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Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Active outdoor pursuits
Mountaintops have long been seen as sacred places, home to gods and
dreams. In one climbing year Peter Boardman visited three very
different sacred mountains. He began in the New Year, on the South
Face of the Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea. This shark's fin of
steep limestone walls and sweeping glaciers is the highest point
between the Andes and the Himalaya, and one of the most
inaccessible, rising above thick jungle inhabited by warring Stone
Age tribes. During the spring Boardman was on more familiar, if
hardly more reassuring, ground, making a four-man, oxygen-free
attempt on the world's third highest peak, Kangchenjunga.
Hurricane-force winds beat back their first two bids on the
unclimbed North Ridge, but they eventually stood within feet of the
summit - leaving the final few yards untrodden in deference to the
inhabiting deity. In October, he was back in the Himalaya and
climbing the mountain most sacred to the Sherpas: the twin-summited
Gauri Sankar. Renowned for its technical difficulty and spectacular
profile, it is aptly dubbed the Eiger of the Himalaya and
Boardman's first ascent of the South Summit took a committing and
gruelling twenty-three days. Three sacred mountains, three very
different expeditions, all superbly captured by Boardman in Sacred
Summits, his second book, first published shortly after his death
in 1982. Combining the excitement of extreme climbing with acute
observation of life in the mountains, this is an amusing, dramatic,
poignant and thought-provoking book, amply fulfilling the promise
of Boardman's first title, The Shining Mountain, for which he won
the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1979.
This guidebook presents a selection of 23 walking routes on the
wild and beautiful southern islands of Scotland's Inner Hebrides,
with nine walks on Jura, one on neighbouring Scarba, seven on Islay
and five on Colonsay, plus a spectacular 5-day trek along Jura's
dramatic west coast. The wildest of the southern Hebrides, the
walking on Jura is frequently rugged, with many routes crossing
remote and often pathless terrain that calls for fitness,
self-reliance and navigational competence. The routes on the other
islands are somewhat easier, but should still not be
underestimated. In addition to clear route description illustrated
with 1:50,000 OS mapping, the guide offers practical advice on the
various options for getting to the islands, accommodation and
amenities. There are suggestions for linking walks and notes on the
islands' bothies and wild-camping recommendations, making it easy
to devise longer day walks or multi-day itineraries. Also included
are fascinating overviews of the islands' rich history, geology,
plants and wildlife. Beautiful colour photography completes the
package. The routes showcase the islands' magnificent scenery,
which is as diverse as it is beautiful, ranging from wild moorland
to flower-strewn machair and small pockets of native woodland. The
coastline is arguably the jewel in the crown, with geological
wonders aplenty: sea-cliffs, caves, stacks and arches, sand and
shingle bays and the characteristic Hebridean raised beaches.
Abundant wildlife and birdlife is a further highlight. These
carefully chosen walks will inspire you to get out and discover the
magic of these captivating islands.
The book, aimed at walkers and fell runners, includes detailed
information on the challenging Lakeland Three Thousands; the Old
County Tops; the Roman Road between Windermere and Penrith; the
Eight Great Horseshoes; and Penrith to the Sea routes. Roy Clayton
guides walkers through the routes, while experienced fell runner,
Ronald Turnbull, gives the necessary advice for runners, and for
walkers who wish to step up the pace in the tradition of the greats
like Joss Naylor, Eric Beard and Colin Donnelly.
Day Walks in East Anglia features 20 routes between 5.7 and 13.9
miles (9.2km and 22.4km) in length, suitable for hillwalkers of all
abilities. Researched and written by outdoor adventure expert Anna
Paxton, this book covers walks around the must-see sites of East
Anglia, including The Broads and Norfolk Coast Path, and takes you
to lesser-known spots too, while exploring the rich history,
heritage and wildlife of the area. See the seals and stroll along
the dunes at Blakeney Point, explore nature reserves at Titchwell
Marsh and Upton Broad, admire grand houses such as Blickling Hall,
walk alongside windmills and waterways on The Broads and explore
the historic settlements of Norwich and Bungay. Together with
stunning photography, each route features Ordnance Survey 1:25,000
maps, easy-to-follow directions, details of distance and navigation
information, and refreshment stops and local information.
Officially launched in 2017, the Hebridean Way offers walkers the
opportunity to experience the magic of Scotland's Outer Hebrides in
one inspirational journey. The waymarked route stretches 247km (155
miles) from Vatersay to Stornaway, linking ten major islands of the
archipelago by means of causeways and two ferry crossings:
Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North
Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis. Suitable for most walkers with a
moderate level of fitness, it can be completed in 8-14 days and is
rich in natural, historical and cultural interest. This guidebook
presents the Hebridean Way in 10 stages of 16-35km (10-22 miles),
plus two additional stages to extend the route to the Butt of Lewis
in line with future plans. Detailed route description is
accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping, stunning photography to whet
your appetite and a wealth of information about local points of
interest. The introduction offers an overview of the islands'
geology, history, plants and wildlife as well as comprehensive
practical advice for walking the route, such as when to go, how to
get there (and back) and what to take. Accommodation listings can
be found in the appendices. The route is a celebration of the
diverse landscapes of the Hebrides, from dazzling white shell
beaches to wild moorland and flower-strewn machair. It visits
Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, ruined forts and castles and
monuments commemorating Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Highland Land
Struggle. The islands are also a great location to spot seabirds,
raptors and a number of migratory species.
This attractive and cleverly structured guidebook gives dog walkers
access to 15 pubs and 20 great walks in the region of the Lake
District. With clear information, humour, an introduction for each
walk, and simple, easy-to-read maps, this beautiful book will
appeal to all who want to venture out into the countryside with
their dogs. The walks have no stiles ensuring a hassle free walk
for both dog and owner. Both authors are experienced walkers,
qualified in mountain leadership and countryside management. This
is another book in a series of Countryside Dog Walking books
currently being developed throughout the UK.
Suffolk has long been a place of retreat, somewhere to escape to,
far from everyday life. It may have its busier town centres, but in
the main Suffolk remains a rural area of enormous variety , from
heather covered heathland to softly rolling hills, long shingle
spits to genteel coastal enclaves and kiss-me-quick seaside
resorts. Whether you are looking for a morning hike or an afternoon
stroll, Darren Flint and Donald Grieg's hand picked selection of 40
walks is guaranteed to fit the bill - or the boot. Suffolk boasts
5,600km of public rights of way; take your pick, put your best foot
forward and discover this most gentle of English counties.
This book is in the same series and is a natural follow-up to the
successful "Climbing Games". With the increase in the use of
climbing walls more people are learning to lead indoors. This tends
to be a more rapid progression than it may be outdoors, and also
allows access to much steeper leading at a lower level of climbing
experience. There is also an expectation that falling off is the
norm, a complete reversal of early stages of leading outdoors on
traditional climbs. Teaching leading indoors should be done
progressively, the aim being to develop the climbing skills needed
very thoroughly. Developing the skills for safe and efficient lead
belaying is equally important. Ian Fenton has been involved in
teaching leading outdoors and on indoor walls for a number of
years. This has also involved evaluating and signing off other
instructors to teach leading, at a number of climbing walls; both
prior to the advent of the Climbing Wall Leading Award (CWLA), and
now as a provider of the CWLA. In the past the teaching of leading
has often been done haphazardly, with limited progression, poor
route choice and inappropriate belaying. With the help of the
exercises in this book it should be possible to design an
appropriate progression to suit any individual, of any age or
ability, who is learning to lead indoors and lead belay.
This guidebook describes 28 day walks and a five-day trek around
Lakes Como and Maggiore in Northern Italy. The day routes range
from 3 to 20km in length are graded 1 to 3. The mini trek up the
eastern shore of Lago di Como from Lecco to Colicocan can also be
cut into one-day stages if desired. There is something for
everyone, from easy leisurely strolls for first-time walkers to
strenuous climbs up panoramic peaks. The clear maps, inspirational
photographs and information about accommodation and public
transport options help to make this guidebook an ideal companion to
exploring the exceptional scenery, views and culture of the Italian
Lakes. A basic English-Italian glossary is also included.
Picturesque Lago Maggiore has been working its magic on writers and
visitors for centuries. Blessed with a mild climate and delightful
position close to the Alps, it attracts flocks of admirers to its
shores and islands adorned with sumptuous villas and gorgeous
ornamental gardens, a legacy of the late Renaissance. Ever
magnificent, the splendours of Lago di Como were broadcast by the
likes of Pliny and Strabone back in ancient Roman times. Overseas
visitors are attracted by the breathtaking scenery and romantic
atmosphere, augmented by the host of villas and superb gardens,
where pretty camellias and rhododendrons spill over terraces.
'We live in a world populated by dog lovers, where many of us
regard them as members of the family. We are fascinated by them:
either anthropomorphising our pets or obsessing about the ways they
differ from us. And mountains - theatres of risk, drama and heroism
- provide the perfect stage for us to enact our canine fascination
in all its pathos and poetry. In short, the hills bring into focus
just how much we love being with dogs.' Dogs specialise in getting
on with humans, and tales of faithful hounds in hostile
environments form part of our cultural history. Award-winning
writer Helen Mort sets out to understand the singular relationship
between dogs, mountains and the people who love them. Along the
way, she meets search and rescue dogs, interviews climbers and
spends time on the hills with hounds. The book is also a personal
memoir, telling the author's own story of falling in love with a
whippet called Bell during a transformative year in the Lake
District. Never Leave the Dog Behind is a compelling account of
mountain adventures and misadventures, and captures the unbridled
joy of heading to the hills with a four-legged friend.
Chamonix is the most famous climbing area in Europe. Nowhere else
has as much quality rock, spectacular peaks and varied
mountaineering history. For most climbers a trip to Chamonix is an
integral part of their climbing and mountaineering career. This new
edition of the incredibly successful 2016 Rockfax book covers
everything you need - perfect granite rock routes, magnificent long
ridges, intimidating north faces and some valley sport climbing for
the 'rest days'. All the information has been checked and improved
with many new crags and action photos. The crucial text information
has been updated and amended to fit with the current glacier
conditions maps and with excellent detailed descriptions
Offering 40 day walks in Lancashire, this guidebook explores the
often-overlooked regions of Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley and
West Pennine Moors. With walks ranging from low-level valley trails
to higher hill routes, this guidebook offers plenty of year-round
walking options for active families and committed hikers alike. The
walks are accessible from a range of nearby villages, towns and
cities including Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley, Lancaster
and Clitheroe. Lancashire showcases some of the most varied walking
in the UK, featuring the wide expanse of Morecambe Bay, the Forest
of Bowland AONB and limestone fringes of the Yorkshire Dales. These
walks travel along green valleys, gritstone moors and untamed
hillsides to explore remnants of Lancashire's rich history: The War
of the Roses, the Pendle witch trials and the industrial heritage
of the West Pennine Moors. Providing detailed route description and
clear OS mapping for all 40 walks, this guidebook includes an
introduction full of information about the area including
accommodation, transport and access. The appendices contain a route
summary table to help you plan your days out, while each walk
offers notes on wildlife, history, geology and available
refreshments.
The 138-kilometre Hadrian's Wall Path traces a grey line along
Great Whin Sill, the dolerite ridge chosen by the Romans for their
historic wall. The route, one of Britain's most popular National
Trails, is dotted with milecastles and forts, and attracts trail
runners and walkers all year round due to its sweeping views.
Beginning in Newcastle, the trail passes through rolling grassy
paths and grey-green crags to reach Bowness-on-Solway on the
Cumbrian Coast. Hadrian's Wall Path appeals to people who have
different levels of experience and travel at all speeds, and this
Vertebrate Publishing Guidemap is unique in that it caters for four
categories of user, providing custom itineraries for walkers,
trekkers, fastpackers and trail runners. This lightweight,
waterproof, durable and easy-to-use folding map features all the
essential information for a successful Hadrian's Wall Path,
including 1:40,000-scale mapping for the linear route starting in
Wallsend and finishing in Bowness-on-Solway. It also includes a
detailed elevation profile and route planner, safety advice,
terrain information and an accommodation directory, and a link to a
GPX file download.
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