This book is a celebration of mountain huts, showcasing the the sheer variety and sometimes quirky nature of these buildings that allow walkers, trekkers and climbers to access remote corners of the mountains. Packed with entertaining stories that bring the places and people to life, it contains descriptions of the author's favourite huts in the Alps, along with suggestions for hut-to-hut tours of 3-13 days duration, including the Tour of Mont Blanc. It also traces the history of huts and how they have evolved from the most primitive of shelters to the often purpose-built, eco-friendly buildings of today. For the uninitiated, it unravels some of the mystery of huts and explains how to use them and what facilities to expect. Above all, it illustrates the way in which mountain huts can be truly sociable places, where like-minded people can spend a night or two in the most magical of locations and share a love of wild places.
The GR11 trail (La Senda Pirenaica) is a glorious 820km traverse of the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean on the Spanish side of the border with France.
The guidebook presents the route in 47 stages of 8-31km and provides everything hikers will need to take up the challenge – detailed route description, excellent photographs, lots of background information and unique custom-produced maps. Also included are bad weather options – although the weather is often good along this route – detours to find accommodation at some points, and advice on where to stay, supplies, language and logistics, as well as a glossary including Aragon, Basque and Catalan words, to help you find your way.
Although it's a serious challenge for experienced walkers the route is less demanding than the higher-level Pyrenean Haute Route, sunnier and wilder than the GR10 which runs along the French side, and well waymarked throughout with regular opportunities to find accommodation and stock up your supplies.
Guidebook to the Way of the Roses, a 170-mile coast-to-coast cycle route across Lancashire and Yorkshire. The three-day journey (alternative two, four and five day itineraries are also outlined) begins in Morecambe and finishes in Bridlington, linking scenic country lanes, minor roads and traffic-free cycle paths. Six excellent day rides, located in the vicinity of the main route, are also described.
Clear and concise route description is accompanied by 1:100K mapping and gradient profiles, guaranteeing problem-free navigating. Also included is handy advice on practicalities such as preparation, equipment, accommodation and travel logistics to and from the start and finish of the route.
A challenge within the reach of cyclists of all abilities and a satisfying traverse across country, the Way of the Roses takes in idyllic villages such as Burnsall, Pocklington and Settle, castles and cathedrals including York, Ripon abbey and prehistoric sites, along with stunning natural features such as the Three Peaks, Brimham Rocks and Flamborough Head.
Raad ny Foillan (The Way of the Gull) is a 98 mile footpath around the Isle of Man. The route description is set out as a circuit and split into stages, with the longest walk being 15.5 miles and the shortest being 7 miles. Any fast walkers may wish to complete two stages per day, while those progressing at a more leisurely pace may decide to amble along and take in the splendid attractions along the way.
Two further walks described in this guidebook, the 23 mile Millennium Way, which follows the ancient route of the kings, from Ramsey to Castletown, and the 14 mile Herring Way, which takes a more traditional route from Peel to Castletown. Both these routes cross the hills of the island's interior and can be combined to make an interesting longer walk.
This guidebook describes two cycle routes between London and Paris: the 490km 'classic route' and the 387km Avenue Verte. Passing through rolling chalk downland and characterful market towns, the trails link these two great cities with their grand buildings, famous museums and iconic monuments. Ideal both for cycle-touring holidays and charity challenges, both routes are well within the capabilities of cyclists of moderate fitness and will generally take between five days and a week – meaning that a round trip, including a few days sightseeing in Paris, can easily be accomplished in a fortnight.
The routes are described in both directions, with the primary route description running from London to Paris. The classic route is presented in eleven stages; the Avenue Verte in nine, with clear step-by-step directions accompanied by mapping, elevation profiles and notes on local points of interest. A comprehensive introduction covers all the practicalities, such as Channel crossings, accommodation and what to take, and also offers a fascinating historical overview of southern England and northern France. A summary of facilities, useful contacts and an English-French glossary can be found in the appendices.
The classic route crosses the Channel between Dover and Calais and makes use of quiet country roads, rural tracks and dedicated cycle paths, with a number of off-road sections. Developed to celebrate the 2012 London Olympics, the Avenue Verte is fully waymarked and makes maximum use of Sustrans off-road cycle tracks in England and voies vertes (rural cycle routes) in France: it uses the slightly longer Newhaven-Dieppe crossing. Cycling from London to Paris draws on the best of both worlds: England and France; the bright lights and vibrant attractions of the city and the delightful scenery of Kent, Sussex, Hauts-de-France and Normandy. The journey offers a wonderful cycling experience, as well as a unique insight into the cultures of both nations.
This guidebook presents four specially devised treks in the mountains of Greece, showcasing its beautiful scenery, rich flora and cultural interest. The Peloponnese Way crosses the Peloponnese peninsula from Dhiakoftó in the north to Pantazí beach in the south, via Trípoli. Taking in alpine meadows, a dramatic gorge and forest-clad slopes, the 220km route can be walked in around a fortnight. The 460km Pindos Way is a south-north traverse of Greece's mountain backbone, and can be walked in a month, or split into sections of around a week. With remote terrain, navigational challenge and fewer facilities on route, it is the toughest of the four treks but offers a unique chance to experience both the country's wilderness and traditional mountain life. A shorter 80km Zagóri trek can be enjoyed in its own right or incorporated into the Pindos Way, and the final route explores Mt Olympus, home of the ancient gods of Greek myth and the highest mountain in Greece. With clear mapping alongside detailed route description for each stage of the treks, as well as background information about the region and a Greek-English glossary.
Guidebook to over 70 walking routes in the hills of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The routes range from 1 to 17 miles, and are clearly graded for distance and difficulty, as well as dividing between low-level, mid-level and mountain walks. Each of the area's 21 Munros are included, as well as plenty of Corbetts and Grahams. From short, loch-side strolls suitable for all walkers, to long, challenging mountain routes with rocky scrambling, including all three peaks of the Cobbler, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs hills have plenty to offer.
The walks in this guide are divided into areas: the Trossachs, Callander and Loch Lubnaig, Balquhidder and Lochearnhead, Crianlarich to Inveraran, Tyndrum, Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond West, Arrochar Alps and Glen Croe to Loch Goil.
This guidebook includes plenty of background information on the area, practical information on getting to and around the region's walks, advice on accommodation, what equipment to take, when to go, as well as interesting details on the schist rock that makes the hills, and important information on access in the hills and on Scottish estates.
A guidebook to the Gran Paradiso National Park in the Valle d'Aosta, in north-western Italy, describing the 12-stage 148km Alta Via 2 trek, and 28 day walks ranging from 2 to 33km.
The first part of this guidebook describes the Alta Via 2, a strenuous trek in 12 day stages from Chardonnay to Courmayeur, passing beneath the foot of Mont Blanc, which is best suited to experienced Alpine hikers. The successive chapters contain walks suitable for visitors who prefer to make their base in a valley hotel or campsite and embark on shorter excursions. A handful of excellent traverses is also included, brilliant routes that convey walkers to wild exhilarating heights and act as links between the valleys. Suggestions are given for combining these into a further series of long-distance routes.
The guidebook provides plenty of practical information on getting to and around the region, as well as advice on accommodation, language, equipment, planning and how to make the most out of any adventure in one of Italy's most spectacular national parks. A wealth of detail of information on wildlife, history, geology and flowers is also included.
Guidebook to 35 half-day and day walks in France's beautiful Dordogne region, based around Bergerac, Lalinde, Sarlat and Souillac (Lot). The walks, which range from 6 to 18.5km, take in the region's myriad delights, from spectacular gorges to enchanting chateaux and charming medieval villages. All walks are within the capacity of the average walker, and are on well-marked paths or quiet roads. They are graded easy or medium; there are no long, steep climbs or abrupt descents.
There are step-by-step descriptions and maps for each route. Also included is information on the history, flora and fauna of the region, together with practical pointers such as what to take and when to go, as well as notes on waymarking, accommodation and transport. A route summary table and glossary are also provided.
Lying in south west France, the Dordogne is a land of great scenic variety, from rolling wooded hills and fertile valleys to barren upland plateaus and limestone cliffs riddled with caves. The charm of the Dordogne also lies in the picturesque medieval towns, châteaux, churches and abbeys that stud the landscape, and these are the focus of many of the walks.
At 5895m, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest point and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, yet it is possible to reach its summit, Uhuru Peak, without any technical climbing ability. Those who do make it to 'the Roof of Africa' are richly rewarded, enjoying outstanding views, the unique experience of being 'on top of the world' and, of course, a tremendous sense of achievement.
This practical guidebook is split into four parts and includes all the information needed to fully prepare and undertake a successful trek. The first chapter covers preparation and practicalities, offering guidance on how to choose a route and an outfitter, along with extensive information on travel, equipment, health considerations, guides and porters and ethical trekking. The second chapter tells the story of Kilimanjaro and the people, plants and wildlife of the region, presenting a fascinating insight to enrich your trip. This is followed by a description of the six main ascent routes – the Marangu, Machame, Umbwe, Lemosho, Shira and Rongai Routes, plus three summit routes, two descent routes and the circuit path which circumnavigates the mountain.