Lighthouses have been used as aids to maritime navigation for centuries. They are highly recognisable and beloved features of our coastline and waterways, treasured by communities and captivating visitors. But how many are there and is it really possible to visit them all?

The British Lighthouse Trail is the only book of its kind to provide a comprehensive listing of all lighthouses in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Channel Islands accompanied by practical advice on how to reach them. The author, an avid pharologist, set off on a quest in 2012 to visit all lighthouses around the British coastline only to find that there were many more lighthouses to be discovered. This comprehensive book is the result of further extensive research and significant travel.

Over 600 lighthouses are featured – from the perilous beauty of Shetland’s Muckle Flugga Lighthouse to the elegant serenity of Jersey’s Corbière Lighthouse. Complete with helpful maps highlighting the location of every lighthouse in each region and colour photography of a broad selection of our nation’s most weird and wonderful aids to navigation throughout, this book is an indispensable guide to visiting and seeing some of our nation’s most majestic, historical and isolated buildings.

Each listing features a description of the structure, its light characteristic as well as any notable designers. Access information offers the best ways to reach or see each lighthouse, and whether it is possible to explore inside the tower. Nearby or related places of interest, such as other notable aids to navigation and relocated lighthouse optics, are also included.

 Experience the secluded joy of visiting tidal islands, watch waves lapping against some of the most remote rock structures, and feel the magic of walking in the footsteps of the lighthouse keepers inside the towers. This book will guide you on countless journeys never to be forgotten.

This is the perfect companion for lighthouse enthusiasts, lovers of the great British outdoors and anyone interested in maritime history.

‘…is a very useful and comprehensive guide for planning visits to lighthouses in the UK. Looking through the book I was amazed at how many lighthouses I had missed in previous visits to regions in the UK. I shall certainly be buying the book for my next trip!’ LAMP

‘…will in future be accompanying us on all our travels …the book comes as a sturdy paperback that feels like it will survive hard handling and exposure to the elements and the end result really is a great book about lighthouses’.  Undiscovered Scotland

‘…Truly, a monumental work in its own right. …A real treat for the serious lighthouse “bagger”…this important addition to the world of pharology!’ Bellrock.org 

‘…a thoroughly-researched reference book, detailing virtually everything you’d ever want to know about a particular lighthouse.  The attention to detail is among its main selling points.  From each lighthouse’s general appearance and accessibility to best vantage points for viewing and interesting facts about their unique light patterns, this book is a must for lighthouse aficionados…this is a delightful book for avid lighthouse enthusiasts and anyone who wants to discover a little bit more about these important structures watching over our oceans and seas’.  Travellowdown.com

'…it’s only now that a comprehensive guide to British lights is available to folk wishing to explore the stunning variety of guiding lights located on the rugged shores of Scotland, England, Wales, The Isle of Man, and Northern Ireland…represents a mammoth task, and it is a credit to Kerr’s adventurous spirit and tenacity…an invaluable guide to those wishing to locate and explore the plethora of guiding lights of all shapes and sizes around the British Isles'.  Nova Scotia Lighthouse Preservation Society

'...Walkers keen on maritime history may be interested in The British Lighthouse Trail, a guide to all the lighthouses in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and The Channel Islands'. Strider Magazine

'...is detailed and informative with photos of each light....It is an incredible piece of research which has been thoroughly studied and laid out to make it accessible for the reader...would make a great coffee table addition for any Shetland home'. Shetland Life

'...this very handy guide for existing and aspiring pharologists provides vital visiting details for no fewer than 612 lighthouses...conveys the incredible variety of lighthouses in British waters...and the frequently beautiful locations in which they are sited...delivers an infectious appreciation of these often stunning structures'. Nautilus International

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