What better way to enjoy the diverse scenery, terrain and fascinating history within the boundaries of so many different counties than to walk The Midshires Way? This 225 mile (360km) footpath and bridleway crosses Middle England, linking the Ridgeway in Buckinghamshire with the Trans-Pennine Trail at Stockport in Greater Manchester. It passes through the counties of Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and the metropolitan area of Greater Manchester.

The Way follows public footpaths and bridleways and quiet country lanes. The terrain is pleasant yet undemanding and therefore suitable for most walkers. It starts and ends at railway stations and can be walked easily in either direction. This guide divides the Way into 17 sections (each between 10 and 14 miles; a nominal day's walk) with detailed route descriptions (north-south and south-north), sketch maps, illustrations and suggestions for accommodation at the end of each section. The book also provides information about how the Way came into being and, to add interest to the day's walk, each main section is preceded with detailed notes about the landscape, historical events, notable buildings and characters associated with the area.

The start/end locations of the sections (south to north) are: Princes Risborough; Waddesdon; Nash; Salcey Forest; Blisworth; Church Brampton; Great Oxendon; Cranoe; Ashby Folville; Willoughby-on-the-Wolds; Kegworth; Stanley; Blackbrook; Middleton Top; Pomeroy; Buxton; New Mills; Stockport.