Walking backwards: psychogeographical approaches to heritage

Since its Situationist origins in Paris, psychogeography has been considered a primarily urban pursuit. But psychogeographical approaches can easily be extended to walking in rural and semi-rural areas, where constraints and controls on pedestrian access abound. In this paper I will discuss how psychogeographical practices can be adapted to enhance and alter our experience of rural place, and in particular, sites of historical interest. I will explore how the Situationist-inspired movements Experimental Tourism (Joel Henry), Mythogeography and Counter-Tourism (Phil Smith) react against the packaging of heritage sites and the sanitising effects of the heritage industry. As a ‘lay’ enthusiast, outside the archaeological community, I am keen to explore what creative interpretation can bring to the experience of heritage sites. How readily can visitors apply the advice of alternative site guides, such as Wrights & Sites A Mis-Guide to anywhere (Hodge et al. 2006) and Counter-Tourism: a handbook (Smith 2012)? How can one look beyond prescribed readings of heritage sites without rejecting expert knowledge? In light of these issues, I will discuss how I am currently developing my own ‘attentive walking’ practise-based research into heritage projects in Kent, including work with English Heritage sites and volunteers