Welcome to Tindle Reads, a place where we recommend a book for you to read. This week, we’re looking at Sarn Helen by Radnorshire author, Tom Bullough.

Sarn Helen is described as travel writing with a climate focus. A non-fiction book which documents Tom’s walk along the old Roman road, Sarn Helen, Helen's Causeway, the old Roman Road that runs from the south of Wales to the north. Tom travels alone, sometimes with others, and the book is a running commentary on Wales and its landscape, evocative in its descriptions.

Most climate focussed books might bring home the troubles that we are to face if action is not taken, and while Sarn Helen doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of decimated Welsh landscapes, the book offers optimism. Without being preachy, Sarn Helen expertly weaves in the natural landscape, noting the birds that sing, while also reminding the reader that habits that once were and now few and far between.

Tom Bullough grew up on a hill farm in Radnorshire and now lives in Breconshire, and these locations get honourable mentions in Sarn Helen. Weaving folklore with scientific discussions with leading experts, this book is an eye opener for those who want to see Wales through someone else’s viewpoint. Tom’s words are a joy to follow, with crucial environmental observations on almost every page. The book never feels heavy handed or overtly political. Tom writes of his experience with Extinction Rebellion, a UK-founded global environmental movement, which often blasted in the media. It might change your mind on who Extinction Rebellion really are, and challenge you to think somewhat differently about what media companies feed you.

When reading Sarn Helen, you feel Welshness throughout. The Welsh language is talked about, especially when Tom visits areas where Welsh is the first language, and English secondary. It reminds you of the mysticism of Wales without getting too spiritual. But ultimately, it reminds you that Wales is changing, and not always for the better from an ecology standpoint.

Readers of Sarn Helen can take many things away from it. Perhaps it is the history of Wales, and how we are surrounded by it without realising. Perhaps it can be used as a guide for a visit to parts of the old route. Or maybe it can be read by someone who wants to know what they might be able to do for the planet, who might not be informed, who might want to know more.

In the meantime, read our interview with Tom when he won Literature Wales’s Wales Book of the Year award in 2024.

You can purchase Sarn Helen here: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/jack-recommends?