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.

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.

A guidebook to walking the Cathar Way, a waymarked trail through France's southwest, linking historic castles. This 250km (two-week) route runs through the foothills of the Pyrenees in the Languedoc region of southern France, from the Mediterranean to Foix. A challenging, fascinating and rewarding route, but not an arduous mountain trek. The trail runs from the Mediterranean coast westward to the historic town of Foix. It can be walked in two weeks or less by anyone who is well-equipped and moderately fit. Good-quality accommodation is available at regular intervals along the entire length of.

A guidebook to walking the North Downs Way National Trail between the high downland of Farnham, Hampshire and Dover on the Kent coast. Covering 208km (130 miles), this gentle trail takes around 11 days to walk and is an ideal first long-distance hike for beginners. The route is described from west to east in 11 daily stages between 12 and 22km (8–14 miles) in length. An optional 3-stage detour via Canterbury is also provided. Contains step-by-step description of the route alongside 1:50,000 OS maps Includes a separate map booklet containing OS 1:25,000 mapping and route line Refreshment and accommodation information given for each route stage Handy route summary table helps you plan your itinerary Much of the route follows the ancient Pilgrims' Way to Canterbury Cathedral

A guidebook to walking the Pilgrims’ Way, a 230 km (138 mile) historic pilgrimage route to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, home of the shrine of the martyred archbishop, St Thomas Becket. With relatively easy walking on ancient pathways, it can be comfortably completed in under a fortnight. The route is presented in 15 stages ranging between 7 and 22 kms (5-14 miles) and is described from both Winchester in Hampshire (138 miles) and London’s Southwark Cathedral (90 miles), with an optional link to Rochester. 1:50,000 OS mapping for each stage Detailed information on accommodation, public transport, and refreshments for each stage Information on the historical background of the pilgrimage, historical figures, and local points of interest GPX files available to download Facilities table to help you plan your itinerary

A guidebook to trekking Portugal’s Rota Vicentina, a 224km (139 mile) trail comprised of the Historial Way (Caminho Histórico) and the Fishermen’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores). With the central stages hugging the Atlantic seaboard, the route stretches from Santiago do Cacém to the southwestern tip of mainland Europe at Cabo de São Vicente. The trail is suitable for most walkers, with stages graded easy or moderate. The main route is presented in 12 stages of between 12 and 24km (7–15 miles). Also included in the guidebook is a four-stage inland variant running north from Odeceixe to form a circuit with the northern half of the main route. Route description illustrated with 1:100,000 mapping GPX files available for download Refreshment and accommodation information provided for each trek stage Accommodation listings Advice on planning and preparation

From cosmopolitan Paris to the sunny Cote d'Azur, from historical Normandy to the rocky Pyrenes, this new edition updates the best of towns, attractions, and landscapes of every region. 100 maps. of color photos.

A guidebook to 30 circular day walks in the Cotswolds. Exploring the Cotswolds National Landscape across Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, there’s something for beginner and experienced walkers alike. The walks range in length from 9–19km (6–12 miles) and take between 3 and 6 hours to complete. Suggested extensions and shortcuts are also given for many routes allowing you to adapt the walks to you. 1:50,000 OS maps included for each walk Detailed information on refreshments and public transport are given for each walk Easy access from Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bath Local points of interest are featured including sections of the Cotswold Way National Trail

This guidebook describes 40 day walks across Norfolk ranging in length from 4 to 12 miles. The walks are divided into five sections: the northeast coast and the Broads; south Norfolk, the Yare and Waveney; North Norfolk and the Coast; Central Norfolk and Breckland; and West Norfolk and the Fens. Each walk is described step-by-step, illustrated with 1:40K OS map extracts and packed with historical, geological and other information about the landscape the route passes through. All walks are circular, along footpaths, bridleways and quiet country lanes, and some use parts of long-distance paths, including the Peddars Way, Norfolk Coast Path, Boudica's Way and Weavers Way. The Fenland region of Norfolk's far west is flat and low-lying, as are the marshes and waterways of the Broads in the east, but between these two extremes there is a great deal of topography going on. The county is far more varied than most outsiders imagine, with several distinct and unique landscapes. As well as Broads and the Fens, it has the sandy Brecks, rolling farmland, ancient woodland, meandering rivers and the gorgeous North Norfolk coast with its beaches, shingle banks, salt marshes and tidal mud flats.

A guidebook to 43 walks in the south and west of the Yorkshire Dales, covering Wharfedale, Littondale, Malham, Dentdale and Ribblesdale. Most routes are easy or moderate, although there are a handful of more demanding outings crossing rugged upland terrain. The walks, all easily accessible from Kirkby Lonsdale, Settle, Skipton and Grassington, range from 6 to 21km (4–13 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–5 hours. Also included is the Yorkshire Three Peaks: a 37km (23 mile) challenge route visiting Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. 1:50,000 OS maps included for each walk Sized to easily fit in a jacket pocket Notes on refreshments and parking Information on the region’s rich geology, history, plantlife and wildlife Part of a 2-volume set – an accompanying Cicerone guidebook Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: North and East is also available