Sport

Northumberland is England's most northern county, a magical place filled with ancient castles, golden sand beaches, rolling hills, rugged moorland and friendly little Northumberland towns and villages. This much-awaited addition to the award-nominated series of easy walking guides is an affordable and practical guide to 40 of the best family walks in the region.

Read more less

This is Book 20 in the exciting new series of full-colour "Pocket Walks", being small, practical sized guidebooks aimed at the less serious rambler. Full colour photographs and colourful sketch maps accompany each of the well described walks, with the bonus of making it an attractive souvenir of the area. Principal feature is that all walks are less than five miles in length (though averaging 4 miles each, they are all very definitely worthwhile outings), making them ideal for families, leisure walkers, and others constrained by either time or other limitations. Concise route descriptions are complemented by background information. This title deals with the area around the Bronte shrine of Haworth and the Worth Valley in the absorbing countryside of the South Pennines. Twenty super walks use starting points such as Oxenhope and Stanbury, and of course Haworth itself. Places visited include Top Withins, Harden Moor, Ponden and Goit Stock. "Haworth & Bronte Country" is published simultaneously with Book 21 covering neighbouring area Hebden Bridge & the Calder Valley, and also slots neatly alongside previously published titles "Aire Valley" and "Around Pendle".

Read more less

This book is in the same series and is a natural follow-up to the successful "Climbing Games". With the increase in the use of climbing walls more people are learning to lead indoors. This tends to be a more rapid progression than it may be outdoors, and also allows access to much steeper leading at a lower level of climbing experience. There is also an expectation that falling off is the norm, a complete reversal of early stages of leading outdoors on traditional climbs. Teaching leading indoors should be done progressively, the aim being to develop the climbing skills needed very thoroughly. Developing the skills for safe and efficient lead belaying is equally important. Ian Fenton has been involved in teaching leading outdoors and on indoor walls for a number of years. This has also involved evaluating and signing off other instructors to teach leading, at a number of climbing walls; both prior to the advent of the Climbing Wall Leading Award (CWLA), and now as a provider of the CWLA. In the past the teaching of leading has often been done haphazardly, with limited progression, poor route choice and inappropriate belaying. With the help of the exercises in this book it should be possible to design an appropriate progression to suit any individual, of any age or ability, who is learning to lead indoors and lead belay.

Read more less

This book explains to the hillwalker, in easy to understand but accurate terms, how geology has shaped the landscape of Snowdonia. A selection of seventeen guided walks is used to illustrate this in terms of what can be seen on the ground. This book, divided into two parts, is intended to help those who love Snowdonia's mountain scenery to understand how this haunting landscape came about. The first half narrates the story of colliding continents, volcanoes, mountain-building and glaciations in creating Snowdonia, explaining why volcanoes occurred, the rocks they created and how to interpret signs of mountain-building and glaciations on the ground. The second half describes several recommended walks, of differing levels of difficulty, but all with a wide variety of geological features to be seen and, most important, enjoying consistently fantastic views of the very best of Snowdonia's wonderful scenery. The author has concentrated on what you can see as you walk around the hills, pointing to conspicuous, easily seen features in rocks and the overall shape of the terrain in accounting for the present day landscape. New in this 2nd Edition - coverage of Southern Snowdonia; new improved maps; and, five new walks. Also in this series by Paul Gannon - Rock Trails Lakeland; Rock Trails Peak District; and, Rock Trails Scottish Highlands.

Read more less

Though geographically close the two areas covered in this sea kayaking guidebook are as different in character as it is possible to conceive. The South East of England has a varied landscape of chalk cliffs, pebble beaches, vast expanses of sand, mudflats, and river estuaries. At one extreme the tidal Thames runs through the densely populated City of London and at the other the deserted North Norfolk coast. Conversely the Channel Islands are a small number of large islands and a vast number of islets and reefs. Here we are talking pink granite, white sandy beaches and very strong tidal streams. They are closer to France than to England (a mere 12km between Les Ecrehous reef and mainland France). Many of the routes here are very committing but there are also a good number of gentler paddles.

Read more less

This is a complete beginner's guide to the sit-on-top kayak. Sit-on-top kayaking is the fastest growing water-based activity. It's fun and easy to learn. Anyone can do it! Paddlers, newcomers and those curious about the sport will find all the answers to their questions in this book. Using colour photos and clear descriptions, this book is the perfect introduction to sit-on-top kayaking. Choosing the right kayak, how to store and transport it, how to get the most fun out of your boat and how to stay safe whilst doing so are explored in detail. Snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving are some of the other activities that benefit from using sit-on-tops and these are also covered.

Read more less

The first edition (0953195619 which went out of print Spring 2007) rapidly became a standard text for sea kayakers. This new edition builds on that success. There are numerous improvements in the explanations and GPS is covered in more detail, reflecting the increased availability and usage of electronic navigational aids. Full use is made of colour photos, diagrams, maps and charts, further enhancing the reader's experience. Exercises to reinforce and self-assess how much the reader has taken on board are provided at the end of each chapter."Sea Kayak Navigation" is recommended as support material for the new British Canoe Union navigation courses that are currently being introduced.

Read more less

A book for every climber (from beginner to expert) keen to improve their climbing; the things you really need to know without the clutter of an exhaustive ropework manual (and with a lot more helpful advice on climbing moves). The book includes a progressive series of exercises from simple to more complex movements to practice at your local climbing wall, crag, boulders or at home to improve all aspects of your climbing. Most of the exercises are intended for bottom roping or bouldering so you can drill the moves until they become second nature. The aim is to help you climb safer, with more confidence and less effort than before. There's advice on learning (how to make the most of your time spent practicing) and safety (what every climber needs to know). Basic footwork, handholds and body position: the foundations of all the more complex moves like corkscrew rock-overs and the secrets of arete climbing. Resting: how to take time-out in some improbable places. Advanced techniques including exotic (but really handy) foot-locks and dyno's as well as redpointing tips. Lead climbing: reading routes, placing runners and sound tactics for success. Mind games: how to improve your confidence and conquer your fear of falling. And finally training: identifying your weaknesses and making yourself strong and fit to challenge your dream goal climb. The section on training young people will be of interest to any parent or coach. It contains progressive exercises and drills to help you get practicing straight away and to help these skills become second nature. It includes tips and techniques from the most basic steps to exotic (but very useful) foot-locks and 'chicken wing' jams. It will appeal to a wide range of climbers.

Read more less

Oxford United Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the U's. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the U's team that took on grandmaster Gary Kasparov at chess? How about the star whose big-money move failed because he refused to move home from Oxford? Or the chairman who relieved himself in the middle of the pitch? Did you know 'Big Ron' Atkinson holds the club's all-time appearance record? That his brother Graham is Oxford's leading goalscorer? Or that star striker John Aldridge only put in a transfer request because the team coach left without him and six teammates? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any United fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart.

Read more less

Endorsed by the club, written by Eagles aficionado Neil McSteen, and with a foreword by club legend Geoff Thomas, Crystal Palace On This Day chronicles, in diary form, the major events in the club's history: such as the heady days of the epic FA Cup run in 1990, masterminded by Steve Coppell and spearheaded by Ian Wright and Mark Bright; or the dramas of various promotions to the top flight of English football. With individual entries for every day, and multiple listings for more historic and busier days, the book is a dip-in, dip-out offering and includes all the club's big matches, promotions, cup runs, significant events, and sensational signings. Packed with Palace history, it is a must for all Selhurst Park goers.

Read more less

This is the incredibly popular and indispensable guide to ski mountaineering routes in Scotland from the Scottish Mountaineering Club. Written by two experts and illustrated with colour photographs and route maps, this facsimile reprint covers the hills from the Borders to Ben Rinnes, Mamlorn to Moruisg, with photos that inspire. The reprint has the same 112 photographs and 72 maps, 121 pages as the original. This is the first and most sought-after guidebook to ski mountaineering in Scotland, first published in 1987 and unavailable since 2011.

Read more less

Wales Mountain Biking – Beicio Mynydd Cymru is a collection of 20 classic Welsh mountain bike rides, between 12 and 50 kilometres in length.Split into three sections, South Wales, Mid Wales and North Wales, this book includes classic mountain bike loops such as The Gap Road in the Brecon Beacons and Pen Trumau in the Black Mountains, routes in Pembrokeshire, and the Gower, the Elan Valley in the Cambrian Mountains, Moel Famau in the Clwydian Hills and classic routes in Snowdonia – including options for the awesome ascent and descent (!) of Snowdon itself.Written and illustrated by Mountain Bike Rider magazine's Wales-based routes expert Tom Hutton, each route is described with easy-to-follow directions and is plotted on clear and easy to use Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 mapping. Also included are details of distance, timings and difficulty gradings, plus refreshment stops and local knowledge.A Bonus Section hops over the border into England, to give the full lowdown on the classic Long Mynd circuit, featuring the legendary Minton Batch singletrack.

Read more less

Sussex Walks is a collection of 20 circular walks, between 3.5 and 12 miles (5 and 19km) in length that explore the length and breadth of the county of Sussex.Wander through the county's varied and interesting landscapes; across open downland, through broadleaf forest and along evolving coastline. The routes are split into two areas – the South Downs and the Weald – and include walks in Ashdown Forest, around Cissbury Ring, over Ditchling Beacon, to Pooh Bridge and along the coast near West Wittering.Each route contains snippets of information on the local area. Learn about the wildlife, the history and the people of the countryside you're walking through. Every walk also includes 'creative starting points' – ideas to encourage you to reflect and respond to the landscape.Researched and written by local author and photographer Deirdre Huston, the walks feature clear and easy-to-use Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps, easy-to-follow directions, and information on local history, wildlife, refreshments and terrain.

Read more less

The Great Mountain Crags of Scotland is a celebration of climbing in Scotland's wild places, compiled by Guy Robertson and Adrian Crofton. Featuring contributions from many of Scottish mountaineering's great writers and climbers, and beautifully illustrated with breathtaking photography, it delves deep into the heart of some of the oldest mountains on Earth. This is a book for anyone with an interest in Scotland's wild places, where the mountains and cliffs, rather than the climbs, take centre stage, transporting the reader far from towns and cities, and deep into the wilderness. The crags are the tallest, steepest and most majestic anywhere in the British Isles. They are all situated in a high mountain environment, and always a good hike from the nearest road. A visit to any of these great crags is therefore a worthy end in itself. For those wishing to venture onto the crags, all the climbs described are highly adventurous, relying solely upon leader-placed protection. Many of the crags and climbs are described and illustrated here in detail for the very first time. Among these pages are accounts of some of Scottish mountaineering's greatest triumphs, but also accounts of necessary failures - chasing elusive conditions, knowing when to go down, when to return. The authors relate their personal experiences of these cliffs and the climbing, and contained here are real treasures: schoolboy Dave MacLeod soloing on The Cobbler in winter after catching the train from Dumbarton, Mark McGowan's gripping first-hand account of soloing Shibboleth on Slime Wall of Buachaille Etive Mor, Grant Farquhar's recollections of a cherished first ascent on the Great Prow of Skye's Bla Bheinn, Es Tresidder falling under the spell of Creag Meagaidh's Pinnacle Face, and Brian Davison's 15-year waiting game for the first winter ascent of Mort on the Tough-Brown Face of Lochnagar. Split into four sections - The South West Highlands, The North West Highlands, The Islands and The Cairngorms & Central Highlands - this book features unique contributions from, amongst others, Nick Bullock, Rick Campbell, Jason Currie, Brian Davison, Kevin Howett, Julian Lines, Martin Moran, Andy Nisbet, Simon Richardson and Tony Stone. Each section is accompanied by an original poem by Stuart Campbell, and renowned author and mountaineer Andy Cave has contributed the foreword.

Read more less

Acknowledged as a classic of mountain writing, this book takes you into the bothies, howffs and dosses on the Scottish hills as Fishgut Mac, Desperate Dan and Stumpy the Big Yin stalk hill and public house, evading gamekeepers and Royalty.

Read more less

''The principles in this book will make you a better runner, PERIOD!'' Committed runners from all over the world have set new PRs with the Hansons training program. Now in Hansons Half-Marathon Method, the Hansons-Brooks team shares its unique, winning approach to the popular half-marathon distance. With half-marathon training programs for intermediate and advanced runners, as well as a welcoming Just Finish Program for newer runners, Hansons Half-Marathon Method prepares all athletes for their best performance. Hansons athlete and coach Luke Humphrey explores the differences between the Hansons method and other training programs and then shows runners how to make the Hansons half-marathon training program their own. He guides runners through choosing the right training plan and offers a practical guide to setting race finish time goals. Humphrey reveals the Hansons approach to precise half-marathon pacing, showing runners how to find their most effective paces for the Hansons SOS (''s

Read more less

Brian Redman is one of very few notable British racing drivers whose racing life has yet to be put on record in book form. Now that is about to be rectified. Packed with photographs, Redman's memoir is a vivid account of his varied racing exploits, with special focus on the period 1968-73.

Read more less

Got, Not Got: The Lost World of Derby County is an Aladdin's cave of memories and memorabilia, guaranteed to whisk you back to the Baseball Ground's fondly remembered 'Golden Age' of mud and magic - as well as a Rams-mad childhood of miniature tabletop games and imaginary, comic-fuelled worlds. The book recalls a more innocent era of football, lingering longingly over relics from the good old days - Rams stickers and petrol freebies, league ladders, big-match programmes and much more - revisiting lost football culture, treasures and pleasures that are 100 per cent Derby County. If you were a Junior Ram, one of the army of obsessive soccer kids at any time from when Cloughie's lads won the League to the early days of the Premier League, then this is the book to recall the mavericks - Mackay, Lee and Hector, George, Saunders and Gabbiadini - and the marvels of the Lost World of Football.

Read more less

This book will help you to succeed on the water whether your aim is Club, National, International (or even Olympic) level. With detailed analysis, challenging exercises and useful top tips throughout, everything is covered: from targets, goal setting and a winning mental attitude to boat handling, strategy and tactics (plus lots more). Handy diagrams on almost every page help to clarify complex concepts and scenarios, and brilliant action photographs bring the text to life. Each chapter is closed with not-to-be missed advice from Olympic medallists – making this a must-have book for all sailors who aspire to great success. This is a re-written and more focused version of the author’s popular title Be Your Own Sailing Coach, and its publication marks the re-launch of the iconic Sail to Win series, loved by sailors for over 30 years.

Read more less

Chris Bonington Mountaineer is a photographic autobiography, documenting over sixty years of climbing the world’s most beautiful and challenging mountains. Few climbers can match Bonington’s climbing achievements. He is one of the most accomplished and respected climbers in the world.In this 2016 revised edition, which features over 500 photographs, we are given a frank perspective into the surreal, majestic and occasionally tragic corners of his incredible mountaineering career. Whether in the Arctic, the jungle or on an 8,000-metre peak, Bonington’s stunning photography and engaging conversational prose take us through the detail of daily life on expedition, the action of the climbing and the grandeur of the mountains.From his foundations – climbing in Snowdonia, the English Lake District, and the Highlands of Scotland – Bonington takes us to the Alps and on his expedition apprenticeship in 1960s Nepal. This quickly leads to trips to Patagonia, the Karakoram, the Amazon, Baffin Island and the River Nile, before the meat of his career on the big walls and 8,000-metre peaks of the Himalaya – with his leadership of the expeditions that made the first ascents of the south face of Annapurna in 1970 and the south-west face of Everest in 1975, and culminating in his own ascent of Everest in 1985. The greatest challenge and survival story of all is his first ascent and epic descent of The Ogre in Pakistan with Doug Scott. Bonington’s undying hunger for adventure leads to later exploratory trips to Greenland, India and Morocco, and a return to the scene of one of his defining first ascents, the Old Man of Hoy, with world-class adventure climber Leo Houlding.The result is a penetrating insight into the motivations and fears of a driven climber who set out year after year from a life of comfort and success to test himself amongst the world’s most savage mountains. Chris Bonington Mountaineer is a must for anyone with a passion for exploration, mountains or climbing.

Read more less

In 1986, the legendary fell runner Joss Naylor completed a continuous circuit of all 214 Wainwright fells in the Lake District, covering a staggering distance of over 300 miles – plus many thousands of metres of ascent – in only seven days and one hour.Those in the know thought that this record would never be beaten. It is the ultimate British ultramarathon. The person taking on this superhuman challenge would have to be willing to push harder and suffer more than ever before. There is no Map in Hell tells the story of a man willing to do just that.In 2014, Steve Birkinshaw made an attempt at setting a new record. With a background of nearly forty years of running elite orienteering races and extreme-distance fell running over the toughest terrain, if he couldn’t do it, surely no one could. But the Wainwrights challenge is in a different league: aspirants need to complete two marathons and over 5,000 metres of ascent every day for a week.With a foreword by Joss Naylor, There is no Map in Hell recounts Birkinshaw’s preparation, training and mile-by-mile experience of the extraordinary and sometimes hellish demands he made of his mind and body, and the physiological aftermath of such a feat. His deep love of the fells, phenomenal strength and tenacity are awe inspiring, and testimony to athletes and onlookers alike that ‘in order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd’.

Read more less

The ultimate book of Blues trivia, The Man City Miscellany is full of weird and wonderful facts. Including: * The only goalkeeper to have scored for City, * The name of Clive Allen’s dog, * The identity of the City player who played with a toothpick in the corner of his mouth, * Who is the ‘Invisible Man’ the City fans sing about?"I rang my secretary and said 'what time do we kick off tonight?' and she said 'every 10 minutes.'" - Alan Ball during his troubled reign of City, 1996"Apparently, decapitation is no longer a capital offence." - Joe Royle reacts to an unpunished tackle on Kevin Horlock, 1998Packed with random Man City facts, stats, lists, tables, anecdotes and quotes, from the club's record scorer to the bizarre name of the club cat, this is the ultimate trivia book for every City fan’s bookshelf.

Read more less

Evertonians know what it is to experience greatness. Since the club first came to life in 1878 there have been titles won, European adventures and trips to Wembley. The fans have seen records broken, legends make their mark, matches of undeniable class. Every decade that Everton have been in existence has yielded moments of wonder, games that supporters at the time have cherished for their entire lives and which fans of subsequent generations have looked back on with undeniable pride. From the earliest days, when St Domingo's first morphed into something recognisable as a modern football club, the whole span of Everton's narrative is covered here. Those earliest title wins, those earliest finals, Dean, Lawton, Hickson, the Holy Trinity, Latchford, the glory of Kendall, the agony of Wimbledon, the joy of Royle and restoration under Moyes. Everton Greatest Games is more than just a selection of the moments that have stirred the soul of Blues. It is the story of Everton, the tale of how a church team grew into an English giant.

Read more less

The definitive guidebook to climbing Aconcagua in South America. At 6962m, Aconcagua is the highest peak outside the Himalayas and is accessible to both trekkers and mountaineers. The book covers two popular trekking routes: the Normal (Horcones Valley) route and the Vacas Valley (Polish Glacier) route. It also includes trekking routes up Tupungato, the Maipo Volcano, and other acclimatisation treks, with suggestions for things to see and do around Mendoza and Santiago City. The guide provides a wealth of practical and indispensable information for those taking on the challenge of Aconcagua. There is information on travel to South America and to the start of the trek, and essential know-how on preparing for high-altitude mountaineering, including advice on equipment, coping with altitude, and strategies for acclimatisation. It gives expert advice on permits, food and water, hiring guides and mules, and staying healthy. With maps and colour photos and supplemented by background information on the mountain, its history, geology, wildlife and local culture, this is a comprehensive and must-read guide for anyone considering tackling Aconcagua.

Read more less

This book is the second in a multi-volume, decade-by-decade series covering the entire history of Formula 1 through its teams and cars. This instalment covers the 1970s, when the sport gained big new sponsors and grew into a television spectacle, with battles between Ferrari and Cosworth-powered opposition a continuing theme. As well as the big championship-winning teams - Lotus, Ferrari, McLaren and Tyrrell - this was a period when small teams and privateers continued to be involved in significant numbers and they are all included, down to the most obscure and unsuccessful. This book shines new light on many areas of the sport and will be treasured by all Formula 1 enthusiasts.

Read more less

Whether you are looking to brush up on your outdoor skills, are preparing for a thrilling and adventurous ecotour or excursion, or are an experienced hiker, camper, or otherwise, this book is for you. Outdoor survival techniques for each of the earth's ecosystems are covered and each environment provides its own set of skills, observations, and steps to not only survive, but also enjoy that environment. A basic set of skills (shelter, food, defense, and first aid) and how to's (fire starting, rope making, trapping, and more) are also included that can be used anywhere from the local park to a multi-day hike in Asia. A must for any seasoned excursionist or beginner gearing up for the outdoors.

Read more less

"The Sutherland Trail - A Journey Through North-west Scotland", is the long awaited latest book by the UK's best known hillwalker and backpacker, Cameron McNeish. In partnership with award-winning photographer and film maker Richard Else, Cameron has developed a superb week-long walking route through one of the finest landscapes in Europe. Sutherland, in the far north-west of Scotland, has long been described as 'the empty lands'. Much of the land is magnificently untamed and unpopulated, and the grandeur of the landscape attracts hillwalkers and backpackers from throughout the world. The Sutherland Trail between Lochinver and Tongue follows ancient pathways, stalker's routes and hill tracks through one of the most geologically fascinating regions of the UK. It passes caves, chambered cairns and the remains of ancient shielings, follows river banks and loch-sides, climbs iconic hills and visits the highest waterfall in Britain. Along the way, the voices of the local people are heard loud and clear. The passions of the crofters, hoteliers, fishermen, climbers and hillwalkers give a new momentum to life in the region, looking forward to a positive future for these spectacular northern lands. Sutherland is revealed as a land rich in glorious scenery, wildlife and natural resources, a region that was once vastly more populated than it is today, but is slowly regaining some of its lost population - a region that belies its common perception as 'the empty lands'. This is the first guidebook to Scotland's latest long distance walking route. It is illustrated by top quality, original images. It is based on a highly successful BBC television programme. It features a foreword by Robert Macfarlane.

Read more less

Fire can fascinate, inspire, capture the imagination and bring families and communities together. It has the ability to amaze, energise and touch something deep inside all of us. For thousands of years, at every corner of the globe, humans have been huddling around fires: from the basic and primitive essentials of light, heat, energy and cooking, through to modern living, fire plays a central role in all of our lives.The ability to accurately and quickly light a fire is one of the most important skills anyone setting off on a wilderness adventure could possess, yet very little has been written about it. Through his narrative Hume also meditates on the wider topics surrounding fire and how it shapes the world around us.

Read more less

This guidebook presents four specially devised treks in the mountains of Greece, showcasing its beautiful scenery, rich flora and cultural interest. The Peloponnese Way crosses the Peloponnese peninsula from Dhiakoftó in the north to Pantazí beach in the south, via Trípoli. Taking in alpine meadows, a dramatic gorge and forest-clad slopes, the 220km route can be walked in around a fortnight. The 460km Pindos Way is a south-north traverse of Greece's mountain backbone, and can be walked in a month, or split into sections of around a week. With remote terrain, navigational challenge and fewer facilities on route, it is the toughest of the four treks but offers a unique chance to experience both the country's wilderness and traditional mountain life. A shorter 80km Zagóri trek can be enjoyed in its own right or incorporated into the Pindos Way, and the final route explores Mt Olympus, home of the ancient gods of Greek myth and the highest mountain in Greece. With clear mapping alongside detailed route description for each stage of the treks, as well as background information about the region and a Greek-English glossary.

Read more less

A guidebook to 32 day walks and one multi-day trek across the Ardennes region. Exploring the beautiful scenery of southeastern Belgium and venturing across the border into Luxembourg and France, the walks are suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike. Day walks range from 2 to 24km (1–15 miles) and can be enjoyed in 1–8 hours. The Sentier du Nord trek (part of the GR57 long-distance trail) from Weiswampach to Diekirch is described in 6 stages covering 68km (42 miles). 1:50,000 maps are included for each walk Detailed information on planning, refreshments and public transport Highlights include Bouillon and its castle

Read more less

This guidebook describes 3 Alpine treks, between 5 and 8 days long, as well as 12 full or half day hut-to-hut routes. The three treks suitable for moderately experienced trekkers, but requiring no specialist equipment, are the Tour of the Silvretta, the Prattigauer Hohenweg and the Ratikon Hohenweg, two of which can be combined to provide a fortnight of high-altitude hiking among such peaks as Piz Buin, Piz Linard, Dreilanderspitz, Schesaplana, Sulzfluh and Drusenfluh and over some classic Alpine passes. The Silvretta and Ratikon ranges straddle the borders of Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. Also included are descriptions of nearby climbable peaks for those with excess energy and favourable conditions, and for those who prefer to plan their own tours a directory of all the mountain huts in the area, providing all the information you could possibly need. Written by Alpine expert Kev Reynolds, this book includes tips on gear, planning, language and further reading, to fully enjoy your time in the Alps.

Read more less

Packed with routes right across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this guidebook is all you need to explore the lanes and tracks of this much-loved area on two wheels - off-road on your mountain bike or on-road on your road bike or a bit of both on hybrid/sturdy bike (most routes have an on-road alternative). 21 day routes ranging from 9 to 41 miles are included, illustrated with clear custom-drawn maps and profiles, as well as a 4-day 200km tour which takes in all the Cotswolds' best highlights. Routes are arranged by difficulty, ranging from easy, moderate to challenging, and full information is provided for the novice cyclist on first aid, bike maintenance, gear to take or hire and much more. There are also comprehensive lists of local gear and cycle shops passed along the routes, and information about where to stop for vital refreshment, too. With a good network of quiet lanes and canal paths and dramatic views from the top of the famous limestone escarpment, the Edge, the pretty Cotswold villages are the perfect base for a cycling holiday.

Read more less

This guidebook describes 37 day rides for all abilities, and 22 linking routes for more experienced cycle tourists, allow riders to visit all the essential sights in over 20 islands of the Hebrides and of the Firth of Clyde. Routes range from those suitable for short weekend breaks to a challenging 600-mile tour (includes the 200 mile Hebridean Way / NCR 780 along the length of the Outer Hebrides). Whether you're putting together a fortnight's tour or just enjoying a few day rides from a single base, this guide is packed with useful information to help you make the most of your trip. The Hebridean islands offer a wealth of wonderful scenery: the majestic Cuillin mountains on Skye; the otherworldly palm trees on Bute; the marvellous white shell sands on Tiree and Harris. This guidebook features detailed custom mapping and elevation profiles for all routes, and comprehensive information of ferry and transport routes, accommodation, food and drink, supplies, cycle spares and repairs. Island hopping in these islands is a magical experience. The guide visits over 20 of them and each has its own interesting history and wildlife. Reasonably fit cyclists can enjoy these routes at their own pace; experienced cycle tourists will eat up the miles.

Read more less

At 5895m, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest point and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, yet it is possible to reach its summit, Uhuru Peak, without any technical climbing ability. Those who do make it to 'the Roof of Africa' are richly rewarded, enjoying outstanding views, the unique experience of being 'on top of the world' and, of course, a tremendous sense of achievement. This practical guidebook is split into four parts and includes all the information needed to fully prepare and undertake a successful trek. The first chapter covers preparation and practicalities, offering guidance on how to choose a route and an outfitter, along with extensive information on travel, equipment, health considerations, guides and porters and ethical trekking. The second chapter tells the story of Kilimanjaro and the people, plants and wildlife of the region, presenting a fascinating insight to enrich your trip. This is followed by a description of the six main ascent routes - the Marangu, Machame, Umbwe, Lemosho, Shira and Rongai Routes, plus three summit routes, two descent routes and the circuit path which circumnavigates the mountain.

Read more less

This guidebook details the Pilgrims' Way, an historic pilgrimage route to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, home of the shrine of the martyred archbishop, St Thomas Becket. The route is described both from Winchester in Hampshire (138 miles) and London's Southwark Cathedral (90¼ miles), with an optional spur to Rochester Cathedral. With relatively easy walking on ancient byways, the route from Winchester is presented in 15 stages of 5-14 miles: it can be comfortably completed in under a fortnight. It follows a major chalk ridge through scenic countryside, taking in characterful towns and villages and historic churches. The route from Southwark is described in 10 stages and includes a visit to the ruined Lesnes Abbey. Detailed route description is accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping, advice on making the most of a trip and information on the historical background to the pilgrimage, key historical figures and local points of interest. Accommodation listings and details of facilities and transport links can be found in the appendices. Pilgrimages to Becket's shrine began within a few years of the his death in 1170, although Canterbury was a popular destination even before this time due to the nearby shrine of St Augustine. The route has featured in literature, drama and film, and forms the setting for Geoffrey Chaucer's famous Middle English work, The Canterbury Tales.

Read more less

An inspirational guidebook to Britain's National Trails - 19 long-distance walking routes through England, Wales and Scotland. Together, these routes (National Trails in England and Wales and Scotland's Great Trails) cover well over 3100 miles (5000km), exploring the rich scenic and historic countryside of Britain. If you've ever wanted to walk a National Trail, this larger format book is perfect for planning, offering stage by stage overviews for each route including the popular South West Coast Path, Hadrian's Wall Path, Pennine Way, West Highland Way, Cotswold Way, Offa's Dyke Path, South Downs Way, Southern Upland Way and many others. Outline schedules for each of the National Trails allow you compare the routes and choose your next walking trail. Whether relatively short and easy, or longer and more strenuous, there's a challenge for you. Basic day-by-day route descriptions for each trail are illustrated with maps and profiles, helping you choose the best routes to walk. Information is provided on access to and from the routes, maps, public transport, guidebooks, TICs, accommodation and useful websites.

Read more less

A guidebook to 87 walks and scrambles on the Isle of Skye. Covering the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, the walks are suitable for most walkers, with shorter routes alongside plenty of more challenging, full-day hikes. The routes range from 2 to 23km (1–15 miles) and can be combined to create longer days out. Eight routes include scrambles, which are clearly indicated in the book. 1:50,000 OS maps are included for each route Detailed information on facilities, accommodation, history and geology Easy access from Portree and Broadford Highlights include routes in the Cuillin and Munro ascents

Read more less

A guidebook to trekking the John Muir Trail (JMT) from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney and onto the trailhead at Whitney Portal. Covering 348km (216 miles), this long-distance trek through the Sierra Nevada mountains of California takes around 3 weeks to hike and is suitable for hikers with experience in remote high-mountain wilderness. The route is described from north to south in 21 stages, each between 11 and 26km (7–16 miles). An optional ascent of Half Dome is also included, which involves some easy scrambling and requires a good head for heights. Sketch maps included for the route Ascent, descent and distance tables included for all stages Lists of camp areas, ranger stations and bear box locations Advice on trekking permits, transport to and from the trailheads, equipment, food and supplies, training Route travels through 3 national parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia

Read more less

No matter if you're a surfer, or have never even seen the sea, you can't help but be transfixed by the aquatic sculptures of infinite variety that are waves. Photographers dedicate their lives to capturing their majesty and this book is a testament to the awesome power and sublime beauty of waves. Amazing Waves is a stunning coffee-table book of photographs that capture the beauty and majesty of ocean waves. This breathtaking volume is a collection of the best work by 20 of the world's top surf photographer's. The photos in Amazing Waves are guaranteed to thrill surfers, longboarders, kite surfers and bodyboarders alike; everyone who loves looking at images of the ocean at its most spectacular. Plus, this title includes tips and advice for budding photographers.

Read more less

Guidebook to hiking and mountain biking in the Sacred Valley of Peru, including the Inca Trail. 40 routes (7 to Machu Picchu) visiting all major Incan sites discovered from Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Vilcabamba and in the remote region around Mount Ausangate. The routes are graded for difficulty, and most routes can be done on foot or by mountainbike and timings are given for each, as well as advice on whether it is preferable to undertake a particular route with a local guide or trekking agency, in the less well-known areas. The guidebook includes practical information on getting to and around the area, how to make the most out of any trip as well as plenty of background detail on the Incan history and places of interest explored on the routes. The Andes are the second highest mountain range in the world, after the Himalaya, but they have the most spectacular range of altitude - from 6000m down to just above sea level - making for some thrilling MTB descents on ancient Incan roads. The area also has a spectacular collection of ancient Incan sites, with new sites yet to be uncovered, and is still farmed by the direct descendants of the Incas, often seen in their colourful traditional dress in the local villages.

Read more less