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.

In May 2015 Weg/Go journalist Erns Grundling was disillusioned with love, life and himself. Then he decided to embark on a life-changing journey, undertaking a solo walk along the Camino, the famous Spanish pilgrimage – despite being illprepared, overweight, unfit and nursing an injury.

Walk it Off recounts Erns’s 1 025 kilometre journey, completed in 40 days without cell phone, camera or watch, so that he could rediscover what it means to truly live in the moment.

He falls in love (three and a half times), meets a fellow pilgrim who’s his doppelganger, experiences numerous adventures and comes across a series of colourful characters. In the process he sheds 10 kilograms and undergoes an inner transformation.

Walk it Off is something out of the ordinary – a travelogue and memoir, and a life-affirming adventure story that will inspire readers to put on their walking shoes and dare to venture where they haven’t gone before.

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.

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:

• Distance and average hiking time
• Facilities, accommodation and activities available
• Points of interest and notes on flora and fauna

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.

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 guidebook to UK's ultimate challenge walk, the End to End, describes a 1956km (1215 mile) walking route from Land's End in Cornwall to John o' Groats in Scotland's far north - the two points on mainland Britain that are the furthest apart. The recommended route avoids road walking as much as possible and frequently takes advantage of existing long-distance trails, including the South West Coast Path, Pennine Way and West Highland Way. Passing through remote terrain at times and keeping to the hills where practical, it is intended for experienced hill-walkers. The guide includes route description and maps, concentrating on the 'gaps' between the major long-distance trails covered in other Cicerone guides. There is also a wealth of advice to help you prepare for and undertake your walk, covering equipment, safety, supplies and facilities. Notes on history, geography and local sights, along with anecdotes from those who have successfully completed the journey, add interest and inspiration. The route is presented in 61 daily stages (each averaging around 32km), divided into 6 sections; an alternative three-month schedule is also provided. The End to End Trail promises a magnificent adventure through some of the best the British countryside can offer, and a unique sense of achievement on completion of your walk.

Malcolm Leatherdale has chosen 15 of the best short walks around Winchester and central Hampshire 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 history, 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.

Guidebook to 45 graded circular walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park, perfect for those wishing to discover the diversity of the region, away from the crowds. The routes range from 4 to 24km and cover the north-eastern, eastern and south-western valleys and ridges, Fforest Fawr, Waterfall Country, the Black Mountain (Mynydd Du) and the Black Mountains (y Mynyddoedd Duon). Designed to include all the interesting facts an expert park ranger would provide, the guide contains a wealth of information about local geology, botany, archaeology, history, mythology, industrial heritage and environmental issues. Clear route description is illustrated with 1:50,000 OS Landranger mapping, summary statistics are provided for each walk and handy tables make it easy to compare routes or choose according to points of interest. A useful Welsh-English glossary is also included to help you make sense of local place-names. A remarkably varied landscape, the Brecon Beacons National Park showcases some of the best scenery in Wales. The walks take in mountain peaks and ridges, waterfalls, wooded river gorges and remote upland valleys, with highlights including Pen y Fan, the highest peak in south Wales, and the spectacular Sgwd Gwladus (White Lady Falls), Sgwd yr Eira and Sgwd Clun-gwyn waterfalls. Picturesque market towns on the edges of the park, such as Llandovery, Brecon, Crickhowell and Abergavenny, are also great places to explore and ideal bases for a walking holiday.

Guidebook to walking Hampshire's Test Way, a 44 mile (71km) route from Inkpen Beacon to the Eling Tide Mill near Southampton Water. The walk, which is described over eight stages, takes in many of the region's natural, historical and architectural delights, from the ever famous 'Sprat and Winkle' railway to the River Test itself - a stunning example of the exceedingly rare chalk stream. Each stage (they range in length from 3 to 8.5 miles) is described clearly and concisely, and is accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping. Worth its weight in your backpack, the guide also includes information on the history, geology and landscape of the Test Valley, as well as practical information on accommodation and transport. Additionally, it describes 15 circular walks in the Test Valley, which vary in length from 3.75 miles (6km) to 8.5 miles (13.75km). The Test Way passes through areas of intriguing history and remarkable natural beauty. There are sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as well as Iron Age hill forts, medieval churches, age old abbeys, relics from a long passed railway era and quaint villages brimming with thatch and flint and individual 'hostelries' to match. It is a walk well suited to history and geology enthusiasts, and certainly a must for anyone interested in the iconic Sprat and Winkle railway.

This guidebook describes the Cape Wrath Trail, a long-distance trek from Fort William to Cape Wrath crossing the wild northwest of the Scottish Highlands. The route is described from south to north in 14 stages, with 6 alternative stages along the way, allowing for a flexible itinerary of between two and three weeks. A long tough trek with no waymarking, this is for the tried and tested backpacker. The guidebook includes OS mapping, route profiles and detailed route descriptions and gives you all the information you need about accommodation (including hotels, bothies, B&Bs and bunkhouses), campsites and amenities en route, to help you plan and prepare for this epic challenge. The Cape Wrath Trail is regarded as the toughest long-distance route in Britain and offers unparalleled freedom and adventure to the experienced and self-sufficient backpacker prepared to walk for many days in remote wilderness. Travelling through the wild and rugged landscapes of Morar, Knoydart, Torridon and Assynt, it will test the limits of your endurance.

This guidebook describes 30 walking routes along the Devon-Dorset coast. The majority of the routes hug the shoreline between Torbay and Swanage, while others venture inland on the Dorset Downs. The walks range in length from 3 to 20 miles (5 to 33km) and are suitable for most walkers, with shorter routes alongside plenty of more challenging, full-day hikes. As well as detailed descriptions for every walk, accompanied by OS maps, there are details on available parking, points of interest along the way and advice on the terrain covered. The guide has been divided into areas: Devon's Red Beds, the Lias, Chesil Beach, Chalk walks (Lulworth and inland) and the Isle of Purbeck. The geological descriptions are accompanied by strata diagrams, geological timelines, explanations of the creation of the various sedimentary rocks along the coast, and discussion of how and why the various formations formed millennia ago. The incredible - yet readable - detail brings these walks and the landscape alive. The Jurassic Coast of Devon and Dorset, stretching between Exeter and Bournemouth, is a geological wonderland. Natural wonders like Chesil Beach, Durdle Door and fossils so numerous you'll be tripping over them, combine with southern England's rolling Downs, tiny villages, beaches and sunny summers to provide a stunning and awe-inspiring landscape to explore.

Our authors have chosen 15 of the best short walks around Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere 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 presents 25 varied walks exploring London's green and open spaces. Covering both the city centre and the Greater London area, it takes in royal parks, heaths, forests, canals and rivers, including Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, the World Heritage site of Kew Gardens and Wimbledon Common. Walks range from 4 to 14 miles and most can be accessed by public transport. Alongside detailed route descriptions and OS mapping, the book features practical information on parking, public transport and refreshments. Each walk showcases a particular species of wildlife that you might encounter, and there is fascinating background information the history and conservation of the capital's wild spaces. London is a city of 8 million people and 8 million trees, and its vast open spaces are home to 13,000 species of wildlife. This book is an ideal companion to exploring a greener, more gentle side to the city.

Guidebook to 40 circular walks in Norfolk, divided between the northeast coast and the Broads; south Norfolk, the Yare and Waveney; North Norfolk and the Coast; Central Norfolk and Breckland; and West Norfolk and the Fens. All routes are easy to moderate, can be walked year-round and are suitable for walkers of every ability.

• The routes range from 4 to 12 miles, and take between 1.5 and 4 hours
• Easy access from Norwich, King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Cromer
• Some routes use parts of long-distance paths, including the Peddars Way, Norfolk Coast Path, Boudica's Way and Weavers Way
• OS 1:40,000 mapping and step-by-step descriptions for each walk
• Comprehensive planning information and information on local history, plants and wildlife
• The walks take in sandy beaches, shingle banks, watery fenland, ancient woodland and rolling pastoral farmland

At around 4500km (2800 miles), the England Coast Path is the longest coastal trail in the world. This inspirational large-format guide presents a handpicked selection of 30 highlight sections, offering a taste of England's stunning and diverse shoreline. Routes range from 9 to 45km, spanning between 3 hours and 2 days, offering options to suit all abilities. They can be accessed by public transport and are walkable year round (weather permitting!). Route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 OS map extracts. Included in each walk are comprehensive listings of public transport, toilets and places to eat and drink, which highlight the excellent walking infrastructure available in many areas. Overview information on terrain, distance and timing facilitates easy planning, a route summary table helps you to choose an appropriate route, and there are also GPX files available for free download. Fascinating snippets of history and geology are interspersed throughout, and the appendices contain useful websites and further reading. Incorporating beautiful photography of England's coastline, the guide will encourage you to explore both well-loved and less well-known parts of the English shoreline, from soaring cliffs to wildlife-rich estuaries, from huge golden beaches to atmospheric marshes. Capturing the rich heritage and glorious contrasts of England's coast, the routes offer something for everyone, whether your passion is for escape or adventure, geology or nature, castles or culture. The sea has defined England's history and the coast is a dynamic and exciting place to walk, so let these 30 routes introduce you to great walking by the sea on England's newest National Trail.

A guidebook to 30 circular Cotswolds walks in the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. Fourteen of the routes include sections of the Cotswold Way National Trail, a 102-mile walk that winds its way from Chipping Campden to Bath. Covering 790 square miles, the Cotswolds is home to lush green hills, picturesque valleys and beautiful beech woodlands. The impressive Edge - a remarkable limestone escarpment - offers ethereal views across the Vales of the Severn, Berkeley and Gloucester to the Malverns and the distant mountains of Wales. Ranging from 4 to 12 miles in length, the routes are graded from easy to strenuous, offering something for every walker. Step-by-step route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 mapping. There is plenty of information on the many points of interest passed en route, including Roman ruins, ancient stone circles, Neolithic long barrows and historic villages. Also included is a useful route table summary, information on accommodation, and details on the region's geology, landscape, plants and wildlife.