Calming to the soul and good for us all, spending time outdoors offers us precious breathing space away from the stresses and strains of modern life. This inspirational guide celebrates the life enhancing effect of nature and encourages you to try the pursuits that would have been second nature to previous generations - from walking in the dark with only the light of the moon and stars to guide you, to wild swimming, forest bathing and sleeping under canvas. It will inspire you to re-discover the joy of sky and clouds, night and tides, stars and silence. Photography by Finn Beales

The ultimate guide to family woodland fun!Forest School is founded on a philosophy of nature-based play encouraging children to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. This book will get your children outside, making and building for real (instead of on a computer screen!). Whether your local woodland is a forest or a strip of trees along the edge of an urban park, these activities provide fantastic opportunities for family time and will encourage your children to fall in love with outdoor play again. This is the first book to share Forest School games, crafts and skill-building activities with families, its magical illustrations and simple instructions drawing children easily into a world of wonder. * Be a fox tracking its prey, a moth evading a bat, a rabbit fleeing a forest fire!* Make a working bow and arrow, spectacular headdresses, beautiful woodland jewellery, magic wands - all with materials gathered from the forest floor.* Learn wilderness survival skills: build a shelter, make fire, forage and cook wild food.

Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2012. On October 14, 1989, driven by one of the most intense and lasting two-man rivalries in any sport, a pair of generational talents at the height of their powers ran a race that redefined human limits. The battle between Dave Scott and Mark Allen at the 13th Hawaii Ironman stands as one of the most dramatic stories in the history of athletics. The two greatest athletes of triathlon's pioneering generation raced side by side, literally, for eight straight hours at breakneck speed before Allen finally tore away from his longtime nemesis with less than two miles left in the 140.6-mile event. His margin of victory was a scant 58 seconds. So intense was the drama, the race came to be known as 'Iron War' - the single most awe-inspiring sporting event ever witnessed. More than a compelling story, Iron War is a fascinating exploration of how Scott and Allen pushed themselves and each other - and what it takes for anyone to break through perceived limits. Much as Christopher McDougall added depth to Born to Run by tying in new research on the evolutionary origins of humans as runners, Iron War shows how new discoveries in neuroscience explain how some elite athletes are able to literally will their bodies to do things that should be beyond their capacities. The book weaves an examination of the anatomy of mental toughness into a gripping tale of athletic adventure. With its emotional and intellectual depth, Iron War is a captivating and thought-provoking portrait of the human will..

"Outdoor Recreation in America" is back--fully revised and updated, with significant new material based on current statistics from a number of sources, including the latest U.S. Census Bureau and the latest National Survey on the Environment. Now in its sixth edition, this book continues to lead the way in its comprehensive coverage of issues in this growing field.

First published in 1970, "Outdoor Recreation in America" has had a major impact in the classroom and in the field's scholarly and professional literature. Author Clayne R. Jensen is a noted authority and pioneer in the field, and in this latest edition he is joined by Steven P. Guthrie. Dr. Guthrie is a founder and past president of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education and a member of the editorial committee for the "Journal of Experiential Education." Together the authors take this classic text into the new century by

-enabling readers to understand the value and challenges of preserving and properly using existing resources for present and future generations;

-providing a balanced perspective between the outdoor recreation interests of individuals and the management of natural resources used for recreational purposes; and

-presenting timely information and discussion questions to challenge students about American outdoor recreation.

The following are significant additions to this edition:

-New data and figures

-Greater emphasis on outdoor recreation leadership

-Discussions of funding sources for natural resource protection and parks

-Expanded chapters on wilderness, the national park system, national forests, and education for outdoor recreation and professional development

-New or greatly revised chapters on concepts and terms, participation, history, the national park system, national forests, other land or water management agencies, state and local involvement, the role of private commercial and nonprofit providers, environmental quality, and concepts and challenges in resource management

-Attention to information and trends for adventure education, programming, and leadership; outdoor environmental education; and interpretation

-New student-friendly features including key points and discussion questions at the end of each chapter to help students grasp key concepts and expand their critical thinking on the issues

-Extensive current references and Web sites that provide additional information and extend the learning for readers

Part I presents the meaning, concepts, history, benefits, and values of outdoor recreation. It also looks at influences and trends in participation and explores the issues and impact that lifestyle trends have on outdoor recreation. Part II focuses on natural resources, including land, water, and wildlife, and considers concepts of resource management.

Part III examines the roles of state and federal agencies, including the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, federal land and water management systems, and numerous state agencies. Part IV details the impact of local government and the private and nonprofit sector on outdoor recreation. Part V provides a synthesis of the challenges for the 21st century in the area of resources, planning, environmental issues, and the role of outdoor education.

"Outdoor Recreation in America, Sixth Edition, " is an essential introductory text for university courses in outdoor recreation and natural resource management. Written in a friendly style, the book includes more than 180 photos, maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, and tables. It provides both theoretical foundations and practical information so that students can gain an expansive awareness of, and insight into, the impact and role of outdoor recreation from its beginnings in America to the present.

Studies in Outdoor Recreation has long been a standard text in courses on parks and outdoor recreation and serves as an invaluable reference for park and recreation managers. The first book to integrate the social science literature on outdoor recreation, it reviews studies from this broad, interdisciplinary field and synthesizes them into a body of knowledge, providing an historical perspective on outdoor recreation research and developing its practical management implications.This fourth edition is revised to reflect current research and new concerns in the field. An essential resource for students, scholars, and professionals, Studies in Outdoor Recreation explores the theoretical and methodological issues in outdoor recreation and describes the management implications of outdoor recreation research. Contributors to the fourth edition include Megha Budruk, Kelly Goonan, Jeffrey Hallo, Daniel Laven, Steven Lawson, Rebecca Stanfield McCown, Laura Anderson McIntyre, Ben Minteer, Peter Newman, Elizabeth Perry, Peter Pettengill, Nathan Reigner, William Valliere, Carena Van Riper, and Xiao Xiao.

The best-selling Hidden Beaches series travels to Spain to discover its secret coastline and islands. Perfect for family explorers or campervan adventurers, this stunning travel book combines dazzling photography and engaging writing with all the practical information you'll need to get off the beaten track, including maps, directions, GPS coordinates and walk-in times, plus recommendations for boat trips, adventures and the best campsites and eateries. * Snorkel in the pristine Cies Islands, Spain's own Caribbean * Discover the mythical secret cove of Atlantis in Ibiza * Swim with dolphins and watch whales in the Gulf of Cadiz * Jump from cliffs into natural sea pools in Cantabria * Eat paellas, sea scallops and lobster stews in Andalucia * Hike across mountains to wild deserted coves in Costa Almeria * Follow smugglers' paths to hidden coves & caves in Costa Brava * Swim and kayak through sea caves in Mallorca * Find turquoise water and shell white sand in Menorca Spain's 5000km coastline is free to roam, and it has the richest flora and fauna in Europe. Shun the tourist hot spots and find easy-to-access local secrets, as well as some of the most beautiful wilderness coastlines in the world. Includes information about local geography and culture, plus 450 photographs and 17 detailed locator maps.

'A wonderfully fluent account of how the strange magic of water and the beings that inhabit it can enchant and intoxicate' Chris Yates '[Will Millard] writes with a genuine sense of humility (...) humour and reflection' Kevin Parr, Countryfile *** Growing up on the Cambridgeshire Fens, Will Millard never felt more at home than when he was out with his granddad on the riverbank, whiling away the day catching fish. As he grew older his competitive urge to catch more and bigger fish led him away from that natural connection between him, his grandfather and the rivers of his home. That is, until the fateful day he let a record-breaking sand eel slip through his fingers and he knew that he had lost the magic of those days down by the river, and that something had to change. The Old Man and the Sand Eel is at its heart the story of three generations of men trying to figure out what it is to be a man, a father and a fisherman. It plots Will's scaly stepping stones back to his childhood innocence, when anything was possible and the wild was everywhere. *** 'Delightful and informative (...) beautifully drawn' The Spectator '[Will Millard] is a master wordsmith and his first book is a joyful testament to that' Isabelle Broom, Heat 'The writing is sharp and clever (...) I loved all of it and would as happily read it again as I would sit beside the river waiting for the evening rise of trout to begin' Tom Fort, Literary Review 'This is post-modern nature writing that embraces beauty where it finds it and marvels at nature's tenacity (...) But there's more here than just fish. This is also a book about growing up, about how to retain a connection with those who raised you while forging your own identity - what to keep and what to discard. And it's about men. The strong surges of emotion that both draw them together and keep them apart, and the shared pastimes which recognise that intimacy and meaning aren't always accompanied by words' Olivia Edward, Geographical

This book is both a lesson in true grit and determination, but its goal is one that is attainable. Andy isn't a sporting superstar, he holds down a 9-5 job and all the pressures that go with it; he isn't blessed with speed and talent; there are no multi-million pound sponsorship deals; yet this remarkable "common man" is inspiring in a way that some of today's sporting superstars have forgotten how to be. You wouldn't recognize Andy in the street, yet his story provides valuable lessons to us all: "Never give up" and "Anything is possible." "Can't Swim, Can't Ride, Can't Run" follows Andy Holgate's epic journey from being an overweight librarian to an Ironman triathlete. Before he could even begin the rollercoaster ride which amassed more punctures than Andy cares to remember, this would-be Superman had first to buy a second-hand bike and take swimming lessons. Along the way, he ended up in hospital, dealt with family crises, encountered crocodiles and deadly amoebas, and persuaded his friends that doing an Ironman event is what normal people do on their stag weekend. This is the inspirational, amusing and moving story of how one normal bloke learnt how to fall off a bike and not injure himself, to run a marathon despite two dodgy knees, and most importantly how not to drown.

North Wales Scrambles - a guide to 50 of the best mountain scrambles in Snowdonia - now in a traditional, pocket-sized hardback cover. This 2nd edition of the book contains detailed route descriptions for each of the fifty selected scrambles (a handful of which have minor revisions), along with colour topos and new bespoke maps to help with route finding. The guide maintains its easy-to-use format and is supplemented with 98 photographs showcasing Snowdonia's stunning mountain scenery. All the well-known classic scrambles of the area are included, such as the North Ridge of Tryfan and the traverse of Crib Goch. The book also features a selection of excellent 'off the beaten track' scrambles - routes that take the reader to the less-frequented cliffs and cwms of Snowdonia.The selection of scrambles ranges from easy ridge routes, suitable for beginners, right up to challenging outings for the more experienced on the bigger cliffs of Glyder Fach and Lliwedd. Extensively researched over a period of three years by local climbing instructor Garry Smith, the book has been written, produced and printed in Wales.

The ultimate antidote to screen time - outdoor play with your kids! Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a Forest School leader or anyone else looking after children, this invaluable guide to nature-based play is full of ideas to get kids outdoors, learning about and connecting with nature, developing new skills and having fun. These new Forest School crafts, games and survival activities are all themed around the elements of earth, air, fire and water, with an underlying message of sustainability and wonder at the amazing web of life. For earth, make a mud slide, try Bogolan mud painting on cloth, or hurl mud missiles at a moving target. For air, make a bullroarer or a whistle, build a kite and fly it, or predict the weather by reading the clouds. For fire, dig a Dakota fire pit, make a bug-repellent torch or learn how to navigate using a shadow stick. For water, mix natural dyes, build and test a rainproof den, or drink foraged birch twig tea from a crafted log cup. There are also four magical stories to tell the children - one for each of the elements -guaranteed to spark their imagination.

365 inspirational suggestions for enjoying nature. These 'Random Acts of Wildness' will encourage you to fall in love with, learn about or even help wildlife and wild places near you. A Random Act of Wildness is any little thing that you can do as part of your day, to enjoy nature. It can take a few seconds - like smelling a wildflower on the way to work; or a few hours - like creating a whole area for wildlife in your garden. Some Random Acts of Wildness don't take any time at all, but instead are little changes to your daily routine that will ultimately be better for wildlife, like buying a reusable coffee cup. The best Random Acts of Wildness immerse you (if only for a few seconds) in nature, setting your senses alight. Smelling freshly fallen rain, tasting the sweet explosion of a fresh blackberry as you pop it in your mouth, wriggling your toes in the icy waters of a stream, waking up to bird song. It's not just about seeing, but experiencing the wild in every way possible. Let this beautifully photographed adventure guide inspire you and help you to discover your 'wildest' life.

This guidebook describes 21 mountain biking routes in central and southern Scotland. It includes the 7stanes trail centre in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as cross-country routes in the Campsie Fells, Pentland Hills and Lammermuirs, the Galloway Forest, Tweed Valley, Cheviots and Lowther Hills. The routes range from 17 to 66km and are graded from moderate to very hard. Taking between 2 and 7 hours to complete, they are intended for reasonably fit mountain bikers with at least some experience. Detailed route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping, and the selected routes set out from various points across the area, including Greenock, Glentrool, Peebles and Milngavie, with good access from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. The guidebook also gives an overview of what the region's MTB trail centres have to offer, including the famous 7stanes trail centre, along with advice on equipment, maintenance and safety. Southern and Central Scotland is renowned for its superlative MTB trail centres, but the region's rolling hill country is also traversed by an extensive network of tracks, paths, forest roads and other trails providing endless possibilities for 'free range' mountain biking.

The cutting edge in medical training for wilderness rescue and self care "Wilderness First Responder" is a comprehensive text for the recognition, treatment, and prevention of backcountry emergencies. It's essential reading for wilderness educators, trip leaders, guides, search and rescue groups, and anyone who works or plays far from definitive medical care. This invaluable resource includes expert, step-by-step instructions, clear illustrations, and "Signs and Symptoms" sidebars designed to help anyone provide immediate care in the wilderness--whenever they are more than an hour away from an ambulance or a hospital. It shows how to conduct a patient assessment, improvise when ideal materials are not handy, and decide whether or not to evacuate a patient. Readers will learn how to assess and treat: Airway obstructions Cardiac arrest External and internal bleeding Shock Spine injuries Head injuries Chest injuries Abdominal injuries Fractures and dislocations Athletic injuries Soft-tissue injuries Cold- or heat-induced injuries Altitude sickness Insect bites & stings Diabetic emergencies Poisoning emergenciesAllergic reactions and anaphylaxisAnd much, much more

This guidebook to mountain biking routes in West and North West Scotland describes 25 MTB routes north of the Great Glen, Covering a large geographical area, including Fort William, Rannoch Moor, Glen Spean, Ben Nevis, Sutherland, Torridon and Skye, the routes give a real flavour of the variety of different bike riding available. The routes range from 19.5km to 73.25km, graded moderate to very hard. Many are long and committing, so good preparation and fitness are essential, and in some cases a willingness to "hike and bike". Each route has a clear and detailed route description along with 1:50,000 OS mapping and a height profile. All routes have key information, including distance on and off-road, ascent, grade, time and the nearest pub and cafe. There is also advice on equipment, planning and preparation, and maintenance, before you hit the trails. Scotland is rightly regarded as one of the world's top mountain bike destinations, with magnificent riding and stunning scenery. From the self-proclaimed Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William, to the majesty of the Outdoor Hebrides, this guide you will access some of the wildest and remote parts of Scotland, offering scintillating single track, challenging descents, incredible mountain vistas and many rewarding days in the saddle.