Geological Journeys: a traveller’s guide to South Africa’s rocks and landforms is an essential companion for car journeys. How often have we wondered about the jaunty tilt of a mountain ahead, the unusual patterns of a road cutting, the colour and texture of the roadside soil, or the purpose of a distant Minehead.

Geology off the beaten track follows on the success of author Nick Norman’s earlier Geological Journeys (co-authored with Gavin Whitfield), which has sold more than 20 000 copies in the last 6 years. This new book helps readers understand and interpret the geology along SA’s regional and other less-travelled roads. It features 13 detailed routes across the country, taking in geologically interesting areas such as the Richtersveld, Cape winelands and the Valley of Desolation near Graaff-Reinet. The text is richly illustrated with photos and explanatory diagrams, making it suitable for armchair travellers too. Maps for all the routes indicate key geosites, with GPS readings to pinpoint their location.