Known primarily as a poet, having been shortlisted for Wales Book Of The Year and winning the Terry Hetherington Award, Natalie Ann Holborow brings the same lyrical economy and attentiveness to this collection of 14 running routes in south Wales. Wild Running is an engaged and engaging debut in non-fiction.
Helpfully, the book is structured as a practical guide, with clear information on distances, route difficulties and accessibility, yet its greatest strength lies in how it layers spatial contexts over running narratives. In Holborow’s hands, these routes become more than physical journeys: they are deep dives into place, history and the self.
Holborow’s poetic sensibilities are evident, but the writing remains rooted in her embodied experience, resisting overly indulgent prose. Though moments of lush description are abundant, the tone is consistently personal and pragmatic, addressing the reader directly and without presumption. The effect is an honest voice that feels both companionable and instructive, guiding without imposing. Drawing the reader into the experience rather than dictating it.
Holborow’s broader experience as a writer and performer, including international residencies and appearances on Radio 4 and at Hay Festival, underscores her ability to connect across audiences. That same clarity and openness shapes Wild Running: more than a manual for trails, it’s a companion for anyone seeking movement, reflection and reconnection.