Walking and Trekking in Zagori


Book Description

Zagori in Greece's Northern Pindos National Park is among the last relatively undiscovered and unspoilt hiking destinations in Europe. This guide presents a selection of thirty walks and three short treks within the region's captivating scenery, from dramatic gorges to mystical forests, crystal-clear turquoise rivers, rugged alpine peaks and characterful mountain villages. Routes vary from easy walks on clear paths to strenuous ascents and mountain traverses, meaning that there is something to suit most ambitions and abilities. Clear mapping accompanies the route description, and the introduction to the guide covers all the practicalities, including getting to Zagori, accommodation, equipment, maps and safety. There is also a wealth of information about the region's rich history, architecture, geology, plants and wildlife, as well as fascinating notes on points of interest encountered on route. The routes are presented in five chapters, covering Central Zagori, Vikos Gorge and vicinity, Mt Timfi, Konitsa and Mt Smolikas, and Valia Calda National Park and Metsovo, with highlights including Mt Timfi and Mt Smolikas (Greece's second highest mountain), the breathtaking Vikos Gorge, traditional stone arch bridges and the alpine tarns of Drakolimni (Dragonlakes). With so much stunning scenery, this is a region that cries out to be explored.




Walking and Trekking in Zagori


Book Description

A guidebook to 30 day walks, plus 3 mini-treks, in the Zagori region of north-western Greece. Taking in both the stunning mountain scenery of the Pindos and the region’s historic architecture, the graded routes range from easy strolls on clear waymarked paths to strenuous mountain hikes calling for good fitness, route-finding skills and experience in high mountain terrain. The day walks vary from 3 to 24km (2–15 miles) and can be enjoyed in 1–8 hours; the treks span 2–3 days. Routes are split between five geographical areas covering central Zagori; Vikos Gorge; Mount Timfi; Konitsa and Mount Smolikas; and Valia Calda National Park and Metsovo. Clear route description illustrated with 1:50,000 mapping GPX files available for download Local points of interest, plus history, geology, plants and wildlife Includes the Drakolimni ‘Dragonlakes’ and ascents of Mount Smolikas (Greece’s second highest mountain) and Mount Timfi Sized to easily fit in a jacket pocket




Walking and Trekking in Iceland


Book Description

A guidebook to 49 day walks and 10 multi-day treks in Iceland. From short, waymarked walks to challenging glacier crossings, there is something for walkers of all levels of fitness and experience. The day walks range in length from 5 to 35km (3–22 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–10 hours. The multi-day treks vary in length from 34 to 143km (21–89 miles), take between 2 and 9 days to complete, and include the classic Laugavegur Trail and Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland's highest mountain. Sketch maps included for each walk Detailed information on public transport, accommodation and facilities Advice on planning and preparation Highlights include Vatnajökull National Park




Walking in the Aosta Valley


Book Description

A stunning, autonomous region in the Italian Alps, the Aosta valley is a walker's paradise. This guidebook describes 32 varied and scenic routes both within the main valley and those to the north (including the Lys valley, Valpelline, Valtournenche and Grand St Bernard). The routes vary in difficulty and distance, offering something for walkers of all ability. 1:50K mapping together with gradient profiles complement clear and concise route descriptions. Also included is invaluable practical information - everything from travel options and insurance to useful phrases and a handy kit list. Information on via ferratas and trail running is also included for those interested in discovering additional activities available in the area. A region of immense beauty, the Aosta valley is a must-visit destination. This selection of walks take in ethereal glaciers, majestic mountain tops and enchanting valley forests. Long or short, easy or challenging, the routes abound in history, and soak up the rich and varied culture of the region.




The Mountains of Greece


Book Description

The guidebook describes walking Greece's month-long traverse of the PÌndos range, and provides routes around Athens and the east coast, and in the Peloponnese. Use the routes as day-walks or put them together as multi-day treks through the beautiful, undeveloped and remote mountains of Greece.




Trekking the Cathar Way


Book Description

Two of the southernmost départements of France, the Pyrénées-Orientales and Ariège are inextricably linked with the history of the Cathars, a heretical Christian sect who were subjected to a crusade in the thirteenth century. Striking castles built on jagged rocky precipices are a highlight of the region and a reminder of those turbulent times. This guidebook describes the 260km Cathar Way (Sentier Cathare or GR367), a long-distance trail from Port-la-Nouvelle on the Mediterranean coast to Ariége's departmental capital Foix linking several of the impressive Cathar castles. The route follows ancient footpaths, jeep tracks and country lanes and calls for a moderate level of fitness as it sweeps from sea level to 1300m across the rugged hill ranges of the Corbières and Fenouillèdes. The guide describes the main route in 13 stages and also includes the slightly more direct north variant, as well as suggestions for shorter itineraries. Summary statistics introduce each day's walking and are followed by step-by-step route description illustrated with clear mapping. There are also details of facilities available en route and accommodation listings. An introduction covers all the practicalities, with comprehensive advice for planning your trip - including when to go, how to get there and what to take - in addition to a wealth of information about the region's fascinating history and the intriguing Cathars themselves. The trail traverses rocky hills and meanders through woodland, vineyards, ancient villages, gorges and plateaus. As well as the rich Cathar heritage, there are also historic wine-producing towns, sites associated with the French Resistance of WWII and mysterious places steeped in ancient legend. The guide is a perfect companion to discovering the Cathar Way and the captivating stories of this distinctive region.




Trekking in Greenland - The Arctic Circle Trail


Book Description

At just over 100 miles long, and taking 7 to 10 days to complete, the Arctic Circle Trail crosses the largest ice-free patch of West Greenland. This splendid trekking route, lying 25-30 miles north of the Arctic Circle runs from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut (both of which have airport access). The trail traverses remote, empty, silent and stunningly scenic arctic tundra, and is mostly gently graded with just a few short, steep and rocky slopes. However, the landscape between the two towns of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut is extremely remote and those who choose to take on this route must be competely self-sufficient. The book includes plenty of practical information on what to take with you and when to go, as well as on safety, travel and accommodation. Fully illustrated with a variety of photographs and its route is highlighted on continuous trekking maps. The guide also includes an optional extension to the Greenlandic ice cap.




Hiking and Cycling in the Black Forest


Book Description

15 day walks, 3 multi-stage treks and 5 cycle routes are described covering the north, central and southern areas of Germany's Black Forest. The walks and cycle routes are evenly distributed across all three areas and comprise both long distance routes and day walks, although each stage of every long distance walk can also be done as individual day tour. The chosen routes include the main Black Forest destinations, such as Feldberg, Belchen Schauinsland, Hornisgrinde and Mummelsee, as well as Allerheiligen Abbey and waterfalls and the source of the Danube, to name but a few. Two of the three long distance routes are certified quality trails: Schluchtensteig (120km), which means gorge trail traverses the Wutachschlucht, one of the last untamed river systems in Germany, and Zweitälersteig (108km) a highly diverse circular route which leads through some of the most beautiful and contrasting parts of the Central Black Forest. Seensteig (71km) partially follows the central ridge of the Black Forest mountain range, offering unsurpassed views along the way. The cycle routes (4 day rides, and the 242km Southern Black Forest Cycle Route) are mostly easy and scenic, and utilise the extensive and well-maintained bicycle trail system that criss-crosses the entire region. The walks and rides are described in detail and basic maps are provided for orientation.




Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji


Book Description

A guidebook to 13 short treks and 14 day walks in the Japan Alps and on Mount Fuji. Routes are graded by difficulty and range from relatively short walks on easy terrain to strenuous mountain excursions, sometimes involving scrambling, aided sections and considerable exposure. The routes cover the North , Central and South Alps, with each chapter offering information on local bases and public transport access. Also included are the four main ascent routes on Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. The treks range from 2–8 days and the day walks from 4 to 20km (3–15 hours). 1:50,000 mapping provided for each route GPX files available to download All you need to know about visiting the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji Comprehensive information on the region’s excellent facilities, which include mountain huts and hot-spring baths Japanese glossary




Walks and Treks in Croatia


Book Description

A guidebook to 20 day walks and 7 short treks in the mountains and national parks of Croatia. Ranging from easy 2km strolls to strenuous hut-to-hut mountain treks, the routes showcase the diverse unspoilt landscapes, with highlights including UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes and Croatia’s highest summit, Dinara. Covering the Zagreb region, Istria and the Opatija Riviera, Gorski Kotar, Velebit and Dalmatia, the day walks range from 2 to 21km (1–8 hours) and the treks from 16 to 75km (2–7 days). Clear route description illustrated with 1:50,000 mapping Refreshments and transport information for all routes, plus accommodation for the treks Advice on planning and preparation Geology, history, culture, plants and wildlife Croatian glossary and menu decoder