Colin Saunders is the sole proprietor of the Footline Press, which publishes books about walking and his other interests. He is an active member of the Long Distance Walkers Association, the Ramblers and the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild, also a retired Fellow of the Institute of Travel and Tourism.
After completing his education at East Barnet Grammar School, Colin worked in the travel industry: Thomas Cook, Ellis Travel, Trusthouse Forte, Milbanke Travel and eventually Waymark Holidays, a tour operator specialising in holidays for walkers and cross-country skiers. All these companies have since disappeared – is it something he did?
He then set up his own business, at first operating walking holidays along Britain’s national trails, then as a consultant and later as a designer and organiser of large-scale charity walks, including the famous Cadbury’s (later Save the Children) Strollerthon.
Colin now concentrates on writing, especially guides to popular trails including the Capital Ring, London Loop, North Downs Way, Pymmes Brook Trail and Vanguard Way, and to walking in the High Tatras mountain range, which straddles the border between Poland and Slovakia.
He has written the histories of Waymark Holidays, the Strollerthon and the ramblers’ excursions from London, with all of which he was closely connected, and which played a significant part in the promotion of walking as healthy exercise and as a social activity.
In May 2022, Colin was elected honorary Chair of the newly inaugurated Vanguard Way Association. He has been deeply involved with the 66-mile Vanguard Way from Croydon to Newhaven since it was launched by the Vanguards Rambling Club in 1981. The Association has been formed to take over its management and promotion from the Club.
Colin’s other interests include classical music, playing the piano (strictly for his own amusement!), cryptic crosswords, gardening and Barnet Football Club.
