Hindu Kush writer Newby dies aged 86

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Eric Newby, the writer who inspired generations of adventurous travellers with his book A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush, died on Friday, aged 86.

Newby was the Observer's travel editor for 10 years from 1964. His famous account of a journey through the Hindu Kush mountain range in north-east Afghanistan came out in 1958, and inspired many western travellers to add Afghanistan to the hippy trail across Asia.

Its self-deprecating title belied an arduous journey which culminated in a climb of the mountain Mir Samir. He prepared for the expedition with a weekend's climbing in the Welsh hills.

Guardian