LONDON, Oct 23: British travel writer Eric Newby, who wrote ‘A Short Walk In The Hindu Kush’, has died at the age of 86, his family said on Monday.

His most famous work, published in 1958, tells the story of his travels from London to Afghanistan and is peppered with humorous descriptions of people he met along the way.

Awarded the prestigious Military Cross for his army service during World War II, Newby worked in women’s fashion before becoming a writer and travel editor of British weekly newspaper The Observer.

His other famous works include “The Last Grain Race” and “Round Iceland In Low Gear”.

Newby’s daughter Sonia Ashmore told Britain’s Press Association news agency that he died on Friday, “peacefully” and “of natural causes” after a year of illness.

A statement from his family added: “He loved the simplicity of walking and cycling and was attached to his cameras, manual typewriters and a series of lawnmowers. He was great fun to be with.”—AFP