The Elan Valley Way runs from Frankley, on the western fringe of Birmingham, to the Elan Valley in mid-Wales. It is loosely based around the course followed by the Elan Valley aqueduct along which Birmingham's water supply has passed since 1904. The route does not aim to slavishly follow the course of the aqueduct but instead visits many of the more obvious signs of the pipelines on the ground. Although it is never more than about three miles from the line of the aqueduct it takes 128.5 miles to do the journey that the aqueduct does in 73.5 miles!

The walk, largely following footpaths and bridleways, and with many superb views, passes through some delightful walking areas in the counties of Worcestershire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys. It has been split into ten stages based on the availability of accommodation and public transport and can therefore easily be followed either as a whole ten-day affair or in parts, as time and inclination permit. No section should present any problems for the reasonably fit and there are no prolonged steep ascents.

The book is illustrated with sketch maps and photographs, some of the latter dating from the time when the aqueduct was being constructed. The route finding instructions are clear and comprehensive and are referenced to the sketch maps. There are also numerous sections of text, distinguished by being boxed, that provide interesting background information on places visited and points of interest.