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Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Active outdoor pursuits > Walking, hiking, trekking
The Wales Coast Path offers an unparalleled opportunity to walk a
nation's coastline in its entirety. Stretching 1400km (870 miles)
from Chester to Chepstow, including Anglesey, the waymarked trail
takes 2-3 months to complete but can easily be broken into shorter
sections. The walking is generally not difficult, although there
are occasional rugged sections, steep ascents and descents and more
remote stretches with fewer facilities. Promising fantastic scenery
and a unique insight into local history and culture, what better
way to experience the diversity and beauty of Wales' captivating
coastline? The route is presented in 57 stages, ranging from 16 to
32km, each featuring clear route description illustrated with
1:100,000 mapping, overview statistics and notes on the
availability of accommodation, facilities and public transport
links. You'll find plenty of helpful advice for planning your walk,
plus background information on Welsh history, geology, plants,
wildlife and local points of interest. A facilities table, Welsh
glossary and useful contacts can be found in the appendices.
Passing through the Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire Coast National
Parks, as well as numerous AONBs and sections of Heritage Coast,
the Wales Coast Path takes in seaside resorts, attractive fishing
villages, sandy beaches, rocky coves and striking cliff coastline.
Highlights include the picturesque Llyn and Gower peninsulas,
13th-century 'Iron Ring' castles and frequent opportunities for
wildlife spotting. The route can be linked with Offa's Dyke Path
National Trail (covered in a separate Cicerone guide) to complete a
full circuit of Wales.
This guidebook offers all the information walkers need to enjoy the
338km (210 miles) of the Severn Way. Beginning at the River
Severn's source in Powys, mid-Wales, the route follows the entire
Severn Valley, meandering through many superb landscapes and
interesting towns and villages before finishing near Bristol, in
south-west England. The step-by-step route description is divided
into four county sections, accompanied by OS map extracts and
packed with historical and geographical information about the
places along the way. Also includes a route to the source of the
river via Plynlimon and a link route from Severn Beach back to
Bristol at the end. The River Severn pulls together threads of
history, trade, commerce, civil war and the lives of ordinary folk
to produce a tapestry that is finely woven and rich in colour. That
walkers should want to trace its course, its many twists and turns,
is hardly surprising, not least because of its capacity to offer
countless challenges and plentiful delights. Walking the Severn Way
is a chance to get away from it all and relax without having to
resort to distant mountain regions.
Walk the Camino Ingles or `English Way' from the Spanish seaport
cities of A Coruna or Ferrol on the path long-trodden by British
pilgrims arriving by sea. This lesser-known Camino route showcases
the misty forests and enigmatic culture of Galicia, and can be
walked in 4-7 days. With full-color stage maps and city maps,
you'll always know where you and where you're going. Detailed
accommodations listings show everything you need to know about
pilgrim hostels (albergues) as well as private accommodations for
each budget. Planning and route tips keep you informed, in a
pocket-sized book with no fluff.
Guide to 106 scrambling routes in the south of the English Lake
District, covering Langdale, Coniston, Eskdale, Patterdale &
High Street. A comprehensive collection of scrambles on crags and
gills, which are linked together to form 24 first-class mountain
days. The carefully graded routes range from scrambling grade 1 to
climbing grade V Diff, so there is something for beginners as well
as veteran mountaineers. Rock climbing equipment is needed for more
difficult routes. Each scramble is clearly described with notes
about grade, quality, aspect and approach, with colour maps and
topos to aid navigation. There is information on safety and
equipment, and listings of scrambles by location and grade allow
the reader to assemble their own tailor-made combination of routes.
The Lake District is one of the most scenic areas in the world and
this guide offers new routes in previously unexplored corners of
the region alongside popular classics such as Jack's Rake, Esk
Gorge and Pinnacle Ridge, as well as dramatic gills like Dungeon
and Linkcove Gill. 10 classic rock climbs are also presented
including Giant's Crawl, Middlefell Buttress and Crescent Climb.
This guidebook follows the Rota Vicentina, a 220km walking route
along the stunning Atlantic coastline in the Alentejo and Algarve
regions of Portugal. The 12-stage trek combines two well-marked
routes, the Caminho Historico (the Historical Way) and the Trilho
dos Pescadores (the Fishermen's Trail), to create a hike starting
in Santiago do Cacem and ending at Cabo de Sao Vicente. The guide
also describes an alternative circular route for those who would
prefer an 11-stage loop, moving inland from Odeceixe and back up to
Santiago de Cacem. Whichever route is chosen, the Rota Vicentina is
ideal for a two-week holiday in spring or late summer to autumn,
offering walkers a remarkable range of landscapes from coastal
fishing villages to wooded river valleys. The guidebook includes
advice about accommodation options along the route, information
about the surrounding area, and a glossary of Portuguese terms to
aid with reading signs and maps. Along the Rota Vicentina are many
delights for walkers. This stunning coastal region is home to a
variety of rare birdlife, including white storks that nest
precariously on sea stacks. Another treat is the mouth-watering
Portuguese cuisine, whether the famous custard tarts or less
well-known goose barnacles. With its vibrant cultural traditions
and rich history displayed in Arab-era castles and 15th-century Age
of Discovery sites, this route offers pleasant surprises at every
stage along the Portuguese Atlantic coast.
This guidebook describes the Snowdonia Way in Wales, a
long-distance route through Snowdonia National Park from
Machynlleth to Conwy. A low-level route of 97 miles (in 6 stages of
between 13 and 21 miles) passes through the heart of Snowdonia's
stunning mountain scenery and includes Pass of Aberglaslyn, Ogwen
Valley and Aber Falls. It is suitable for walkers of average
fitness and stamina, though the day stages are long. An alternative
mountain route covers 122 miles in 9 stages of 12-18 miles giving a
spectacular journey over the most famous peaks such as Cadair
Idris, Snowdon and Glyders. The high-level route is more physically
challenging and requires good navigation skills. Full route
descriptions for each stage are accompanied by OS maps and
profiles. The guide also includes lists of accommodation and
transport providers and a table of facilities to help with
itinerary planning. Background notes on Snowdonia's geology,
wildlife and history and extra information about features
encountered along the way will help you discover more about this
ancient and beautiful land.
The Speyside Way runs for 85 miles (136 km) from the fishing port
of Buckie to Newtonmore in the Cairngorms National Park, with an
optional 16-mile spur to Tomintoul via Glenlivet. Following the
lovely valley of the River Spey, you walk through countryside rich
in malt whisky and wildlife, along riverside paths, railway
trackbed and forest and moorland tracks. This fully revised edition
of the essential trail guide is based on several field trips in
2021 to research the newly extended route. It has custom mapping at
1:42,500 and plans of villages and towns along the Way. The book
contains all you need to plan and enjoy your holiday: detailed
mapping of the whole route; the Way step-by-step, with summaries of
distance, terrain and refreshment stops; habitats and wildlife,
including ospreys, dolphins and wildcats; explanation of
whisky-making and distilleries; planning information for travel by
car, train, bus or plane; printed on rainproof paper throughout.
A guidebook to 80 walking routes on Scotland's Northern Isles of
Orkney and Shetland. Routes are described on the islands of Orkney
(Orkney Mainland, Hoy, South Ronaldsay, Burray, Rousay, Eday,
Westray, Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay) and the islands of Shetland
(Shetland Mainland, West Burra, East Burra, Foula, Fair Isle, Isle
of Noss, Bressay, Whalsay, Papa Stour, Muckle Roe, Out Skerries,
Esha Ness, Yell, Fetlar and Unst). Routes vary in length from 1
mile to 16 miles, with something to suit all abilities. Offering a
variety of landscapes together with a wealth of remarkable
archaeological sites such as Skara Brae and Jarlshof, Orkney and
Shetland are a walker's dream. Step-by-step route descriptions are
accompanied by clear OS mapping and a time estimate for completing
each route. The book includes plenty of information on the region's
wildlife, archaeology and history, as well as practical tips such
as when to go, what to take and getting to and around Orkney and
Shetland. Quiet, remote and abounding in rare plants and wildlife,
together with some of the world's most fascinating archaeological
sites, Orkney and Shetland offer a treasure trove of natural and
historic wonders, and makes an ideal walking holiday destination.
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.
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.
The West Highland Way waterproof map from Footprint is a map-guide
to the 95 mile (153km) route between Milngavie and Fort William.
The mapping is based on Ordnance Survey data at a scale of
1:40,000, with compact and concise information for walkers.
They are the best of nights, they are the worst of nights? Bivvying
offers a chance to experience a whole new level of immersion in the
outdoors, with just a lightweight bag between you and the elements.
The Book of the Bivvy provides an informed, humorous, instructive,
wry insight into the world of the bivouac, drawing upon Ronald
Turnbull's own extensive experience. The book is a half-and-half
mix of how to do it and why to do it (or how not to do it and why
not to do it). Accounts of bivvybag nights and expeditions, both
nice and nasty, are interspersed with practical tips about types of
membrane, sites, techniques and minimalist kit. There are stories
and anecdotes from all over the UK, plus a few from abroad. The
rich and colourful history of the bivvy is also explored in
Ronald's own inimitable style, with descriptions of how Diogenes
(the Cynic) bivvied under timber and how the Eigerwand was climbed
only through improved bivvying technique. The Book of the Bivvy is
a celebration of back-to-basic camping, the perfect antidote to our
fast-paced, comfort-based modern life. Honest and entertaining,
there is every chance it will inspire you to find a remote hilltop,
roll out your bag and watch the sunset.
Guidebook to 32 walks in the hills of Shropshire. The walks, which
are graded easy, moderate or hard, range from 3 miles (5km) to 12
miles (19km) and can be walked in all seasons. The selected routes
take in highlights such as The Wrekin, Wenlock Edge, Long Mynd and
Stiperstones, Castle Ring and Bury Ditches. Many routes start near
delightful towns and villages including Church Stretton, Ludlow and
Bishops Castle. Featuring 1:50K OS mapping (shown at 1:40K for
greater clarity), step-by-step route descriptions, as well as
information on accommodation, getting around, bases for the
Shropshire hills and history of the region, the guide details
everything you need to walk in Shropshire - and more. From
Neolithic standing stones, Bronze Age stone circles, and hilltop
forts dating back to the Iron Age, Shropshire offers more than just
picturesque landscapes and rewarding walking. Discover history on
the hills as well as natural beauty, all within easy driving
distance from Birmingham and Manchester.
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 Fathers presents a unique and richly illustrated guide to the
London section of the Thames Path, newly updated to reflect the
city's ever-changing landscape. The iconic path, which stretches
from the lost floodplains of Richmond all the way  to the
Thames Barrier, is a panoramic 40-mile walk through 2000
years of London's history. From the old docks and wharves that
primed the Industrial Revolution, through the heart of British
Government, Monarchy and Church to the City of London that took its
very existence from the river. From the site of the Putney Debates
at St Mary's Church to Wren's mighty baroque cathedral of St
Paul's. From the great Victorian engineering works of Sir Joseph
Bazalgette and his attempts to clean up a polluted London and the
river to the Thames Barrier seeking to protect huge parts of London
from rising sea levels. From London Bridge, site of the oldest
crossing point, to the Millennium Bridge, the Thames' newest
crossing. This book explains the panorama we see today, what
came before and how the changes came about. Each double page shows
the distance covered so you can plan your own tour of the river.
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