New Products

by: Elizabeth Bell
The North Cotswold Diamond Way explores some of the best countryside of the north Cotswolds. It is 60 mile long and roughly a diamond shaped route, bounded in the north by Ebrington, in the east by Oddington, in the south by Northleach and in the west by Guiting Power. No part of the route is further than 11 miles from Stow-on-the-Wold. The route was devised specially to go through some of the many delightful small villages, with their golden stone cottages and welcoming country pubs. The terrain is varied and interesting, sometimes across open fields with stone walls, often through little spinneys or along the banks of streams. The hills are gently undulating and provide very pleasant views.
The guidebook provides a comprehensive description of the route starting from Moreton-in-Marsh, although you could start anywhere. Very detail sketch maps support the text to make route finding easy. The whole Way was re-surveyed in 2010 for this new edition of the guide. Information on accommodation and lunch stops is also included. Places visited include Aston Magna; Paxford; Ebrington; Chipping Campden; Broad Campden; Blockley; Hinchwick Manor; Crabs Corner; Toddington; Temple Guiting; Guiting Power; Notgrove; Northleach; Farmington; Bourton-on-the-Water; Wyck Rissington; Icomb; Bledington; Oddington; Addlestrop; Evenlode.The route was devised for the Ramblers' Association diamond jubilee and provides a great introduction to long distance walking.
ISBN 9781906494520 pp 58 (2011) 148mm x 210mm

by: Vivienne Crow
If the Eden Valley had been part of the Lake District NP instead of adjacent to it, it would be full of tourists. As it is, few venture this far, leaving this idyllic walking area largely to the locals. This new guidebook describes a wide variety of routes from the source of the River Eden, high in the wild Pennines, through charming, undulating countryside and pretty red sandstone villages, right up to the open expanses of the Solway marshes on the Scottish border.
This full colour guidebook contains 30 routes from 3 to 17 miles in length, graded 1 to 5 for difficulty, many linking with the Settle Carlisle railway line. Comprehensive route descriptions are provided together with OS Landranger map extracts and many beautiful photographs to inspire you. The guide is also packed with information about local history which adds immensely to the enjoyment of the walks.
ISBN 9781852846343 pp 186 (2011) 115mm x 173mm

by: The Wye Valley Walk Partnership
The Wye Valley Walk follows the River Wye for 136 miles from the river's mouth at Chepstow to the slopes of Plynlimon in Powys, criss-crossing the border between England and Wales. It leads through a dramatic gorge, dense woodland beneath limestone crags, and past peaceful river meadows in some of the most superb scenery in the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty, the birthplace of tourism and the Picturesque movement.
On the way, it passes historic Tintern Abbey, Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye, crosses the rolling landscape of Herefordshire with its black and white villages, famed cider orchards, landscaped parks and fertile agricultural plains and climbs finally into the rugged uplands of Powys.
This new edition of the official guidebook published by Cicerone provides a step-by-step route description in 17 stages each with full colour OS Explorer map extracts. There are many inspirational colour photographs and full background information to the Wye Valley. Practical information for planning such as suggested itineries, accommodation and public transport is included in appendices.
ISBN 9781852846251 pp 174 (2011) 115mm x 173mm (Spiral bound)

by: Stuart Miller
This colourful little guidebook contains twelve circular routes of between 2.5 and 5 miles in length. The format includes directions to the start, walk terrain information, concise numbered directions and a sketch map with corresponding numbers, coloured photographs and notes on places of interest passed and nearby. The varied routes include walks along the coast, on moorland, through attractive villages and in peaceful woodland.
The walk locations are: Blanchland and Pennypie House; Warden Hill and Bridge End; Featherstone and Lambley Viaduct; Bellingham and the North Tyne; Bolam Lake and Shortflatt Tower; Seaton Sluice and the Holywell Dene; Bothal and the Wansbeck; Harbottle and the Drake Stone; Alnmouth and Lesbury; Craster and Dunstanburgh; Happy Valley and Old Middleton; Holburn Grange and St Cuthbert's Cave.
ISBN 9781846742255 pp 64 (2011) 118mm x 172mm

by: Len Banister
On a fine day there is nothing quite so enjoyable, as a dog owner, than getting out into the countryside with your pet for a leisurely walk. Once you get off your home patch though, it is hard to know where you can walk safely with your dog and which pubs and cafes will welcome you both.
Here is a collection of 20 circular walks, varying in length between 2.5 and 6 miles, in the beautiful countryside of Essex. The walks have been designed with maximum off-lead time and minimum exposure to roads. There are walks around nature reserves and landscaped parkland; beside tranquil rivers and along deserted beaches; through ancient woodland and charming villages; and over quiet meadows and wide open heathland. All the walks include details of how to get to the start; distance and terrain, dog factors such as livestock and stiles, recommended dog-friendly refreshment stops, numbered route directions, points of interest along the way and nearest veterinary practice.
Walk locations are: Saffron Walden; Thaxted; Little Easton; Hatfield Broad Oak; Hatfield Heath; Lee Valley Park; Gunpowder Park; Walthamstow; North Weald Bassett; Blackmore; Chafford Gorges; Terling; Colne Engaine; Fordstreet; Birch; Purleigh; Paglesham; Bradwell-on-Sea; Mistley; Wrabness.
ISBN 9781846742385 pp 96 (2011) 148mm x 210mm

by: Vicky Fletcher
On a fine day there is nothing quite so enjoyable, as a dog owner, than getting out into the countryside with your pet for a leisurely walk. Once you get off your home patch though, it is hard to know where you can walk safely with your dog and which pubs and cafes will welcome you both.
Here is a collection of 20 circular walks, varying in length between 1 and 6 miles, in the beautiful countryside of Hampshire and the New Forest. The walks have been designed with maximum off-lead time and minimum exposure to roads. There are routes over wide open grassland and hills; through quiet valleys and ancient woodland; around charming villages and delightful parkland; and beside the tranquil rivers, streams and beautiful coastline of the area. All the walks include details of how to get to the start; distance and terrain, dog factors such as livestock and stiles, recommended dog-friendly refreshment stops, numbered route directions, points of interest along the way and nearest veterinary practice.
Walk locations are: Yateley Common; Basingstoke Canal; Ecchinswell; St Mary Bourne; Houghton Droves; Mottisfont Estate; River Itchen and Shawford Down; New Alresford; Old Winchester Hill; Hawkley's Hangers; Ludshott Common; North Hayling; Titchfield; Manor Farm Waggy Tail Trail; Lepe Loop; Barton; Rhinefield; Smuggler's Road, New Forest; Fritham; Breamore and the Miz-Maze.
ISBN 9781846742330 pp 96 (2011) 148mm x 210mm

Best Sellers

by: Trevor Hulme and Abby Marshall
There can be few better places to walk in lowland England than in the Marches, the borderland country of England and Wales. This is where gentle pastures give way to steeply wooded slopes and open hill tops. Here you will find the Mortimer Trail, a 30 mile walking route from Ludlow to Kington which follows a succession of hills and ridges. It is so called because this was the heartland of the Mortimer family, holders of the most powerful of the Norman Earldoms. The trail passes through forests where tracts of broadleaved woodland give way to coniferous stands. The route descends from the high ridges to the water's edge of the Teme, Lugg and Arrow rivers where Kingfisher and Heron can be seen. Climbs are constantly rewarded by views of the Forest of Radnor, the Black Mountains, Clee Hills and the Malvern Hills.
The guide, printed on waterproof paper, describes the route in three sections supported by colour maps and photographs. There is a further section describing five additional loop walks branching off the Trail. Preliminary sections covering landscape, wildlife, ancient camps, Roman roads, and the Mortimer family put the Trail in context. The three sections are: Ludlow to Orleton Common; Orleton Common to Byton; Byton to Kington. The loop walks are at Yarpole; Wigmore; Lingen; Shobdon and Titley.
ISBN 9780953698318 pp 45 (2002) 118mm x 200mm Spiral bound.

by: Trevor Antill
The Midlands from Worcester to Stratford-upon-Avon via Boscobel (175 miles). One of the best known stories in British history is that of the escape of Charles ll after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. For six exciting weeks, and hotly pursued by the parliamentary forces under Oliver Cromwell, he travelled first north through what is now the Black Country, then south through the Cotswolds and the Mendips to the South Coast, and finally along the South Downs to Shoreham where he made his escape to France. Loyally supported by his followers, many at great risk to their own lives, he was given shelter in places both great and humble, many of which still exist today - including the famous Boscobel oak tree.
Trevor Antill has now designed this long distance walk which closely follows the route taken by Charles and enables you to visit many places, maybe only previously known to you through the history books, and also takes you through some of the finest scenery in western and southern England.
In this, the first of three books, the route follows what was probably the most hazardous part of the King's route, from the historic city of Worcester to Shakespeare's Stratford-on-Avon. The guide gives detailed route instructions together with sketch maps and facinating facts about the King's journey and the places he visited.
ISBN 9781869922528 pp 89 (2005) 145mm x 230mm

by: Eira and Harry Steggles
The Monnow Valley walk is a linear walk of 40 miles through the valley of the River Monnow, from Monmouth, near its confluence with the River Wye, to the headwaters below Hay Bluff. From here the walk joins the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail, sharing the same route to the finishing point at Hay-0n-Wye. The walk uses paths which have been selected to provide a special blend of quietness, interesting features and a variety of scenery and terrain. The mixed farming encountered on the first half of the walk gives way to predominantly pastoral farming, and the whole length is interspersed with areas of woodland. In spring and summer the copses and flower meadows are carpeted with a rich flora which supports a wide variety of insect, bird and animal life.
The guide describes the route in 12 sections, each with a clear colour map showing the route and detailed route finding instructions. Interspersed with the direction text are background notes (in italics to avoid confusion) pointing out and describing features and places of interest. The section starting points are as follows: Monmouth; Rockfield; Tregate; Skenfrith; Box Farm Drive; Grosmont; Upper Sunnybank; Walterstone; Clodock; Michaelchurch Road; Black Hill; Craswall; Chwarel Ddu.
ISBN 0-9543539-0-0 pp 60 (2004) 148mm x 210mm spiral bound

by Trevor Antill
The Cotswolds, the Mendips and the sea from Stratford-upon-Avon to Charmouth (210 miles). In the second part of this long distance path following the extraordinary journey of Charles ll during his escape to France after the battle of Worcester, the route passes through some of the most beautiful areas of southern England.
The main towns and villages along this section of the route are Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-wold, Northleach, Cirencester, Tetbury, Chipping Sodbury, Wick, Keynsham, Abbots Leigh, Winford, Compton Martin, Wells, Castle Cary, South Cadbury, Ham Hill, Crewkerne, Hawkchurch and Charmouth.
The route is clearly described throughout with accompanying sketch maps and commentary on the events of the King's journey and the places he stayed. A remarkable walk, with a remarkable theme to it.
ISBN 9781869922283 pp 124 (1995) 145mm x 230mm

by: Trevor Antill
The South Coast and the South Downs from Charmouth to Shoreham (225 miles). This guide describes the last part of the long distance path tracing the epic journey of Charles ll after the Battle of Worcester. After six exciting and exhausting weeks he finally found a ship at Shoreham from where he sailed to the Continent and safety. The route should not be as stressful for the modern walker, passing as it does through so much beautiful countryside, and enjoyment of the scenery is enhanced by the story of the King in whose footsteps one follows.
The main towns and villages along the route are Bridport, Broadwindsor, Winyard's Gap, East Coker, trent, Charlton Horethorne, Wincanton, Mere, Hindon, Great Wishford, Middle Winterslow, Mottisfont, Hursley, Owlesbury, Warnford, Hambleton, West Dean, Houghton, Findon, Brighton and Shoreham.
The route is fully described in detail with accommpanying sketch maps and background information about the King's adventures and the places he visited. A long but rewarding journey, and one which, like King Charles ll, you will never forget.
ISBN 9781869922290 pp 124 (1995) 145mm x 230mm

by: Paul Hannon
The Westmorland Way is a superb 95 mile long distance path from Appleby-in-Westmorland to Arnside by way of the Lake District National Park, including Patterdale, Grasmere and Elterwater. You will discover delightful villages such as Askham, Beetham, Great Asby and Underbarrow; walk the beautiful lakeshore of Ullswater and the banks of the rivers Eden and Lowther, Brathay and Kent. From mountain pass to canal towpath, this is a walk of unparalleled variety. Although Westmorland was abolished as a county in 1974, its name lives on in the heritage of the area and in this outstanding walk.
This guide divides the route into seven well defined sections to ensure this classic walk can be enjoyed within a week's holiday, with accommodation details to suit every taste. The illustrated guide provides clear concise route instructions together with short articles on interesting features along the way. Essential practical information for planning and travelling is also provided.
ISBN 1-870141-58-X

National Park Guides

Main Book Listing | National Park Guides

Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons National Park will inspire you with its serene and beautiful mountains with high peaks and fabulous ridge walks, hidden waterfalls and fern-filled gorges. Buzzards and Red Kites, soaring majestically overhead, will look down on your slow earth-bound progress through this magnificent landscape; the mountains are their land and you are a privileged visitor - enjoy!

Broads

Cairngorms

Dartmoor

Dartmoor is south west England's greatest wilderness. Rising out of the South Devon landscape this brooding upland of solid granite dominates its surroundings and demands respect from walkers who venture onto its northern high moors. The silhouettes of the distinctive Dartmoor tors are a constant feature of the landscape. The lower edges of Dartmoor offer beautiful woodland walks in steep sided valleys. (See also Devon section for guides which include Dartmoor walks)

Exmoor

Exmoor, although one of Britain's smallest National Parks, provides a wonderful moorland walking experience. This sandstone upland includes wild moorland and rolling heather clad hills, but also has a softer side. The plateau is fissured with steep wooded combes, providing a sheltered climate in which small villages nestle. The northern coastline has dramatic cliffs and offers fine coastal walking.

Lake District

Visually, the Lake District National Park is stunningly beautiful with its dramatic peaks reflecting in shimmering lakes. Here is a walker's paradise beyond compare in England. Explore the many fells with their contrasting character and scenery, take a lakeside stroll through tranquil woodland or wander along picturesque river valleys and visit charming villages. In springtime the fresh green fells are radiant, in autumn the burnished colours sublime. (See also Cumberland section for guides to the Lakeland fringes).

Loch Lomond

New Forest

Northumberland

England's wildest and most remote National Park. Here you will find solitude walking the grassy Cheviot Hills and exploring the beautiful Breamish and Harthorpe valleys and lovely Coquetdale. (See also Northumberland county section for guides to this area)

North York Moors

The North York Moors rise to a moorland plateau of wide empty horizons, just to the north of Teesside. Where this plateau meets the eastern coast spectacular high cliffs plunge into the North Sea. Along the southern edge are tranquil dales of shady woodland. To the north are the Cleveland Hills and the high moors of Bransdale, Baysdale, Westerdale and Glaisedale.. In late summer the moors are vibrant with purple heather and provide an amazing landscape.

Peak District

The Peak District was Britain's first designated National Park and remains the most popular in terms of visitor numbers. The geology of this beautiful upland region has created two distinct landscapes. The southern area, known as White Peak takes its name from the limestone which dominates the scenery. Here there are glorious dales to explore. The northern area, known as Dark Peak with its gritstone outcrops is a wilder area of open moorlands and green valleys. Here the walking is harder, but the sense of wilderness is more acute.

Pembrokeshire Coast

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park boasts one of the most magnificent coastlines in the world and there is a National Trail allowing you to follow it on foot for a spectacular 300 km from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels in the north. The Park also provides abundant wildlife for you to spot from its 950 km of public footpaths and bridleways, and plenty of fascinating history at places such as St Davids and Carew Castle.

Snowdonia

Snowdonia is renowned for being a very special place for walkers. From the peaks of the mountains and the hundreds of lakes to the forests, rivers and the coastal areas, Snowdonia's varied terrain and magnificent views are sure to inspire everyone! Nine mountain ranges cover half of the Park and include many peaks that are over 3000 feet. Apart from the beauty and charm of its high mountains, Snowdonia has inspiring natural and semi-natural habitats. It is a delightfully varied landscape of steep river gorges, waterfalls, passes, green valleys and miles of coastline and sandy beaches. (See also North Wales section for further titles)

South Downs

The South Downs is one of England's newest National Parks, officially designated on 31st March 2010. The Park covers an area of 1,600 square kilometres stretching along a chalk ridge from Winchester in the west to Beachy Head in the east, a distance of 160 km. To the north are the greensands and clays of the Weald.
The South Downs landscape is both beautiful and varied, from the spectacular white chalk cliffs at Beachy Head and Seven Sisters to tranquil ancient woodland, rolling downland and the sweeping heathlands of the Weald.

Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is truly a paradise for the walker, where lush green limestone pastures share the same hallowed space as heather moorland bedecked with gritstone edges and outcrops. The great valleys of Swaledale, Wensleydale, Ribblesdale and Wharfedale each have their own unique character and are a joy to explore on foot.