The spirit paths of Wales

Laurence Main's knowledge of Welsh lore and legend is the basis for these 20 walks, following spirit paths (or ley lines).

Standing stones and holy sites abound; Welsh literature and history spring from every page.

Spirit paths, leys or ley lines are new concepts to many people who have come to enjoy walking in the countryside.

They form part of the ancestral memory of being the children of Mother Earth which makes so many town-dwellers yearn for the simple freedom of rambling along ancient paths.

This vital contact with the living landscape is a spiritual exercise.

What is meant by a ley, or spirit path, is very much open to individual interpretation.

Significantly, it is a straight path or track that is identified in one's subconscious and is consequently traced by a process of dowsing and connecting sight lines.

The paths often synchronise with standing stones, holy wells and other sacred sites, suggesting a divine or mystical significance. "This book has a selection of spirit paths (by my reckoning) for you to sample.

It is far from being comprehensive. I've just dipped into a vast ocean. I hope I haven't imposed my dowsed lines on the land.

I have tried to listen to it. If I may venture a belief, it is that this is a living land and our acknowledgement of its spirit paths may lead us to love it." - Laurence Main.