Walking, thinking, writing, rhyming (sometimes)

Poets have a hard time making money. They can give readings, talks, teach, translate or write other stuff. Simon Armitage tried his hand at being a troubadour: a strolling player earning his passage from the generosity of his audience. It was an interesting experiment in striding through the ages as well as the Pennines. With Walking Away, his sequel to Walking Home, he chose the South West Coast Path. I'm not sure the financial jeopardy is sustained as he meets a lot of people who are prepared to tolerate and feed him. Unfortunately I don't think the landscape inspired him as much as it might during the tougher legs but I do know one thing. A poet writes prose beautifully and I can also recommend Armitage as a personable companion who has an eye for acerbic and amusing analysis of the people he meets. All travelogues should be written by poets.