Longtime readers have come to understand that Outside's true gift is in chronicling misadventure. The Darkest Places chronicles mysterious disappearances, unsolved murders, and deadly disasters, taking us to far-flung places no sane person would want to go.

**From the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of THE WALKER'S GUIDE TO OUTDOOR CLUES AND SIGNS and HOW TO READ WATER** 'Changes the way you experience the world' -- Sunday Times 'Wonderfully stimulating' -- Michael Palin Discover the lost art of reading nature's own signposts with this beautiful tenth anniversary edition of The Natural Navigator. Starting with a simple question - 'Which way am I looking?' - Tristan Gooley blends natural science, myth, folklore and the history of travel to introduce you to the forgotten art of finding your way using nature's clues, from the feel of a rock to the look of the moon. Using Tristan's expert insight and anecdotes, you'll develop a unique insight into the world around you. From learning why some trees grow the way they do and how they can help you find your way in the countryside, to discovering how it's possible to find North simply by looking at a puddle and how natural signs can be used to navigate on the open ocean or in the heart of the city. Wonderfully detailed and full of fascinating stories, this is the seminal guide to the rediscovered art of natural navigation. The Natural Navigator is user-friendly, practical and packed with beautiful illustrations to help natural navigators on their instrument-free journey. Beautifully repackaged, this edition includes a new tenth anniversary preface from the author, celebrating ten years of this seminal guide to nature.

Multi-activity guidebook to the Haute Maurienne region of south east France. The book describes a wide range of the finest day walks, scrambles, rock climbs, via ferratas, treks and mountain biking and road cycling routes, offering all the inspiration needed for a multi-activity or family holiday. The Maurienne valley is served by good transport links, Modane serves as the gateway to the upper valley with links from Paris and Turin served by the TGV. Lanslebourg is the largest village after Modane and offers plenty of choice of accommodation, and Termignon is a reasonably central base for exploring the Haute Maurienne. Routes vary from pretty Alpine lake rambles to mammoth mountain bike routes and include the normal route to the summit of Dent Parrachee, the Matterhorn of the valley that can be reached without crossing a glacier, and arranged by difficulty. Information about facilities and grades for each activity are carefully explained and routes are illustrated with sketch maps, topos and profiles and inspiring photographs. The Vanoise massif is a beautiful range of mountains bounded by the valleys of the Maurienne and the Tarentaise. Sitting on the French-Italian border, the Upper Maurienne (Haute Maurienne) has a southern boundary bordering the Italian region of Piedmont. Its northern border is less pronounced, as the massif of the Vanoise blurs the boundary with the Tarentaise valley.

Gold medal winning coach, Jon Emmett works with sailors and coaches around the world and is frequently asked things like: 'What is a good exercise to improve this?' 'Why do we do this exercise?' 'How do we make the exercise more / less difficult?' This book is the answer to those frequently asked questions. It contains training exercises for each element of a sailing race. As well as describing and illustrating the exercise, it tells you what skills you are trying to improve, why and how to make the exercise harder or easier. The book will enable coaches to deliver better, more focussed, training sessions, but it will also help sailors who don't have the benefit of a coach to practise and improve their sailing skills. The exercises are marked as to whether they are suitable for solo boats, groups of boats or those with a coach boat. As Aristotle said: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit." Armed with this book, get out, do some training and improve your sailing skills!

The South Downs is a mountain biker's paradise. Thousands of kilometres of well-maintained byways and bridleways can be combined to create seemingly inexhaustible route combinations. The 26 routes in this book are graded (blue, red and black) for a range of abilities, and grouped into 6 sections: The South Downs Way National Trail (the whole route described in 3 stages) and routes around Winchester, Chichester and Petersfield, Arundel and Worthing, Brighton and Lewes and Eastbourne. They range from 14km to 57km in length and up to 95% off road, providing plenty of challenge for any mountain biker. Many tracks traverse well-drained chalk downland, providing superlative off-road conditions for much of the year. All routes are clearly illustrated on OS maps with numbered stages linking the route descriptions to maps. Extensive information is also included on facilities and services, including bike shops and mechanics, cafes, pubs and food shops, accommodation and transport links and tips on bike gear and preparation.

Adventure and outdoor sports - from rock climbing to freestyle kayaking - are a modern social phenomenon that can tell us much about the relationship between sport, culture and contemporary society. In this engaging new introductory text, adventure sports are used to illustrate key concepts in social theory and to demonstrate why an understanding of social theory is essential for any student taking a course in sport, adventure, or outdoor education. Each chapter in the book introduces a key 'classical' or modern social theorist, including Marx, Durkheim, Weber and Elias, or a universal topic or issue in social theory, such as sustainability, commodification or identity. Within each of those chapters the theorist or topic is brought to life through case studies of adventurous activities and lived experiences, helping the reader to connect their own sporting and adventurous interests with the frameworks we use to understand wider culture and society. Concise and full of cutting-edge contemporary examples, Outdoor Adventure and Social Theory is the perfect companion for any module on the sociology of sport, adventure or outdoor recreation.

The Adventure Racing World Championship is the pinnacle of the sport. Consider this book your view-finder as you zoom in on some of the strongest athletes in the world doing what they do best.A unique adventure racing experience - this photo book is as real as it gets without actually entering the race. The account of the 2007 World Championship held in Scotland.In May and June 2007, Scotland hosted the World Championship - Adventure Racing.A gruelling course of 550 kilometres was designed to take 196 of the world best adventure racing athletes on a unique Scottish experience. The seven day course included the Isle of Rum, Lochaber, Loch Ness, Rannoch Moor and the high summits of picturesque Glen Coe.With over 200 awesome images and an inspiring journal this beautiful coffee table book is a true reflection of what this international race was all about.

From the bestselling author of THE WALKER'S GUIDE TO OUTDOOR CLUES AND SIGNS A must-have book for walkers, sailors, swimmers, anglers and everyone interested in the natural world, in How To Read Water, Natural Navigator Tristan Gooley shares knowledge, skills, tips and useful observations to help you enjoy the landscape around you and learn about the magic of the outdoors from your living room. Includes over 700 clues, signs and patterns. From wild swimming in Sussex to wayfinding in Oman, via the icy mysteries of the Arctic, Tristan Gooley draws on his own pioneering journeys to reveal the secrets of ponds, puddles, rivers, oceans and more to show us all the skills we need to read the water around us.

An ode to the life-changing magic of the simple act of walking. 'I've discovered that going for a daily walk has become as essential to me feeling good for the rest of the day as that first cup of tea. But I would argue that all I am doing is responding to a natural need we all have. Humans have always been migrants, the physiological urge to be nomadic is deep-rooted in all of us and perhaps because of that our brains are stimulated by walking. I solve all sorts of problems, formulate ideas, work things out to that gentle rhythm of self-propelled movement.' - Kate Humble Thinking on My Feet tells the story of Kate's walking year - shining a light on the benefits of this simple activity. Kate's inspiring narrative not only records her walks (and runs) throughout a single year, but also charts her feelings and impressions throughout - capturing the perspectives that only a journey on foot allows - and shares the outcomes: a problem solved, a mood lifted, an idea or opportunity borne. As she explores the reasons why we walk, whether for creative energy, challenge and pleasure, or therapeutic benefits, Kate's reflections and insights will encourage, motivate and spur readers into action. Also featured are Kate's walks with others who have discovered the magical, soothing effect of putting one foot in front of the other - the artist who walks to find inspiration for his next painting; the man who takes people battling with addiction to climb mountains; the woman who walked every footpath in Wales (3,700 miles) when she discovered she had cancer. This book will inspire you to change your perspective by applying walking to your daily endeavours.

The perfect companions for exploring the National Parks. Walking guide to the Broads National Park, with 20 best routes chosen by the park rangers. Each walk varies in length from 2 to 10 km and can be completed in less than 4 hours. 20 best routes chosen and written by National Park rangers Walks from 2 to 10km Detailed description for each walk with highlights clearly marked on the map along with an accompanying map and photographs General information about the National Park plus basic advice on walking This and the Broads National Park Pocket Map (ISBN: 9780008439156) are the perfect companions for exploring this superb walking area of East Anglia.

The Scratch Off Adrenaline Junkie map is the perfect gift for all kind of thrill-seekers. Do you constantly crave living life on the edge or know someone who is a complete adventure addict? This colourful map details a stunning range of extreme sports activities, adrenaline-fuelled challenges and some quirky, yet fun bucket list items you will definitely want to scratch off. Simply grab a coin, and when you've completed your own personal adventure, scratch it off the map and move on to the next one. Skill is not a barrier as we've got everything from skydiving to cheese rolling and many activities in between.

Over his 25 years teaching, Steve has built a reputation as a teacher that inspires his pupils and those around him. He has taken on epic adventures around the world - to the Arctic wilderness, jungles, deserts, to the summit of some of the highest mountains in the world and even to the North Pole - all with the aim of inspiring his pupils and showing them that we can make our dreams come true. Along the way, with the help of his pupils, he has raised over GBP200,000 for charity. This has led him to being awarded an MBE from the Queen, winning a National Teacher of the Year Award, being named Inspirational Teacher of the Year, Happiest School Teacher of the Year and becoming an official ambassador for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. In What's Next Sir? Steve shares details of these amazing adventures and the life lessons he has learned along the way. A motivational, inspirational, and entertaining read for all ages.

If you want to ride like a pro, you should learn from a pro! In Mastering Mountain Bike Skills, Third Edition, world-champion racer Brian Lopes and renowned riding coach Lee McCormack share their elite perspectives, real-life race stories, and their own successful techniques to help riders of all styles and levels build confidence and experience the full exhiliration of the sport. Mastering Mountain Bike Skills is the best-selling guide for all mountain biking disciplines, including enduro, pump track racing, dual slalom, downhill, cross-country, fatbiking, and 24-hour races. It absolutely captures the sport and offers everything you need to maximize performance and excitement on the trail. Learn how to select the proper bike and customize it for your unique riding style. Develop a solid skills base so you can execute techniques with more power and precision. Master the essential techniques to help you carve every corner, nail every jump, and conquer every obstacle in your path. Last, but not least, prepare yourself to handle every type of weather and trail condition that the mountain biking world throws at you. Whether you're a recreational rider looking to rock the trails with friends, are a seasoned enthusiast, or are aspiring to be a top pro, Mastering Mountain Bike Skills will improve your ride and dust the competition. Don't just survive the trail-own the trail, and enjoy the thrill of doing it.

In an age when people are in search of new and more fulfilling experiences to replace screens and bring families together, this book explores 100 ways to connect with nature and discover the benefits of forest fun. From bushcraft activities like whittling and firelighting to spiritual pursuits like forest bathing and meditation, forest educator Jennifer Davis has brought together activities for people of all ages, helping them to connect with their forests and woodlands, while discovering the healing and restorative benefits of a life lived outdoors.

In the 1960s, Iona and Peter Opie observed that although many books had been written about how children should play, none had been written about how they actually played. To fill the gap they carried out an exhaustive survey, through the decade, of the games that children 'in fact play' when aged roughly between six and twelve years of age, and when outdoors -- and usually when out of sight. The result was their classic work 'Children's Games in Street and Playground'. It records games played in streets, parks, playgrounds and wastelands by more than 10,000 children from the Shetland Isles to the Channel Islands, although the majority of the information comes from children living in big cities such as London, Liverpool, Bristol and Glasgow. In all, around 125 games are described in detail, including the rhymes and sayings children repeat while playing them, together with the different names they are called. Brief historical notes are also included where relevant. There are important lessons to be learned from this book about giving children the time and physical space to be themselves with other children. Previously published as 'Children's Games in Street and Playground, Volume 1' and 'Volume 2'.

Norway has long been an insider tip among road lovers. The Trollstigen is often mentioned in the same breath as legendary passes all over the world. It's important to know that whether you move on two wheels or four, there is so much more to discover here. Curves has set out in search of the absolute highlights and presents exactly that here: breath-taking views, endless winding roads, and gastronomic highlights - all combined to create a travel guide of a very special kind. Norway is presented here as you certainly don't know it - yet! Text in English and German. Also available: Curves: Germany's Coastline | Denmark ISBN 9783667110909

Winner: Mountain Literature (Non Fiction) The Jon Whyte Award, Banff Mountain Book Competition 2019 Waymaking is an anthology of prose, poetry and artwork by women who are inspired by wild places, adventure and landscape. Published in 1961, Gwen Moffat's Space Below My Feet tells the story of a woman who shirked the conventions of society and chose to live a life in the mountains. Some years later in 1977, Nan Shepherd published The Living Mountain, her prose bringing each contour of the Cairngorm mountains to life. These pioneering women set a precedent for a way of writing about wilderness that isn't about conquering landscapes, reaching higher, harder or faster, but instead about living and breathing alongside them, becoming part of a larger adventure. The artists in this inspired collection continue Gwen and Nan's legacies, redressing the balance of gender in outdoor adventure literature. Their creativity urges us to stop and engage our senses: the smell of rain-soaked heather, wind resonating through a col, the touch of cool rock against skin, and most importantly a taste of restoring mind, body and spirit to a former equanimity. With contributions from adventurers including Alpinist magazine editor Katie Ives, multi-award-winning author Bernadette McDonald, adventurers Sarah Outen and Anna McNuff, renowned filmmaker Jen Randall and many more, Waymaking is an inspiring and pivotal work published in an era when wilderness conservation and gender equality are at the fore.

In the heart of the city of Phoenix, Arizona, sits the natural wonder of South Mountain Park and Preserve. It is an oasis of mountain terrain and desert landscapes, comprising more than ninety miles of hiking trails in over sixteen thousand acres, easily accessible to the residents and visitors of the fifth-largest city in the United States. Longtime Phoenix resident and outdoor enthusiast Andrew Lenartz guides readers through the extensive history of the park; the park's ecosystem, with an overview of the plants, animals, landscape, and topography of the Sonoran Desert environment; the many trails in each of the four sections of South Mountain Park; and a variety of other outdoor activities found within the park. Designed for all ages, the trail maps and descriptions note access points, facilities, elevation gain, and level of difficulty, pointing the way for all hikers to enjoy their trek. A true southwestern treasure, this all-inclusive guide encourages readers to discover the nature and adventure available in this massive outdoor playground.

The Sunnmore Alps are in western Norway. This is a unique area with majestic peaks and alpine mountain formations rising straight from the sea to a height of 1,500-1,700 metres. From the rugged peaks you can look across a fantastic alpine landscape and then stare straight down into deep fjords. From the coast you can look towards the open sea that stretches all the way to the eastern seaboard of America. This book gives you all the information you need to enjoy skiing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, paragliding, diving and more in Sunnmore. What is so unique about this part of Norway is the huge variety of outdoor experiences you can find within such short distances - within a radius of just 30 kilometers. The contrasts are quite fantastic; from surfing at Stad to kayaking at Runde, climbing in Molladalen, skiing down Slogen, cycling in Valldalen, longboarding in Geiranger, diving in Lygnstoylvatnet and para-gliding above the Sunnmore Alps. Each activity is presented in a chapter of its own with five to fifteen trips per activity.We present different levels of difficulty within each activity, from the very easy to the more demanding. You will also find a separate chapter on travel and accommodation in Sunnmore.

This book is the story of James Baxter's 2700 kilometre ski up the entire length of Norway, followed by his 3100 kilometre kayak down the whole of Norway's coast. This eight month journey took him through Europe's most pristine natural wonders; the empty snow-covered spine of Scandinavia's mountain chain, the Arctic taiga forests and tundra, the busy seabird colonies in the Barents Sea, the daunting seas of the Arctic Ocean and the magnificent fjords of the Atlantic coast were just some of the wonders encountered. Through the four seasons of this breathtaking land, James unfolds his story as he slowly passes through it, solely under his own steam. Sheltering during storms and journeying through abundant good weather, he is immersed into the ebb and flow of nature as if on a pilgrimage. Yet there are many encounters with the personalities of the rich rural cultures and communities scattered across this wilderness. The book is intended to be both a narrative and a guide. The entire 6200 kilometres of the outdoor expedition has been split into 35 sections.Each section is around 200 kilometres, or a week's duration, and many are a very good ski or kayak in their own right; such as Hardangervidda, Jotunheimen or Kungsleden on skis or Nordkapp, Vestfjorden or Helgelandskysten in a kayak. The chapters are not only to inspire a journey, but are also valuable to help plan it, as there is much information about local conditions, natural features and logistics for each section to be gleaned from the story itself. This book is a must for any outdoor enthusiast planning a visit to Scandinavia. The book is not only an account of James' entire expedition but also delves into a wide spectrum of observations about rural communities, local economies, farming and even regional politics, and of course the continual commentary about the extraordinary natural features, geology, fauna and flora which surprised and delighted him at every corner. The book is richly illustrated with over 800 colour photographs throughout to illuminate the text.

For outdoor adventurers who hike, fish, kayak, cross-country ski, or mountain bike in the backcountry, a GPS receiver can help them reach their destination and return safely -- but only if they know how to use it! Here is the guide to getting the most out of a GPS receiver, from basic consumer advice to advanced techniques. It even includes fun solo and team games that utilize GPS. Starting with essential definitions and moving on to creating waypoints, and using your GPS with a computer, this succinct book teaches the basics of navigation and outdoor GPS use. Advanced techniques are covered, such as creating custom maps, and new technologies are discussed, including using GPS-enabled mobile phones, and how to use GPS with Google Earth and Google Maps. With years of experience as a GPS instructor, Hinch is well-versed in all aspects of navigation and GPS use, and he covers them in a jargon-free, easy-to-follow style.

Do you remember those unexpected, gloriously lazy days of childhood, where time seemed to stretch out forever? Zoe Lake is passionate about making such days happen for today's children. Zoe loves creating something out of nothing and planning mini adventures with her persistently dancing daughter - maybe building a mighty fort, getting artistic with a camera or paintbrush, or perhaps cooking up tasty treats for tea. In Adventures at Home she shares 40 brilliant ways to fill your family's days with fun, without spending much money or leaving your home, by engaging with nature and your immediate environment. All you need is a bit of time and imagination to create memorable moments together - indoors and out - that will stay with you for a lifetime.