views, historic sites and classic seaside charm on foot.

Passenger ships have always played a key role in shaping our lives and destinies. From the biggest to the smallest, the most beautiful to the most basic, in peacetime and war, they have carried emigrants, holidaymakers, troops and other travellers on countless life-changing journeys – and many of those passengers have a tale or two to tell about their time on board.Tales from Great Passenger Ships is a collection of intimate and often humorous portraits of the most famous and notorious ships to ever sail our seas. From the escapades of passengers and crew to terrible disasters, infamous controversies and thrilling rescues, author and former Queen Mary entertainment officer Paul Curtis takes a nostalgic voyage through the history of seagoing.