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Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Active outdoor pursuits
This visitor's guide has been fully updated and revised to include changing garden exhibits and new features, such as the the Boomslang elevated walkway. An attractive memento and guide to Cape Town’s world-famous botanical garden, it traces the history and development of Kirstenbosch, from its establishment in 1913 to the showcase of indigenous flora it is today. It includes:
Hiking Beyond Cape Town opens a gateway to the myriad trails and tracks that await hikers – young and old, novice and experienced – beyond the confines of the city. This collection of day trips outside of Cape Town features 40 trails, fanning out from the south coast to the west and covering a range of varied hikes in between. Ranging between 2 to 7 hours, the hikes are tailored for single-day trips, although a handful will require overnighting. Each hike entry includes an accurate, up-to-date route description, a map of the trail, and directions for getting to the start. In each case, an upfront summary outlines the distance, duration, grade of difficulty, and elevation of the hike, as well as other details. Striking colour photographs and observations about the plant and animal life along the route add lively interest. A brief introduction provides expert advice on gear, planning and preparation.
Safari Nation opens new lines of inquiry into the study of national parks in Africa and the rest of the world. The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most iconic nature reserve, renowned for its rich flora and fauna. According to Dlamini, there is another side to the park, a social history neglected by scholars and popular writers alike in which blacks (meaning Africans, coloureds and Indians) occupy centre stage. Safari Nation details the ways in which black people devoted energies to conservation and to the park over the course of the twentieth century – an engagement that transcends the stock (black) figure of the labourer and the poacher. By exploring the complex and dynamic ways in which blacks of varying class, racial, religious and social backgrounds related to the Kruger National Park, and with the help of previously unseen archival photographs, Dlamini’s narrative also sheds new light on how and why Africa’s national parks – often derided by scholars as colonial impositions – survived the end of white rule on the continent. Relying on oral histories, photographs and archival research, Safari Nation engages both with African historiography and with ongoing debates about the ‘land question’, democracy and citizenship in South Africa.
This guidebook presents 75 day walks of 1km to 26km in South Africa's Maloti-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in KwaZulu Natal and easily accessible from Johannesburg, Harrismith, Pietermaritzburg and Durban, the region boasts dramatic cliffs, gorges and waterfalls, abundant wildlife and 2,000 year old rock paintings. The walks in this book can be undertaken at any time of year. The limitations imposed by adverse weather conditions can occur in any month. However, snow is most common in June and July and there are frequent and sometimes severe thunderstorms in summer. The key centres for the walks are the entrances to the individual areas of the Park and usually have nearby accommodation of all types. They include the Royal Natal National Park, Cathedral Peak, Monk's Cowl, Injisuthi, Giant's Castle, Highmoor, Kamberg, Lotheni, the Himeville and Underberg districts, plus Bushman's Nek.
By the late 1880s, after more than two centuries of European presence at the Cape, only seven routes led up Table Mountain. Thousands had climbed to the summit, the majority via the gash in the face of the mountain known as Platteklip Gorge, yet vast tracts remained unexplored. Only with the advent of mountaineering in the early 1890s did climbers begin a systematic exploration in their quest for new routes. Lines of Least Resistance tells the story of Table Mountain through its hiking and scrambling routes. Drawing on his intimate knowledge of the mountain, Riaan Vorster pays tribute to the early pioneers by examining their routes, clearing the sands of time from those which have slipped into oblivion. No two routes are alike; each possesses unique qualities that reveal something of the mountain’s character. Written from a personal as well as historical perspective, the book takes the reader on a journey of discovery along the highways and byways of Table Mountain.
Hiking the Fish is the ultimate planner for anyone wanting to embark on the Fish River Canyon Trail. Written by expert adventure guides, it combines practical advice, handy tips and full-colour photographs to bring this exhilarating five-day hike to life. A detailed introduction to the canyon and its surrounds is followed by chapters that cover planning and preparation; bookings and accommodation; hiking, cooking and sleeping gear; nutrition and meal planning; and first aid. A comprehensive day-by-day route description forms the core of the book.
Ian: ‘You’re going to run how far?’ What does it take to run a six-day race through the world’s harshest deserts? Or 100 miles in a single day at altitudes that would leave you breathless just walking? More than that, though: what is it like to win these races? South Africa’s ultra-trail-running superstar Ryan Sandes has done just that. Since bursting onto the international trail-running scene by winning the first multistage race he ever entered – the brutal Gobi March – Ryan has gone on to win various other multistage and single-day races around the globe. Written with bestselling author and journalist Steve Smith, Trail Blazer – My Life as an Ultra-distance Trail Runner recounts the life story of this intrepid sportsman, from his experiences as a rudderless party animal to becoming a world-class athlete, and includes details on his training regimes, race strategies and aspirations for future sporting endeavours. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the adrenaline-inducing trials and tribulations of one of South Africa’s most awe-inspiring athletes, while endurance-sport participants – from beginners to aspirant pros – will benefit from his insights and advice. As Professor Tim Noakes says in the Foreword to this book: ‘However much we might think we know and understand, there are some phenomena which now, and perhaps forever, we will never fully comprehend. We call such happenings “enigmas”. Or even miracles. Ryan Sandes is one such.’
'A rocket-fuelled adventure.' - Tim Peake 'His passion for adventure is truly infectious.' - Gareth Southgate Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. And above all, never ever give up. In Never Give Up, global adventurer, Chief Scout and TV presenter Bear Grylls immerses readers in some truly remarkable adventures. As Bear shares personal stories from his toughest expeditions, this inspiring autobiography captures the exhilarating reality behind some of his hairiest survival missions. In this eagerly awaited follow up to his Number One bestseller Mud, Sweat and Tears, Bear takes readers behind the scenes on 'Man vs. Wild', the series that spawned an entire adventure industry. He also provides a unique and revealing insight into what it's really like to go 'Running Wild' with guests including President Obama, Roger Federer and Julia Roberts, to name but a few of his global superstar guests. Along the way, Bear opens up about his most personal challenges, discovers the true value of adventure, and embodies the enduring power of courage, kindness and a never give up spirit. THE EXTRAORDINARY NEW AUTOBIOGRAPHY FROM ADVENTURER BEAR GRYLLS. 'Bear is someone who truly grabs life with both hands.' - Jonny Wilkinson 'So many positive messages wrapped up in Bear's many incredible adventures.' - Roger Federer
Fully revised and updated, and with 60 new trails added, this fifth edition of Hiking Trails of South Africa is an essential resource for every hiker. Written by well-known author Willie Olivier, this extensive guide describes more than 500 trails across magnificent landscapes, from the iconic fynbos of the Western Cape to the majestic slopes of the Drakensberg. Whether you choose to hike close to civilization or explore a more remote area, take a short, hour-long walk or tackle an overnight hike of several days, there is a trail for you. Trail information includes:
The book also includes advice on selecting hiking equipment, staying safe on the trail and dealing with emergencies.
The uplifting true story. A Sunday Times bestseller, shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize. The story of the couple who lost everything and embarked on a journey, not of escape, but salvation. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset via Devon and Cornwall. They have almost no money for food or shelter and must carry only the essentials for survival on their backs as they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea and sky. Yet through every step, every encounter, and every test along the way, their walk becomes a remarkable journey. The Salt Path is an unflinchingly honest, inspiring and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of home, and how it can be lost, rebuilt and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
What would you put on the line for what you believe in? For Chris Bertish, the answer is everything. ALL IN! In 2017 Chris became the first person ever to stand-up paddleboard across any ocean. Defying all odds, he paddled 7500 kilometers solo, unassisted and unsupported, for 93 days across the Atlantic Ocean, from Morocco, Africa to Antigua in the Caribbean. During three months at sea he was targeted by a great white shark, towed by a giant sea squid, capsized multiple times and surfed down 10-meter waves as challenging as anything he had faced in any Mavericks Big Wave Surfing Championships. Too many times he found himself hanging on the edge of his modified SUP for dear life. He also become one with the elements, and ultimately succeeded in doing something everyone said was simply impossible. This is the story of his incredible journey.
A bestseller for 21 years, Mike Lundy’s Best Walks in the Cape Peninsula remains one of the most popular books on hiking in Cape Town. Each of the 30 day walks in this classic collection has been carefully chosen because of a particular point of interest, be it a waterfall, grotto, yellowwood grove, shipwreck or spectacular viewpoint. The routes range from challenging climbs to the top of Table Mountain to leisurely strolls among the fynbos or along city beaches, and will appeal to hikers of all levels of experience – whether aspiring ramblers or diehard adventurers. A simple grading system, information on the average hiking time, notes on the availability of water and practical advice on mountain safety and weather conditions ensure that the hiker is given a clear idea of what to expect. Every walk is accompanied by an accurate map and an easy-to-follow route description, spiced with historical snippets and nature notes. For this eighth edition, all route descriptions and maps have been brought up to date, the design and typography have been given a fresh, modern look and photographs and illustrations add lively interest. With so many spectacular walks to choose from in the Cape Peninsula, Mike Lundy’s Best Walks in the Cape Peninsula is the ultimate authority on the best and quickest escape from the rat race – even if only for a day.
The mountains and forests in and around Cape Town are a hiker’s paradise, offering an array of excursions to suit both new converts and seasoned ramblers. Hiking CapeTown covers 35 exciting hikes on the Cape Peninsula and further afield, ranging from easy to moderate, with a number of more demanding trails for those who want to up their game. From classic hikes up the front face of Table Mountain and half-day hikes in the remote Cape Point, to gentle rambles along the coast and walks in mountains and nature reserves a short drive from the city, this book encompasses the area’s must-do routes. Each description provides easy-to-follow directions and specifies the approximate walking time (between 3 and 7 hours), distance, difficulty rating and terrain. Morevchallenging extensions to some of the routes are provided for hikers who want a more strenuous workout. Full-colour maps and photographs illustrate the routes, and information boxes offer insights into interesting aspects of the specific trails.
This is a story of a simple idea that turned into a global movement. This is the story of parkrun, told for the very first time from the man who started it all. Growing up in the brutal care system of South Africa, Paul Sinton-Hewitt had a lonely, difficult childhood. Yet he found solace in running – a simple pleasure that taught him resilience and offered a young boy a sense of self-worth. With dogged determination, Paul built a stable family life for himself and eventually settled in the UK. But by 2004 he was struggling to hold it all together. He’d lost the successful career he’d worked so hard for, his marriage had broken down, and now a devastating injury threatened to cut him off from the running club which had been a lifeline. In search of connection and purpose, Paul came up with a simple idea. He would start a weekly time trial run every Saturday morning in his local park. There would be no winners or losers, it would always be free and Paul would be there every week – even on Christmas Day – whether or not anyone else came. Little did he know that from just thirteen runners on that first Saturday, parkrun would grow into a 10 million strong community across five continents. Twenty years on parkrun continues to grow, bringing together people from all walks of life in search of health, happiness and community. Filled with hope and optimism, One Small Step is a powerful affirmation of how coming together in simple ways can change our own lives and might even change the world.
Wild Earth - from the publishers of Rough Guides - captures the breathtaking splendour of the world's wildest places in this first-edition hardback coffee-table book. This inspirational title is a substantial and beautiful tribute to the Earth's most extraordinary landscapes. - This coffee-table book showcases a unique selection of national parks and protected areas around the world - Extraordinary photography is at the heart of this book, which is packed full of breathtaking images of some of the most remote and fascinating landscapes on our planet - Rough Guides' mindful travel ethos shines through this compendium, with each page taking you on a visual journey through the grandeur and beauty of nature, and raising awareness of the earth's remaining wilderness - From south to north, east to west, the wide variety of destinations featured in the book range from glittering glacier ice to yawning savannahs, lonely valleys to dense jungles - Wild Earth also shines a spotlight on the world's 170 most significant nature reserves, with expert information about the destinations and moving animal portraits - Packed with hundreds of stunning images, this heavyweight coffee-table book makes a wonderful gift and is the perfect source of inspiration and appreciation for the planet. Features of Wild Earth - Lavish, hardback coffee-table book, with exceptional illustrations for all 170 places mentioned - Informative and inspirational, the perfect gift for all travel and nature-lovers - Original, authoritative text from the makers of Rough Guides
This compact, pocket-sized Sicily travel guidebook is perfect for travellers on shorter trips looking to explore the highlights without the hassle of planning. Written by Rough Guides' experts, it features ready-made walking and driving itineraries with detailed directions, allowing you to explore effortlessly. Whether you're discovering iconic landmarks or hidden gems, this guide helps you make the most of your time. Complete with a handy pull-out map, it's the ideal companion for exploring with ease.
Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime in this latest edition of our guide to Nepal. Discover Nepal's most popular experiences and best kept secrets from strolling through Kathmandu's lanes to visit bustling markets and backstreet temples, to searching for wild elephants and rhinos in Shuklaphanta National Park, and strolling emerald-green tea estates in the remote far east. Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Nepal travel guide: Our classic guidebook format contains the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week trips All-new structure and design that's easy to use so you can navigate Nepal effortlessly Exciting itineraries help you create your perfect adventure with suggestions for extended journeys, day trips, walking tours and activity-led excursions Expert local recommendations on eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, festivals, when to go and more Vibrant photography and maps including a pull-out map of Nepal Get fresh takes on must-visit sights from the Hanuman Dhoka to Durbar Sq Essential information toolkit containing tips on arriving, transport, local etiquette, using money, LGBTIQ+ travel advice, useful words and phrases, accessibility and responsible travel Connect with Nepali culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history and traditions Covers: Kathmandu; Around the Kathmandu Valley; Kathmandu to Pokhara; Pokhara & Around; The Terai & Mahabharat Range; Trekking Routes. Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary country with Lonely Planet's Nepal.
Ideal for independent travellers, this guidebook to Bali and Lombok, written by Indonesia experts, goes beyond the basics. It blends must-see sights with hidden gems and offers unmatched practical guidance for seamless planning and on-the-go exploration. Packed with in-depth advice often missing from other guides, it helps you navigate with ease. From using public transport to discovering the best dining, accommodations, and local experiences, this guide covers it all. Every detail you need for a smooth and enriching journey.
This guidebook describes 50 spectacular walks spanning the breadth of the Dolomites mountains in northeast Italy. Carefully selected to give walkers a taste of the unique character of the local area, each walk can be tackled in a single day, allowing visitors to travel light and return to their accommodation at day's end. Graded from easy to strenuous, there are walks for all abilities, ranging from 3km hour-long lake strolls and lift-assisted short walks to 20km full-day high-altitude hikes. Most routes take in mountain huts offering refreshments and accommodation, and the guide includes notes on food and drink, history, folklore, nature and geology. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites are easily accessible by train via Austria and Italy, and by air via Verona, Venice, Treviso and Innsbruck airports. From the iconic peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and throne-like Pelmo to the Queen of the Dolomites, the Marmolada, and the fairytale Brenta Dolomites, this guide includes the key valleys and gateway towns for accessing the mountains, along with details of public transport options to reach the trailhead.
The world's most famous mountain, Everest remains for serious high-altitude climbers an ultimate goal. Ed Viesturs has gone on eleven expeditions to Everest, reaching the summit seven times. He's spent more than two years of his life on the mountain. No climber today is better poised to survey Everest's various ascents-both personal and historic. In The Mountain, Viesturs delivers just that: riveting you-are-there accounts of his own climbs as well as vivid narratives of some of the more famous and infamous climbs throughout the last century, when the honour of nations often hung in the balance, depending on which climbers summited first. In addition to his own experiences, Viesturs sheds light on the fate of Mallory and Irvine, whose 1924 disappearance just 800 feet from the top remains one of mountaineering's greatest mysteries, and on the multiply tragic last days of Rob Hall and Scott Fischer in 1996, the stuff of which Into Thin Air was made. Informed by the experience of one who has truly been there, The Mountainaffords a rare glimpse into that place on earth where Heraclitus's maxim-character is destiny-is proved time and again. Complete with gorgeous photos of Everest, many of which were taken by Viesturs himself, and shots taken on some of the legendary historic climbs, The Mountainis an immensely appealing book for active and armchair climber alike.
This compact, pocket-sized Rome travel guidebook is perfect for travellers on shorter trips looking to explore the highlights without the hassle of planning. Written by Rough Guides' experts, it features ready-made walking and driving itineraries with detailed directions, allowing you to explore effortlessly. Whether you're discovering iconic landmarks or hidden gems, this guide helps you make the most of your time. Complete with a handy pull-out map, it's the ideal companion for exploring with ease.
A fully waymarked trail from Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere, the Dales Way links two of England's most celebrated national parks, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. Well served for accommodation and facilities, and with easy walking on riverside paths, it is one of the gentlest multi-day walks in Britain and therefore an ideal introduction to long-distance walking. It can be comfortably completed in 6-8 days. The guide offers comprehensive notes on local points of interest, as well as an overview of Dales geology, history, plants and wildlife to enhance the walking experience. The practical information is all there too, including when to go, how to get there and what to take, making for an ideal companion to enjoying this delightful route. Presented in six daily stages of 7-19 miles (with suggestions for alternative schedules), this guide describes the Way in both directions, with the main route description running from south to north. Step-by-step route description is accompanied by 1:100,000 mapping, and a trek planner, showing where facilities are available, is included to facilitate planning. Accommodation listings and useful contacts can be found in the appendices. A separate, conveniently sized map booklet located in the back-cover sleeve provides all the OS 1:25,000 mapping needed to complete the trail.
David Jordan has chosen 15 of the best short walks around Arnside and Silverdale for you to explore. Our guide comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps and clear route descriptions, perfect if you're new to walking or are looking for something you can enjoy with the whole family. We've included information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops, and most of the walks can be completed in under 3 hours. We haven't included any walks with challenging terrain or complicated navigation, and all you'll need to take with you are a waterproof jacket and a pair of comfortable trainers. |
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