Andy Grigg

Currently living and working in Devon, Andy Grigg first visited Spain over thirty three years ago. His first visit marked the beginning of a lifelong romance. Passions apart from Spain and all things Spanish, include; walking, reading, music and his family. He has been married to Tania for nearly twenty five years, and they have two sons - William and Tom.

That Was Then, But This Is Now - Travels In Spain

Just over thirty years ago as the miners went on strike and The Smiths released their first album, Andy left a trouble torn Thatcherite Britain and boarded a flight for Malaga. Clutching a Spanish phrase book he dreamed of adventure.

Thirty years on and Andy returns to the Spain of his youth, accompanied by his wife, Tania, and his two sons, Will and Tom. He still carries a phrase book but he doesn't want a life changing experience, he wants a holiday.

Travel in time and space; visit Spain in two different time periods and in very different circumstances. Travel to Malaga, Granada, Seville, Córdoba and various other Andalusian towns and cities and then head north to the Basque Country

Learn about the legacy of Civil War; the departed, the defeated, the determined and the dispossessed - Franco, Negrin, Lorca, Guernica; Los Ninos de la Guerra; Nationalism, Republicanism; victory and defeat. Discover a modernising optimistic post Franco Spain, which forgives and forgets but still bleeds.

Walk in the shadow of Lorca, Durruti and La Pasionaria, as the author tries to discover the answers to some eternal questions - Is there such a thing as a life changing experience? Does the past shape the future or does the future shape the past?

Nowhere Fast Review

This book is not a walking guide. Andy Grigg has written a 'diary style' account of his family's ascents of all 214 Wainwrights with his wife Tania and his two young sons William and Tom. Andy describes their adventures as they all tackle the high and daunting peaks found in the breathtakingly beautiful English Lake District. Sharing the highs and lows, laughter and tears, the challenge proves that anything is possible and that what binds a family together is shared experience. This account is a lovely snapshot into a six-year family challenge to complete these 214 peaks and to remain the close family unit that they were at the outset! We join them as they battle against all the capricious elements which our region cares to throw at them which are often severe, frightening and dangerous. The photographs are taken by Tania and show how committed they all were to completing the task; the two boys in particular didn't seem to lose interest as so many little ones do if they are 'outfaced' by long and difficult walks. Their success is largely due, I'm sure, to their parenting skills and endless patience! Having walked most of these peaks (not always by the same routes) I enjoyed retracing my steps in the company of this unique family. There are no maps provided, each walk needs an accurate memory or an appropriate Wainwright Pictorial Guide and/or an O.S. map to accompany the reader allowing him/her to follow the route taken. The very personal details and story-telling element of this book provide an unusual and entertaining aspect not generally part of the 'run of the mill' fell walking publications. A Foreword by Alan Hinkes QBE praises the courage and inspiration of Andy Grigg and his family and finishes by saying "This is a fabulous family achievement, with memories that will last a lifetime." This is a book which will give 'food for thought' to those with young children who are wondering what they can ask their children to experience in their holiday in the Lakes! But, take care these mountains have minds of their own!