The first of two books, which are the only guides to cover walking in and around Scotland's countryside parks. Volume 1 "West" describes 60 varied walks of 2 to 7 miles in countryside parks mostly accessible by public transport and close to urban centres such as Glasgow, Cumbernauld, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Motherwell, Airdrie, Paisley, Greenock, Ayr, Kilmarnock, Dumfries and Stirling. Among the parks included in this guide are Pollok, Dams to Darnley, Calderglen, Chatelherault, Strathclyde, Drumpellier, Cathkin Braes, Gleniffer Braes, Finlaystone, Clyde Muirshiel, Kelburn Castle, Castle Semple, Dean Castle, Eglinton Castle, Culzean Castle, Brodick Castle, Balloch Castle, Mugdock, Balloch Castle, Palacerigg, Plean, Gartmorn Dam, Drumlanrig Castle and Threave Estate. Many of the country parks, country estates and regional parks covered in the book have other visitor attractions including castles, stately homes, gardens, art work collections, museums, galleries, shops and cafes. Some have adventure playgrounds as well as sporting opportunities such as golf, mountain biking, orienteering, sailing and canoeing. The book contains detailed notes on the parks and their facilities, including weblinks and public transport options for visitors. This is an invaluable guide that will appeal to a wide range of walkers, from those looking for family outings to casual visitors and tourists, as well as others interested in exploring their local environment and people seeking evening or weekend walks close to home. Mica guidebooks have a growing reputation for thoughtfully designed, highly illustrated guidebooks with detailed maps and concise descriptions. As both a writer and photographer, Tom Prentice has worked extensively in books, newspapers and magazines, specialising in outdoor activities. Known for his regular walks column in The Herald national newspaper, Tom also manages the publication of the Scottish Mountaineering Club's popular walking and climbing guidebooks. This is the author's third book for Mica Publishing, the others being his successful two volume series covering 120 walks in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

This guide describes 41 scrambles in the Dark Peak and Roaches areas of the Peak District, most of which can be done all year round. The selection of routes are graded 1 to 3, offering a range of scrambles to suit all abilities. Easy routes are suitable for adventurous walkers with good fitness and navigation skills, while harder routes require some climbing experience. Both classic and lesser known routes are featured, taking in areas such as Kinder Scout, the Wilderness Gullies, Bleaklow, Chew Valley and Crowden. Route description, together with information on approach, link routes, variants and extensions, is accompanied by extracts of 1:25,000 OS mapping. Also included is practical information regarding safety, equipment, access and conservation. The UK's first designated national park, the Peak District has long been famed for its walking and climbing opportunities. Perhaps lesser known are the routes that lies somewhere in between - the 'hand's on' ascents that offer the thrill of an adventurous line without venturing on to the climber's crags. This guide showcases some of the best routes in the Dark Peak, perfect for those looking for a change from the well-trodden paths that lead to the moorland tops.

A simple strand of paracord can save your life. Find out how in this book! Whether you're camping, hiking, or simply on a walk and find yourself in an emergency situation, cordage is one of the most useful and important items a person can have. From the same author who wrote the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Camping & Outdoor Survival Guide, Bryan Lynch teaches readers the basics of survival, 7 ways to carry paracord, and 30 ways it can save your life, from creating fire, collecting water, and repairing gear to its medical uses. Don't limit yourself and learn the history of how paracord is made, what it was originally used for in the military, why it's so popular and useful, and why you'll always want to have it on you. Trust us, you'll want to know.

The Borders Abbeys Way links four of Britain's grandest ruined medieval abbeys in the central Scottish Borders. The route is a well waymarked, 68-mile (109km) circuit and is one of Scotland's Great Trails. The route which begins and ends in Tweedbank, is described clockwise over 6 stages averaging 11.3 miles per day. Relatively flat, it is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness. The Way can be walked at any time of year and can be reached within an hour by train from the centre of Edinburgh. This guidebook provides a comprehensive description of the route, which passes through the towns of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh, Hawick and Selkirk and the villages of Denholm and Newton St Boswells. In addition to clear route description and OS 1:50,000 mapping extracts, the guidebook also includes information about the history of the Borders abbeys, the ever-intriguing Borders reivers, and the region's geology and agriculture. Invaluable practical information relating to accommodation, transport, mapping and public access is also included.

Guidebook to 30 circular walks in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The routes, which range from 7 to 21km (4 to 13 miles), take in parts of four counties - Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. The North Wessex Downs are accessible hills rising above the towns and rural plains of southern England and rolling gently west from Reading and Basingstoke to Swindon and down past Marlborough to Andover. The walks allow you to explore parts of the Ridgeway National Trail, the Kennet and Avon Canal and stunning historic sites such as Avebury, the 3000-year-old Uffington White Horse, impressive Neolithic long barrows and Iron Age hill forts. Alongside clear route descriptions and OS maps are plenty of details about points of interest, as well as practical information on the area, from public transport links to ideal refreshment stops on each walk. The result is an ideal companion to exploring both the popular and untouched corners of the North Wessex Downs.

This guidebook to Walking in the Chilterns offers 35 of the best walks in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Chiltern Hills is a peaceful walking destination of chalk hills and ancient woodlands within easy reach of London. The walks in this guidebook range from 4 to 12 miles and are suitable for most walkers. The walks take you on a journey through this classic Chiltern landscape that has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years, visiting interesting historic sites, colourful gardens and picture-postcard villages with thatched cottages, fascinating churches and cosy pubs. Step-by-step route directions include lots of information about all these sites along the way, and are illustrated with clear OS mapping and vibrant photographs. GPX files are available to help with navigation. There is also information on the region's rich geology, history and plantlife, as well as advice on accommodation, transport and refreshments. The Chiltern Hills follow a line of chalk from the River Thames at Goring up to the Barton Hills just west of Hitchin, boasting great views from the north west edge and, on the south east side, a more intimate undulating landscape of rounded hills and valleys, covered in a mix of broadleaved woodland and open farmland. Despite its relative proximity to London, the region abounds in peace and tranquility, making it an idyllic destination for a day's walk in the countryside.

Guidebook describing 24 coastal and inland walks on the island of Jersey, ranging from 4.5km (3 miles) to 12.5km (8 miles) in length. Almost all of the walks link directly with one or two other walks, allowing all kinds of extensions to the route. The walks can also be joined together to create the 80km (50 mile) Jersey Coastal Walk, part of the Channel Island Way. The walks use good paths and tracks as well as quiet country roads. Occasional more rugged paths explore the island's excellent cliff coastline. Jersey has an excellent bus network and the walks can be accessed by public transport. There are also plenty of opportunities for refreshment, details of which are provided in the text. Clear step-by-step route description is illustrated with States of Jersey 1:25,000 mapping (very similar in style to British OS mapping), and route statistics and a summary table make it easy to choose the ideal walk. Famous for sunshine, year-round walking, history and a wonderful coastline, Jersey is an intriguing destination for travellers. Outwardly British but with French overtones, the island has plenty of fascinating historical sites and attractions to visit, including castles, churches and museums. The guide includes a brief overview of Jersey's turbulent history and unusual constitutional status, as well as notes on local points of interest.

This guide describes ascents of 28 Lake District fells that can be climbed from Borrowdale and the Newlands and Thirlmere valleys, including Catbells, a perennial favourite, and the mighty Scafell Pike, Great End and Great Gable. Easily accessed from Keswick, Borrowdale is a valley of exquisite natural beauty, with the lower wooded and heather-clad slopes giving way to sweeping moors and craggy heights. With such great variety within so small a vicinity, the fellwalker is spoilt for choice. Unlike other guidebooks which describe a single or limited number of routes to a particular destination, the aim of the Walking the Lake District Fells series is to offer all the options. These are presented as numbered sections which can be combined to create infinite possibilities - from simple ascents to longer ridge routes. You'll find the classics and popular routes alongside less traditional alternatives perfect for the wandering spirit. The series gives you both the freedom to devise your own routes and the information to make informed decisions, thanks to the clear descriptions of the routes, terrain, hazards, interesting features and safe descent paths should the weather close in. Also included are a handful of classic ridge routes for longer fell days. Mark Richards' inimitable text is complemented by HARVEY mapping and the author's own beautiful sketch topos and panoramas. Perfect for keen hillwalkers and peak-baggers alike and ideal both for pre-planning and use on the hill, Walking the Lake District Fells is the new incarnation of the Fellranger series, which sees the volumes updated and trimmed to a more practical size. These true connoisseurs' guides are sure to inspire you to get out and explore the beautiful fells of Lakeland. For those collecting fell summits, a 'Fellrangers' hill list register can be found on the Long Distance Walkers Association website.

This guide describes ascents of 30 Lake District fells that can be climbed from Keswick, the Whinlatter Pass, Bassenthwaite, Hesket Newmarket, Mungrisdale and Threlkeld. The giants of the region Skiddaw and Blencathra need little introduction, their myriad routes attracting many a visitor and promising fantastic far-reaching views. The summits to the north, however, are less frequented, offering probably the closest experience to wilderness walking the Lakes has to offer, whereas to the west, the Whinlatter group present a sylvan alternative. Unlike other guidebooks which describe a single or limited number of routes to a particular destination, the aim of the Walking the Lake District Fells series is to offer all the options. These are presented as numbered sections which can be combined to create infinite possibilities - from simple ascents to longer ridge routes. You'll find the classics and popular routes alongside less traditional alternatives perfect for the wandering spirit. The series gives you both the freedom to devise your own routes and the information to make informed decisions, thanks to the clear descriptions of the routes, terrain, hazards, interesting features and safe descent paths should the weather close in. Also included are a handful of classic ridge routes for longer fell days. Mark Richards' inimitable text is complemented by HARVEY mapping and the author's own beautiful sketch topos and panoramas. Perfect for keen hillwalkers and peak-baggers alike and ideal both for pre-planning and use on the hill, Walking the Lake District Fells is the new incarnation of the Fellranger series, which sees the volumes updated and trimmed to a more practical size. These true connoisseurs' guides are sure to inspire you to get out and explore the beautiful fells of Lakeland. For those collecting fell summits, a 'Fellrangers' hill list register can be found on the Long Distance Walkers Association website.

Guidebook describing 40 circular walks in the Pembrokeshire National Park, including the Preseli Hills, the Daugleddau and walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast. The routes, which range from 1 to 12 miles, are suitable for beginners or experienced hikers and walk descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 mapping. Information is also given regarding parking and public transport options, as well as toilets and refreshments available along the way. The guide also includes a useful route summary table, plus information on tides, the terrain, and weather in the region. This collection of circular walks showcase the spectacular cliffs and superb beaches of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park but also explore further inland, exploring the expansive Preseli hills, medieval castles and the unfrequented upper Daugleddau. Pembrokeshire offers delightful walking at any time of the year but highlights include: spring flowers and countless seabirds; summer days on the beaches; autumn colours and seals. Winters are generally mild but snow occasionally visits high ground and coastal storms can be ferocious.

This guidebook provides 45 day walks in the Scottish Borders. Separated into six sections, these walks are divided between the north and south Cheviots, Tweed, Ettrick, Moffat and Manor hills and feature main centres including Wooler, Kelso, Melrose, Peebles and Moffat. The guide's seventh section outlines long distance routes, including a walk along the Border from Gretna to Berwick-on-Tweed. The Scottish Borders are rich in both history and geology. These walks explore many historical sites, from Iron Age forts on hillsides to bastles and towers dating from the Border Reivers era. The stunning and varied scenery is a result of complex geological processes; a visit to Dobb's Linn showcases preserved fossils, while the coastline at St Abbs Head features iconic folded rock formations which are home to a myriad of birds including guillemots. Each walk features 1:50,000 OS mapping, comprehensive route description and plenty of information about points of interest along the route. The walks are graded and can be easily customised with alternative start points, route variants and shortcuts. The guide's introduction offers plenty of practical information about how to get there and where to stay, while the appendices list useful contacts and tourist information centres.

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.

Our authors have chosen 15 of the best short walks around the Surrey Hills 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.

This guidebook describes 30 low level and easy walks that are suitable for all abilities. The hikes covered are in the northern part of Snowdonia National Park, close to Conwy, Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis and Porthmadog. Most of the walks take around 2hr, with others ranging from 2 to 6hr. Each walk has an accompanying Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 map showing the route, easy-to-follow route descriptions and information on distance, time, ascent, refreshments and where to park. The guide also includes more general advice on walking in the area, historical information, and facts about the points of interest seen on each walk. In this part of Wales, neolithic settlements and Roman ruins stand beside the medieval castles of Welsh Princesses and the modern remnants of the mining industry. Myths and legends abound, and many walks relate to the stories of King Arthur and Merlin, Anfanc and Welsh fairies.

Guidebook to 30 day walks in the West Pennine Moors, the wide open country between Blackburn, Darwen, Chorley and Bolton in the heart of northern England. Walks range between 2.5 and 9 miles in length, and from short, easy rambles to challenging hikes. The West Pennine Moors cover over 80 square miles of wild and diverse landscape. The area is rich in historical heritage, including historic houses, monuments such as Holcombe Tower and Jubilee Tower, and other reminders of the industrial revolution. The walks are described step-by-step clearly illustrated with OS map extracts and colour photographs, with lots of information on local history and geology explained along the way.

Idaho is truly one of the last frontiers in the United States. With more actual wilderness than any other state in the union, save Alaska, Idaho offers the unique opportunity to see the North American continent as it once - Wild and mysterious. Hiking Idaho introduces you to the wonders of Idaho's spectacular backcountry - the hard, pink granite of the Sawtooth Mountains, beloved by climbers; the popular and very accessible Iron Bog and Fishpole Lakes; the Big Horn Crags in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest wild tract in the lower 48 states; and less-explored pockets. In Hiking Idaho, you'll find outings suited to hikers of all levels of experience, ability, and persuasion, taking you to lush rain forests, quiet meadows, and colorful canyons. Seasoned Idaho outdoor enthusiasts describe 100 of their favorite hikes, with the help of photos and maps. The book also presents the latest available information on changes in the land, due to weather-related damage, wildfires, or trail reconstruction. With all that, Hiking Idaho is a valuable source worth much more than its weight. Save a space in your pack, easy to get to, for Hiking Idaho.

England used to enjoy one of the most comprehensive railway networks in Europe. By the last decade of the 19th century there was hardly a hamlet in the land which could not be reached by train itself or after a brief ride in a pony and trap from the nearest station. However, the improved reliability and sheer convenience of internal combustion engined road vehicles brought competition to the railways which caused a steady and persistent decline in freight and passengers throughout the second half of the 20th century. By then the railways, initially funded by private enterprise, had been nationalized as a state asset. This left the state paying for trains which ran at a loss for lack of goods and people to fill them. During the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, successive governments sought to staunch this outflow of funds by closing thousands of miles of railway lines and hundreds of stations.Many of these were branch lines, that is a track leaving the main line to serve a specific place but going no further. At a stroke, large parts of the huge 19th-century civil engineering effort which went into building the network were redundant and, once any salvage of value was removed, duly abandoned. By and large, it was not economic to reinstate the cuttings, embankments and bridges built to give the most straight and level route possible for each line.What is left of these abandoned lines can offer rewarding walks through the heart of the countryside, away from roads and traffic, rich in flora and fauna and littered with dramatic examples of Victorian civil engineering. In short, there is something to the taste of the routine walker and the railway enthusiast. For either type they are best done twice, once in summer and once in winter. The summer will show what grows where the plow and the sprayer to not go, while the winter will show the detail of what was built, well over a century ago. This book features 12 of these walks throughout Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

A guidebook to 40 circular walks in in two of Lancashire's largest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the Forest of Bowland, an area of 310 square miles, and the 'bewitching' countryside of Pendle to the south. The walks range between 3 and 12.5 miles in length and are all illustrated with extracts of OS mapping. The diverse range of routes include four Marilyns - Ward's Stone, Pendle Hill, Longridge Fell and Fair Snape Fell. The walks are spread across the region, with bases including Caton, Dunsop Bridge, Slaidburn, Clitheroe and Pendle. All the walks are punctuated with snippets of information on the natural and cultural history of the region, from witches to wildlflowers. The Forest of Bowland and Pendle provide vastly differing terrain - from the lush farmlands of the Ribble valley to the more rugged rough pastures of the Forest of Bowland uplands and the huge boggy uplifts of the main Bowland massif itself.

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.

This guide offers 40 walking routes on the Uists and Barra - a unique 100km cluster of islands in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. The walks are varied and graded, from short, flat beach walks beside crystal clear waters to long excursions across wild mountainous terrain, the routes visit all the major islands from Berneray to Vatersay but also those smaller and offshore such as Eriskay and Mingulay. Routes are described in four sections, by area, and illustrated with vivid colour photographs and OS mapping. Walking across these landscapes, especially the hill country, gives a sense of remoteness and peaceful solitude that cannot be found in the mainland's National Parks or on the Munros busy with peak baggers. Despite a relatively narrow area, Uist and Barra's diverse islands offer a contrasting walking terrain and many ancient historic sites such as chambered cairns and standing stones as well as lots of local wildlife. Upland areas are home to red deer and golden and white-tailed eagles, while along the coast grey seals are common and thousands of birds set up their breeding grounds in the machair. Daily flights between Glasgow and Benbecula as well as the ferry network mean that all of the islands are readily accessible.