Mountain Biking on the North Downs


Book Description

This guidebook covers 20 mountain biking routes set throughout the length and breadth of the North Downs, from Farnham in the west to Dover in the east, as well as a route along the Downs Link, which joins the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way. They range from 18.5km to 59km in length and up to 90% off road. The routes, illustrated with OS map extracts and height profiles, are graded for difficulty (blue, red and black) and are suitable for mountain bikers with at least some experience and a reasonable degree of fitness. The guide gives practical information on recommended gear, preparation and safety, as well as details of accommodation and local bike shops.




Mountain Biking on the South Downs


Book Description

A guide to mountain biking (MTB) routes on the South Downs of Hampshire and Sussex, between Winchester, Brighton and Eastbourne. The 26 routes described in the book take in roller coaster rides, dedicated woodland singletrack and great downhills. Rides are graded for all abilities with information on local facilities and MTB gear and preparation.




Mountain Biking in the Yorkshire Dales


Book Description

A guidebook of 30 short, medium, long and full-day mountain bike routes across the Yorkshire Dales. The graded circular rides visit all the major dales and include loops around two of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks - Whernside and Pen-y-ghent. Routes are graded for difficulty and this guidebook gives all the necessary background information. Choose a route by grade, percentage off-road, length or time at a glance. Old Roman roads and other ancient byways once used for lead mining and livestock droving are now perfect terrain for mountain bikes. Fast-rolling lanes can be combined with rocky drops down steep gullies and sinuous tracks meandering high over deserted moorland. Mountain bikers of all abilities will find their own challenges here and some surprises for novices and experienced riders alike.




Walking the Wales Coast Path


Book Description

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.




Walking the Wicklow Way


Book Description

The Wicklow Way was the first long-distance walking trail to be established in Ireland. Coming in at 130km (81 miles), the route traverses the county of Wicklow, from Marlay Park on the outskirts of Dublin to Clonegal, just over the county border in neighbouring Carlow, and can be comfortably completed in a week. The guide also details several adjacent trails that can be interchanged with the main route, and short detours off-route (also described) lead to welcoming villages offering accommodation and a range of other facilities.The route is presented in seven stages, each with an overview followed by clear route description and mapping. There are elevation profiles and notes on local points of interest. In addition to background information about the county's history, geology, plants and wildlife, you will find all the information you need to walk the route, with helpful advice on transport, accommodation and kit. Accommodation listings, useful contacts and a glossary of Irish place-names can be found in the appendices.Wicklow is a county of varied landscapes: mountains and sweeping uplands offer extensive views, whereas other stages take you through verdant glens and past scenic lakes. The area is rich in both culture and history, with the ancient Monastic City at Glendalough a special highlight. And of course, there are characterful villages and pubs where you can experience true Irish hospitality. The Wicklow Way has plenty to commend it and is a great way to explore this wonderful county.




Walking in the Drakensberg


Book Description

A guidebook to the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. The book describes 75 day walks of between 1km and 26km long, in 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. Graded from easy to strenuous, the walks take in the spectacular natural beauty of the area. Written by a qualified Safari Guide, this book covers 11 areas of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park. It combines clear route descriptions and maps with inspirational photographs, alongside lots of information about local wildlife and the facilities available in each area covered. This range of huge peaks, towering basalt cliffs, massive sandstone outcrops and deep gorges forms the core of an area of unlimited potential for walkers, until recently little known outside South Africa. The area has a unique geological structure and a fascinating history as well as a large variety of antelope and other mammals and a regular bird list of over 200 species.




The Swiss Alpine Pass Route - Via Alpina Route 1


Book Description

This guidebook presents the stunning Alpine Pass Route, now fully waymarked as Via Alpina 1. The 360km trail traverses Switzerland from east to west, from Sargans near the Liechtenstein border to Montreux on Lac Leman (Lake Geneva). Crossing sixteen Alpine passes, it showcases some of the country's most breathtaking mountain landscapes, boasting views of iconic peaks such as the Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau and Les Diablerets. The route is suitable for those with some experience of Alpine trekking: it amasses over 20,000m of ascent and involves some steep sections. It can be completed in 2-3 weeks, although it is also possible to walk shorter sections; alternatively postbus, cable-car and rail connections could be used to allow for a tighter schedule. The route is presented in 18 stages, each featuring step-by-step route description accompanied by 1:100,000 mapping, route profiles and notes on transport, accommodation and facilities. In addition, a 26km prologue in Liechtenstein and an alternative finish following the old course of the Alpine Pass Route via Gsteig are also described. Accommodation options range from mountain huts to hotels and inns, with camping available at a number of licensed sites along the route.




Walking in the Haute Savoie: South


Book Description

A guidebook of walks in the lovely Haute Savoie mountains of France. This guide describes 30 circular routes of between 7 and 20km, based around Annecy, La Clusaz, Grand Bornand, Plateau d'Assy, Samoëns, Sixt, Sallanches, Thônes, la Roche-sur-Foron. Graded from easy to difficult, there are walks to suit most abilities, but a few have some exposed sections and need a head for heights. The guidebook is divided into 6 areas covering the Arve Valley, the Haut Giffre valley, the Chaîne des Aravis, Plateau de la Borne and Lake Annecy. Alongside a detailed route description and map, each walk has a summary of all you need to know before you set out. There is advice on travel, accommodation and equipment, as well as information about local wildlife and Savoyard food and drink, and a glossary of useful French words. Visitors flock to the Chamonix area and the Mont Blanc range, but that is only part of what the Haute Savoie has to offer. With stunning views of high mountains as well as lower peaks to enjoy, the walks in this guide will show you a quieter, less busy side to this outstandingly beautiful area. A companion volume, Walking in Haute Savoie: North, is also available (ISBN: 781852848101)




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.




Walking in the Haute Savoie: North


Book Description

A guidebook to 30 walks in the northern Haute Savoie. Exploring the dramatic scenery of the French Alps south of Lake Geneva, the walks are suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike. Routes range from 7 to 14km (4–9 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–7 hours. Walks have been graded from easy to difficult allowing you to choose routes suitable for your ability. 1:50,000 maps are included for each route GPX files available to download Detailed information on planning, accommodation and transport Part of a 2-volume set, an accompanying Cicerone guidebook Walking in the Haute Savoie: South is also available