A HUDDERSFIELD man has combined the two main loves in his life - by putting things down on paper.
Peter Williamson's fascination with castles and his love of walking in the Yorkshire countryside has prompted him to write a book, Castle Walks In Yorkshire.
Mr Williamson, 49, originally from Marsh, is a keen historian, with a particular love for ancient monuments.
He said: "As an enthusiast of castles the idea of a walking book that visited as many as possible soon sprang to mind.
"I approached the publishing firm Carnegie and offered them a sample chapter. I was soon given the go-ahead."
Although he no longer lives in Huddersfield, Mr Williamson spent the early years of his life growing up in Mount and Marsh, while he studied at Huddersfield New College.
This is not his first taste of success when it comes to writing books.
In 2000, Kirklees Council approached him to write a guidebook, Walk the Kirklees Way.
This was soon followed by Short Walks in Denby Dale.
Mr Williamson added: "From a very early age I found myself particularly drawn to history in the local context.
"I decided I wanted to combine my love of walking with the history of Yorkshire. Writing books just seemed like the perfect way to do this."
Mr Williamson is also a keen photographer and, aside from the cover shot, has taken all of the pictures in his latest book.
He said: "Writing the book was a big challenge for me.
"There was just so much to think about and so much of the beautiful countryside of Yorkshire to take in.
"The book will take walkers through some of the region's most magnificent scenery, making it of interest to walkers of all ages and not just necessarily the castle fanatics like myself."
As well as his passion for being an author and historian, Mr Williamson is also a technical copywriter and proof reader, working for different companies and PR agencies across the country.
He currently lives in Riccall, near York, with his partner Debbie.
