Val Wood's 'The Kitchen Maid' Walking Trail

To coincide with the re-release of The Kitchen Maid, book fans are invited to take a walk around Beverley, to visit the locations that inspired Val Wood's novel. An event to launch the trail will take part at the Traveller’s Rest on 16 June.

The Kitchen Maid Trail, is the second trail organised by the best-selling novelist, whose books feature strong female characters, living through difficult times in the 19th Century. It follows on from the popularity of the Harbour Girl Trail in 2012, fans old and new visited locations in Scarborough and Hull, following the life and times of its lead character.

This year, the circular route starts at Beverley Racecourse and walkers can choose between a 10 or 15 kilometre walk though open pasture, into the town centre and a jaunt along a waterway before heading back to the 700 hundred year old Minster and across the Westwood Pasture back to the parking point.

The latest trail focuses on Beverley where Val has lived for a number of years. She says:

“Over the years, a number of readers had asked for a map of the areas I write about. Locations are key in my books, so I am delighted to be able to give readers something extra.”

“Each year my publisher, Transworld re-issues novels from my back-list, The Kitchen Maid will re-release on 2 June and the Trail will coincide with this."

'I am very pleased to be inviting readers to Beverley to enjoy some of Yorkshire's beautiful surroundings.'

"The trail website includes excerpts and photos to help visitors recognise the area. It describes the people and places which feature throughout."

Val writes and releases a book a year, compiling historical research on real places and events, experienced by her fictional characters.

"I hope walkers enjoy the Kitchen Maid Trail and would like them to send stories, feedback and photographs of their trail experience. I hope to see people at the Traveller’s Rest on 16 June. This cafe features on the route of the trail, I hope people will call in for refreshments on their way.”

The event will take place at the Traveller's Rest on Flemingate in Beverley at 6:30pm. Val will talk about the trail and take part in a Q&A and book signing on request.

The trail can be found at www.valwoodtrails.co.uk.