AN AMATEUR archaeologist and author from Abbotts Ann has released her second book which delves into another area of local history.

Annabel Stowe, 69, published her first book in 2018, which told the tale of a Roman road, and said its success led her to putting together a sequel.

The book, entitled A-Harrowing We Shall Go: Exploring the Harrow Way, Britain’s ‘Oldest Road’, explores the Harrow Way, a prehistoric routeway across Southern England with probable origins in the Bronze Age, around 4000 years ago.

It is split into eight circular walks, each highlighting a different period in its long history, leading ramblers through the historic and archaeological landscape of North-West Hampshire, to discover the shadowy figures who have travelled this old road down through the millennia.

Annabel says is aimed both at walkers and “armchair walkers”, as well as hoping to encourage people out into their local area and to visit museums in the region.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Annabel said: “Roman Roving came out in 2018, and that that was similar, but a different period and a linear walk.

“I so enjoyed that and it sold really well and I thought, I feel like doing another one! During lockdown, it was a pretty ideal project to have because it involved walking, and it was local. And when we couldn’t get out and about I could sit in and research and write.”

Annabel set out to focus on a prehistoric period, but “it turned into a walk through the ages”.

Having been brought up near the Lake District, Annabel is a “keen walker” and an amateur archaeologist.

She continued: “It’s encouraging people to get out and walk and explore the historic landscape as well. People have no idea that some of these things are on their doorstep.

“I wanted, in this one, to bring in the idea of who would have been using the Harrow Way during the different periods of history. There is one walk for each historical period.”

When asked for her personal highlight, Annabel adde: “The reason I have chosen North West Hampshire is because it’s local, but also it’s some of the nicest off-road walking.

“Along the north of Overton and Whitchurch there is a lovely stretch of green plain. I also rather like Colley Hill because it’s near the Stonehenge landscape, and you can imagine old travellers seeing that hill as a beacon.”

The book is available now from a variety of local retailers including Andover Museum, Broughton Crafts in Stockbridge, Waterstones Andover, and the Willis Museum in Basingstoke. There will also be an official launch on Saturday, December 4 at Abbotts Ann Village Shop.