Guidebook to a principal north-south long-distance walking route through eastern France, traversing the Vosges and the Haut-Jura plateau along the GR5/GR53. The 687km (427-mile) waymarked path traverses the entire length of the Vosges, and then climbs up onto the plateau of the Haut-Jura before dropping down to Nyon on the shores of Lake Geneva. The GR5 is one of the great walking routes across Europe, crossing the continent from the Dutch coast to the Mediterranean, and the route described here is the central section (518km) from Schirmeck down to Lake Geneva. In addition, the GR53 in the Northern Vosges from Wissembourg to Schirmeck (169km) is described as an offshoot of the GR5 that allows walkers to complete the entire chain of the Vosges. The route is presented in 11 chapters, which in turn are broken into short sections of a few hours each, allowing for a flexible itinerary and easy route planning. There are also suggestions for shorter circular routes making use of sections of the GR53/GR5, as well as an overview of other long-distance routes in the region. A summary of local history, plants and wildlife and delicacies can be found in the introduction and appendices offer details of facilities on route and full accommodation listings. Two further Cicerone guidebooks cover the remaining sections of the GR5; 'The GR5 Trail - Benelux and Lorraine', and 'The GR5 Trail' which covers the route from Lac Léman to the Mediterranean.

A guidebook to trekking the southern section of the GR5 trail between Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) and either Nice or Menton. Covering 674km (420 miles), this long-distance trek through the French Alps can be walked in 1 month and is suitable for moderately experienced hikers. The route is described from north to south in 32 stages, each between 11 and 31km (7–19 miles) in length. Variant routes such as the GR55 through the Vanoise National Park and the GR52 through the Mercantour National Park finishing at Menton are also detailed. 1:100,000 maps included for each stage Detailed information about accommodation, facilities and public transport along the route A south–north route summary table is also provided for those wanting to walk in the opposite direction Part of a 3-volume set, accompanying Cicerone guidebooks The GR5 Trail - Vosges and Jura and The GR5 Trail - Benelux and Lorraine are also available

Guidebook to the northernmost section of the GR5 - from Hoek van Holland in the Netherlands, through Belgium and Luxembourg, to Schirmeck in the northeast of France. Described over 49 stages, this 1000 kilometre section of the GR5 is relatively easy and ideal for those who don't want to hike up and down steep mountains - or not just yet. Clear route description is accompanied by 1:100K mapping, together with information on points of interest passed along the way. Background information on landscape, wildlife and history is included, as is practical information - everything from clothing, equipment, food, drink and waymarking to maps, money and staying in touch - making planning and executing a trip as easy as possible. One of the world's best long distance walking trails, the GR5, in its entirety, covers an impressive 1423 miles (2290km) on its way from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. This northern stretch - before the trail hits the depth of the Vosges. Two further Cicerone guidebooks cover the remaining sections of the GR5; 'The GR5 Trail - Vosges and Jura', and 'The GR5 Trail' which covers the route from Lac Leman to the Mediterranean.

The walking guides based on trails created and marked by the French Federation of Hiking Clubs.

A guidebook to 42 day walks in the Auvergne. Exploring the volcanic hills of central France, the walks are suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike. Walks range from 2 to 16km (1–10 miles) and can be enjoyed in 1–6 hours. The routes are clustered into five different areas, making ideal bases: Cantal, the Chaîne des Puys (Monts Dômes), the Monts Dore, the Haute Loire (Livradois and Velay) and the Montagne Bourbonnaise. Sketch maps are included for each walk Detailed information on accommodation, public transport and the region’s volcanic history Local points of interest are featured including the Livradois-Forez and Auvergne Volcanoes regional nature parks

A guidebook to trekking the Peaks of the Balkans Trail. Passing through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, the 183km circular route can be completed in around a fortnight. The walking itself is not difficult, although the route passes through some remote areas and demands a moderate level of fitness. The route is presented anti-clockwise from Theth (Albania) in 10 stages of between 10 and 28km. Also included are a handful of optional detours to climb neighbouring peaks and visit local sites of interest. 1:50,000 mapping and elevation profile provided for each stage Everything you need to plan a successful trip: how to get to the route, when to go, what to take, and information on cross-border permits Accommodation listings included Geology, history, plants and wildlife Language notes and glossary

Over 100 walking routes in the Bernese Oberland are described in this guidebook, suitable for all abilities from short flat walks to adventurous treks. Routes range from 2 to 24km in a region that boasts famous peaks such as the Eiger, Monch and the Jungfrau. But there are lesser-known mountains, too, that are just as scenically dramatic. Add to that the romantic valleys, lakes, flower-filled meadows and a network of mountain huts and rustic inns and you'll understand why the Bernese Alps seduce the hiker back year after year. The guide is divided into nine chapters: Haslital, Lutschental, Lauterbrunnental, Kiental, Kandertal, Engstligental, Ober Simmental, Lauenental and Saanental, with a regional focus around Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Gsteig and Meiringen, Kandersteg, Griesalp and others. The layout of this guide follows an east-west convention, beginning with the Haslital and working west from valley to valley as far as Col du Pillon below Les Diablerets. Additionally, the guidebook includes useful practical information on getting to and around the region, where to stay and how to prepare for a trip into the Bernese Alps.

Patronising advice by a doctor at a retirement course to 'walk a couple of miles a day' challenges architect Sean Rothery to take a proper walk and so, at the age of sixty-five, he sets out to walk the GR5, the Grande Randonée Cinq. From the steely grey North Sea to the intense blue Mediterranean, Sean's 2,300km-long route follows a network of old trails, forest paths, canal banks, Alpine valleys and passes. Along the way, he recounts some of his youthful enterprises, including cycling from Dieppe to Rome in the ruins of post-war Europe and a climbing accident in 1967 that saw him challenge another doctor's prognosis. Ghosts of the past are revisited, most poignantly in the Alps where two friends died in climbing accidents, but also alongside the ruins of First World War trenches. Sketchbook in hand, Sean savours the landscape, history and culture as he passes from one country to another. Every day he looks out for the distinctive red-and-white waymarks of the GR5 – not an easy task, especially when change in the name of progress has cleared swathes of trails. This enthralling diary of a long walk south will have the reader urging the author on to the last step of the way.

A guidebook to walking the Jura Crest Trail (also known as Crêtes du Jura or Jura High Route) between Dielsdorf near Zurich and Nyon on Lake Geneva. Covering 310km (193 miles), this long-distance trek traversing the sub-alpine mountains of the Swiss Jura takes around 2 weeks to walk and is suitable for any reasonably fit walker. The route is described east to west in 14 stages, each between 12 and 32km (7–20 miles) in length. 12-, 16- and 21-day alternate itineraries are also outlined to allow you to plan the schedule that suits you. 1:100,000 maps included for each stage Detailed information about accommodation, refreshments and public transport along the route Advice on planning and preparation Highlights include Creux du Van and the medieval towns of Baden and Brugg