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WALES

Offa's Dyke Path, David Hunter - Offa's Dyke was constructed by the powerful King of Mercia in the late eighth century to mark out the western boundary of his kingdom. Hundreds of years later this is the inspiration for a 170-mile National Trail traversing the border country of England and Wales. The whole route is described, with suggestions for circular walks covering sections of it. Undertaken in its entirety the route offers an attractive and at times demanding two-week trek for the long-distance walker. The Offa's Dyke Path makes its way through varied, sometimes wild, often remote, and frequently superb scenery, linked by a succession of historic towns and attractive villages. The guide combines practical information and advice with a generous helping of historical and scenic detail of this highly attractive border region. Written with enthusiasm, this is an ideal guidebook for both the long-distance walkers and those making shorter excursions along Offa's Dyke Path.  Published January 08. K

ISBN: 9781852845490 - Offa's Dyke Path

More on Offa's Dyke Path on Powys Books page

Owain Glyndwr's Way, Chris and Ronnie Catling - The 132 mile Glyndwris Way runs from Knighton to Welshpool, where the route links with Offais Dyke to create a 172.5 mile circular walk back to Knighton. This book describes the route in twelve sections, providing information on places of interest, as well as the practical facilities walkers need. Published March 05.

ISBN: 1852842997 - Glyndwr's Way

Owain Glyndwr's Way, Richard Sale - 128 mile route along the Welsh borderlands named after the leader of the rebellion against the English in the 15th C. Owain Glyndwr's Way passes through a belt of wooded valleys between Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. The footpath extends for 125 miles from Knighton westward to Machynlleth, then northeast to Welshpool. As both Knighton and Welshpool lie on Offa's Dyke there is potential for a circular walk.  Limited availability. Published April 01.

Owain Glyndwr's Way

Glyndwr's Way (National Trail Guides), David Perrott - Owain Glyndwr's Way passes through a belt of wooded valleys between Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons - some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales. The footpath extends for 125 miles from Knighton westward to Machynlleth, then northeast to Welshpool. As both Knighton and Welshpool lie on Offa's Dyke there is potential for a circular walk, which must always be of interest to the walker. Owain Glyndwr (c. 1359-1415) was over 40 when his rebellion began in 1400. His fine record as a nobleman in the English court was soured when he offered the Welsh their freedom and independent nationality, their own church and universities. He was thought by his followers to possess supernatural powers over the elements; certainly he used both weather and terrain to assist him in his guerrilla warfare against the English. At the end of his struggle, in 1413, his legacy to the Welsh was, however, scorched earth and slavery. Glyndwr himself remained free and later disappeared. The walk visits several important sites of the campaign, a battlefield or two and Machynlleth, the site of Owain's parliament. In addition it passes Abbey Cwmhir, the spiritual home of free medieval Wales, burial ground of Llywelyn the Great, Lake Vyrnwy in its beautiful setting, a haven for birds, Llanidloes and Welshpool, a fine pair of market towns and many smaller places of interest. The scenery is excellent all the way. Only Plynlimon could be termed high-level walking, for the rest the views are to the hills from good lowland moor or farmland. Near the Dyfi River the view of Cader Idris is among the best of any peak in Wales. This evokes a countryside rich in legend, anecdote and history as well as great natural beauty.  Published March 04. Limited availability.

The Cambrian Way: The Mountain Connoisseur's Walk, A J Drake - A challenging 275-mile high level route from Cardiff in the south to Conwy in the north. The walk is divided into stages to be walked over three weeks. Published March 08.

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The Clwydian Way: Long Distance Trail Created to Celebrate the Millennium, David Hollet - In the main the path circles round Denbighshire, but in the east it crosses over into Flintshire, and in the west part of the alternative, Llansannan route, passes through Conwy. The entire route, however, runs through what can be rightly termed "The Heart of North Wales" - thus providing long-distance ramblers with a perfect combination of scenic countryside and medieval towns and villages to pass through and enjoy. The main, 122 mile-long route, runs from Prestatyn along the Clwydian Range, then on to Llangollen in the south. It then runs west along the Llantysilio Range to Corwen, north to Brenig, east through the Clocaenog Forest, and north again, through the Vale, back to Prestatyn. By the use of an alternative route through Llansannan, and a 'Link-Path' near Denbigh, the walk can, however, be broken down into three shorter circular walks, the 88 mile long 'South Clwydian Circular', the 55 mile long 'West Clwydian Circular', and the 42 mile long 'North Clwydian Circular'. Published December 00. Limited availability.

Wat's Dyke Way, Pete Lewis - The 61m/99km-long Wat’s Dyke Way is a linear walk through the borderlands of England and North Wales. The route runs through pastoral countryside close to the Welsh border between Llanymynech in Powys and Holywell in Flintshire. Includes a brief history of Wat’s Dyke, a map of the route, a detailed description of the trail and a section explaining how to use the guide plus four circular walks off the trail. Published June 08
 

SCOTLAND

West Highland Way, Terry Marsh - This second edition of the popular guide to the West Highland way provides an updated and current description of the route from Milngavie, Glasgow, to Fort William. The 95 miles of the route, which was opened in 1980, pass through the lowlands to the highlands, and are accompanied by the bucolic spendour of the glens flanked by great mountains, the loveliness of Loch Lomond and the wild remoteness of Rannoch Moor. Accompanies the route which is consistently waymarked. Descriptions of the eight-stage route There is great association between much of the Way and the historical past of Scotland. Much of the route pursues ancient drove roads or old military roads built in the 18th century. Published Oct 11. K

ISBN: 9781852845568 - The West Highland Way

West Highland Way: The Official Guide, Roger Smith - This ninth edition of the Official Guide has been revised and updated to include recent modifications to the route, is accompanied by a full-colour folding map and packaged in a practical plastic wallet. Published April 10.

ISBN: 9781841831329 - West Highland Way

West Highland Way XT40, Harvey Maps. Published Feb 08

West Highland Way (Footprint map/Guide).  Published May 99.

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West Highlands Way, Charlie Loram - Fully revised third edition of the first of Trailblazer's 10-title series of British Walking Guides. The West Highland Way is the most popular long-distance path in the country, passing through some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Britain. From the outskirts of Glasgow it winds for 95 miles along the wooded banks of Loch Lomond, across the wilderness of Rannoch Moor, over the mountains above Glencoe to a dramatic finish at the foot of Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain. 5 town plans and 48 large-scale walking maps - at just under 1: 20,000 - showing route times, places to stay, places to eat, points of interest and much more. These are not general-purpose maps but fully-edited maps drawn by walkers for walkers. Itineraries for all walkers - whether walking the route in its entirety over a week to 10 days or sampling the highlights on day walks and short breaks Practical information for all budgets - camping, bunkhouses, hostels, B&Bs, pubs and hotels; Glasgow through to Fort William - where to stay, where to eat, what to see, plus detailed street plans Comprehensive public transport information - for all access points on the West Highland Way Climb Ben Nevis - route descriptions to the top of Britain's highest mountain and other peaks Flora and fauna - four page full colour flower guide, plus an illustrated section on local wildlife Green hiking - understanding the local environment and minimizing our impact on it. Published May 10.

ISBN: 9781905864133 - West Highland Way: Glasgow to Fort William

The Highland High Way, Heather Connon & Paul Roper -  The Highland High Way is a high level route running for 105 miles from Loch Lomond to Fort William. This book describes an eight-day route, taking in about 23 mountains. It contains route descriptions, sketch maps, mountain safety information, and historical and geographical highlightsLimited availability.  Published March 96.

The West Highland Way, a Rucksack Reader, Jacquetta Megarry - The West Highland Way is the first and most famous of Scotland's long-distance walks. It begins on the outskirts of Glasgow, its largest city, then goes through Scotland's first National Park, along the shores of its largest loch. After 95 miles (152 km) of superb scenery, the Way ends in Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. The second edition of this popular guidebook was fully revised in 2003, with many improvements, including more photographs, details of the new Scottish Outdoor Access Code and a Fort William town plan. It contains all you need to plan and enjoy your holiday: drop-down map showing the whole route in six panels; waterproof paper throughout; the Way in sections, with summaries of distance, terrain and where to find food and drink; concise background on the history and wildlife; information about side-trips and mountain climbs including Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis; planning information for travel by car, train, bus or plane; in full colour, with 60 photographs. Published Feb 11.

The West Highland Way

The West Highland Way, Ronald Turnbull - This book traces the journey of glens and low passes, under the crags and high grassy sides of seven of Scotland's hill ranges: from the Arrochar Alps of Loch Lomond to the Black Mount of Argyll, the Mamores and Ben Nevis. Along the way we see wild goats, the red deer of Rannoch, the golden eagle, and the meadow pipit. We enjoy purple orchids, wild heather and golden birches and walk through fields of yellow asphodel. Geologically, the West Highland Way is an outing from the Old Red Sandstone of the so-called Lowland Valley, through the grey schists of the Southern Highlands, to the great volcanic cauldron of Glen Coe. As it unfolds underfoot, it's an ever-changing vista of heather and oakwood, of lochside and riverside - but also a journey through the whole life and history of Celtic Scotland. Published May 10.

West Highland Way, Pocket Mountains, Dan Bailey - The West Highland Way was Scotland's first official long distance route. Originally conceived in the 1960s, it was completed in October 1980. The Way links Milngavie to Fort William - a distance of 152km (95 miles) - from the outskirts of Scotland's largest city to the foot of its highest mountain, following the shores of its largest freshwater loch. It passes from the lowlands, across the Highland Boundary Fault and on into the Scottish Highlands. This fantastic new guide, by rising star of outdoors journalism Dan Bailey, is all you need for tackling this classic walk. Containing 15 possible hill and glen detours as well as stunning photography and clear mapping of the West Highland Way itself, this value-for-money guide looks set to become a classic.  Published June 08.

NOT The West Highland Way, Robert Turnbull - The West Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort William is one of the finest UK long distance paths, but it runs close to a busy main road and avoids the mountain tops. NOT The West Highland Way offers mountain alternatives to all but one of the WH Way stages, 5 one-day hill circuits, 2 two-day warm-up trips and 3 extended diversions off the Way, this book intends to do better. Published September 10.  K

Cover of Not the West Highland Way

The West Highland Way, Anthony Burton - The 93-mile West Highland Way is indisputably Britain's most spectacular long-distance path. The first section, following the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, offers an idyllic waterside walk, with the full grandeur of the Highlands gradually revealing itself. Then, after crossing the barren wilderness of Rannoch Moor, the walker climbs the Devil's Staircase above Glencoe and traverses classic Highland landscapes to reach Fort William and, if he or she wishes, a grand finale at the peak of Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis. This comprehensive guide is an authoritative companion, packed with indispensable information. Published May 10

The Great Glen Way, Brian Smailes - The 73 mile Great Glen Way travels through some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. Starting near the shore of Loch Linnhe in Fort William, the walk passes through Fort Augustus, Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit ending in Inverness. Published January 03.

The Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way and Great Glen Cycle Route, Nick Bridgland. Footprint map and Guide.  Published February 03.

 

The Great Glen Way: Two-way Trail Guide, Paddy Dillon - The Great Glen is one of the most remarkable features in the Scottish landscape - a ruler-straight valley along an ancient fault line through the Highlands. The glen is threaded by the scenic Caledonian Canal, which links Loch Lochy and Loch Oich with the famous Loch Ness. The Great Glen Way offers walkers the chance to enjoy a low-level route from coast to coast, between Fort William and Inverness, at almost any time of the year. The Great Glen Way measures 117km (73 miles) and its course includes easy, level stretches alongside the Caledonian Canal, undulating forest tracks, lakeside paths, old drove roads and military roads, as well as contrasting stretches over heather moorlands or through city suburbs. The route is an ideal introduction to long-distance walking, with a range of facilities along the way. Walkers can enjoy the scenery and wildlife, delve into the history of the Highland clans, visit crumbling castles, or keep an eye open to spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster!  Published March 07. K


ISBN: 9781852845032 - The Great Glen Way

Great Glen Way (Rucksack Readers), Jacquetta Megarry - This guidebook (updated 2005) contains all you need to plan and enjoy a holiday walking along Scotland's historic Great Glen (73 miles/117 km). The Way runs between Fort William and Inverness, along the Caledonian Canal and past various lochs, including Loch Ness with its famous monster legend, and Urquhart Castle. The drop-down map flap shows the whole route in five panels; waterproof paper throughout; in full colour, with over 60 photographs; visitor attractions and hills to climb (Munros, Corbetts and Grahams); town plans of Fort William and Inverness; background on local geology, history and wildlife; summary of each section showing distance, terrain and food/drink stops; planning information for travel by car, train, bus or plane. Published July 10

The Great Glen Way

Great Glen Way XT 40 (Walker's Route S.), Harvey Maps - The Great Glen Way follows the Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Inverness. Dramatic scenery, waterside and forest trails offer a range of views and experiences. This map is designed to be of use to walkers and cyclists.  Published April 08.

Great Glen Way (Walker's Route S.)

Scottish Coast to Coast Walk, Brian Smailes - 128 miles from Oban on the west coast to St Andrews on the east coast. All information is given to enable you to complete the route which takes you past Rob Roy's grave, Earthquake House and Lochearnhead to emerge in St. Andrews near the famous golf course and castle of this University town.  Published March 00.

ISBN: 095269008X - The Scottish Coast to Coast Walk

 

The Ayrshire and Arran Coastal Paths (British Long Distance Trails), Keith Fergus - For many inhabitants of Glasgow, Ayrshire is the nearest and most natural stretch of coastline to visit. Keith Fergus, a Glasgow native, has enjoyed visiting the area for over 30 years. He has a love of walking and photography as well as a wealth of knowledge of Ayrshire; its rich history, diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Published June 11.

ISBN: 9781852846329 - The Ayrshire and Arran Coastal Paths

The Cateran Trail, Jacquetta Megarry - The Cateran Trail follows the footsteps of 16th century cattle rustlers (caterans) for 63 miles (101km). It starts from Blairgowrie, passing through the heart of Scotland with its rich pre-history, heritage and wildlife. This circular way marked walk can be comfortably completed in 4-5 undemanding days, with the nearest village never more than 7 miles away.  Published October 04.

The Cateran Trail

The Cateran Trail: Blairgowrie - Glenshee - Alyth (Footprint Map & Guide). Published May 10

Central and Southern Scotland, Graham Uney - Backpacking in the Scottish Highlands has to be one of the finest pleasures in the hillwalker's life. While day-walkers scurry off back to campsites or B&Bs, the backpacker can carry on into the wilderness, pitching up by a remote lochan or tumbling burn. This book, the fourth in the "Backpacker's Britain" series, takes you on a thorough exploration of the Southern Highlands. In this work, a total of 30 multi-day routes are covered, ranging from a superb traverse of all the 4000 feet peaks of Scotland, to classic through-routes in the Cairngorms. There are routes for those with just a weekend to spare, as well as longer walks for those with more time to hand. Some of the walks would also make fine one-day challenges for the very fit hillwalker or runner. This work covers all the main mountain regions south of the Great Glen, including the Monadh Liath, Cairngorms, Nevis range, Mamores, Glen Lyon Hills, Arrochar Alps and much more! Fact boxes provide all you need to know to take on the challenge of each route, including how to get there, accommodation at the start, campsites, bothies and hostels, and Tourist Information Centres - this book has it all!  Published November 08.
 

ISBN: 9781852845278 - Central and Southern Scotland

The Southern Upland Way: Scotlands Coast to Coast Trail, Alan Castle - The Southern Upland Way is Scotland's Coast-to-Coast Walk and the longest of the National Trails north of the Border. It runs for 212 miles (341km) from picturesque Portpatrick on the west coast across the Galloway and Border Hills to finish on the east coast at Cockburnspath south of Dunbar. On the way, it passes through remote and romantic country and visits many of the locations associated with Scotland's often turbulent past. Dalry, Sanquhar, Wanlockhead (Britain's highest village), Moffat, Galashiels, Melrose and Lauder are all staging posts en route. The guidebook divides the walk into thirteen stages of varying length that will fill a two-week walking holiday in this relatively unknown area of Britain. The walk is at times a somewhat strenuous one, but advice is given on how all the longer stages may be broken down into shorter, more manageable sections. Possibilities for shorter walking holidays along the Way are also fully discussed. The guide is packed with information on the many places of interest passed en route and the historical connections are thoroughly discussed.  Published June 07. K

ISBN: 9781852844097 - The Southern Upland Way

 

The Southern Upland Way Official Guide, Opened in 1984, the Southern Upland Way was Britain's first official coast-to-coast footpath. In its 212-mile route across southern Scotland it crosses a remarkable variety of scenery, from coastal cliffs at Portpatrick on the west coast, through the wild uplands around Lowther Hill, to the fertile glens by St. Mary's Loch and Traquair, and ending in the east at Cockburnspath. In its 21st year, the authorities who support and maintain the Way are working hard to develop new ways for walkers to enjoy the route, particularly in making it easier to tackle short sections rather than seeing it as a simple end-to-end trek. The complete route remains an exhilarating challenge for the serious walker, but now 64 short walks have also been created which take the Way as their starting point. These are a few kilometres each, suited to a variety of abilities, and are an ideal introduction to the interest and beauty of the southern countryside. This completely revised edition of the "Official Guide" includes the details of all the Short Walks, and these are also shown on the two specially commissioned maps of the Way which accompany the Guide. Walkers will return to consult the Guide and maps again and again - as often as they return to the wonderful country of Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders.  Published June 05.

The Southern Upland Way: Official Guide

North to the Cape, Dennis Brook & Phil Hinchcliffe - This is a glorious long-distance walk in the West Highlands from Fort William to Cape Wrath. Described as 'a quintessential backpacking walk', it is a challenging route for the experienced walker. The authors had six main criteria in mind: a variety of scenery, no long hauls over featureless terrain, use of designated paths, interesting geography, no high peaks to climb and a good day's walk every day with accommodation at the end. The route is split into 21 stages, many with an easier bad-weather alternative. Guide includes details of accommodation and advice on where to purchase provisions etc.  Published August 99.

 

Gurkha Reiver: Walking the Southern Upland Way, Neil Griffiths -  When Neil Griffiths, a 43 year old press officer, recruited four serving Gurkhas to trek the route as a fundraiser for the Gurkha Welfare Trust, he had no idea that the guidebooks had declared it not 'really charity walk terrain'. It was too long, and too tough. Neither was he aware that young Gurkhas from the high Himalayas would provide such merry company, although the premonition that their startling fitness would lead to total humiliation was hilariously vindicated as they left him gasping on every false horizon between Wigtownshire and Berwickshire. Three of the men came from the Everest area and the fourth from Annapurna. These are not the type of men to whom you say 'there's a big hill ahead' without meeting wry smiles. Their 140 per minute pace was so bone shaking that Neil couldn't feel his feet for a full month afterwards. This is an entertaining account of a group that get to know Scotland the hard way, on foot, but also highlights the ways of the wee men from Nepal. Despite his humorous tenor, Neil has the deepest respect for what he calls 'our oldest and best allies'. This book explains why.  Published September 06.


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The Rob Roy Way,  From Drymen to Pitlochry, Jacquetta Megarry - This long-distance walk from Drymen to Pitlochry was developed by Rucksack Readers in partnership with walking enthusiasts. It runs for 79 miles (126 km) along some of Scotland's finest lochs and glens, using historic footpaths, a cycle route, forest tracks and some minor road. Many places are linked with Scotland's most famous outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor (1671-1734). The route has no official status, but was negotiated with private landowners, Forest Enterprise, Stirling and Perth Councils and others. The Way offers superb views, but is less strenuous than the West Highland Way. It is not fully waymarked as such, but the book gives detailed directions and most of it is straightforward. Walkers are always advised to carry a compass, but are unlikely to need it unless walking an exposed section in winter. This book contains all you need to plan and enjoy your holiday: background on Rob Roy MacGregor, history, heritage and wildlife; summary of each section showing distance, terrain and food/drink stops; drop-down map showing the whole route in five panels; visitor attractions and hills to climb (Munros, Corbetts and Grahams); special notes for people with no previous experience; planning information for travel by car, train, bus or plane; foreword by Sir David Steel, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament; in full colour, with over 60 photographs; waterproof paper throughout.  Limited availability.  Published Oct 06.

The Rob Roy Way: From Drymen to Pitlochry

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