20 Classic Sportive Rides In South East England

This guidebook offers 20 sportive cycling routes in the best cycling areas of south east England. The training rides range between 60 and 117km (37 to 73 miles) in length, and offer a wide range of challenge, from flat routes for pacing training, to tough, hilly routes to climb. The 20 sportive routes are found in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and East Sussex, a collection from near Oxford down to the south coast by Bournemouth and Portsmouth. From the Surrey and Chiltern Hills to the New Forest and South Downs, there are miles of cycle-friendly roads suitable for sportive training. All 20 routes are graded for difficulty and include timings, ascent, food-stops and access information, as well as annotated route maps and clear route descriptions. Sportive cycling is a growing sport, and this guide provides routes for experienced riders and those new to this sport. Useful information on bike maintenance and equipment, to travelling around the areas with your bike and advice on accommodation is also included. The result is a sportive guidebook that will prepare you for the challenges ahead, and allow you to explore the best cycling the south-east has to offer.

This guidebook offers 20 sportive routes in the most challenging and scenic cycling areas of south east England. From the Surrey and Chiltern Hills to the New Forest and Berkshire Downs, the area boasts miles of cycle-friendly roads suitable for sportive training. The graded routes are all on quiet country roads and can be mixed and matched.

This guidebook describes the classic GR20 trek, a north-to-south traverse of the rugged mountains of Corsica, renowned as Europe's toughest GR long-distance route. Described in 16 stages, some with high and low-level alternatives, the route is roughly 190km in length and takes approximately two weeks to complete. The GR20 climbs high into the mountains. It is a demanding trek suitable only for experienced walkers, and there are several steep 'hands-on-rock' sections calling for a sure foot and a good head for heights. It is possible to stay under a roof every night but many trekkers opt to camp. Step-by-step descriptions of each stage are accompanied by 1:50,000 mapping, together with information on ascent/descent, terrain and the availability of food, water and accommodation/shelter. There is also invaluable practical information such as path conditions, what to take, and getting to/from and around Corsica. Overviews of the history and geology of the island and local plants and wildlife are offered to enhance the trekking experience. Finally, a separate map booklet, included with the guide, provides all the 1:25,000 IGN mapping needed to complete the GR20. Starting in Corsica's northwest, in picturesque Calinzana, the route winds southeast through the heart of the island, finishing on the eastern side, just north of Porto Vecchio in the township of Conca. It showcases Corsica's rich diversity of landscapes and ethereal beauty. Bare rock and sheer cliffs contrast with black sand beaches, alpine pastures, maquis and pockets of forest. There are also opportunities to detour from the route to visit traditional mountain towns and villages for a taste of Corsica's vibrant history and culture and to take in neighbouring summits, including the island's highest peak, Monte Cinto. For those up to the challenge of hiking part or all of the route, the GR20 promises adventure, memorable experiences and rich rewards.

This guidebook explores 20 sportive cycling routes in the best cycling areas of south west England. Ideal for training, the rides range between 59 and 119km (36 to 74 miles) in length, and offer a full range of challenges; from long, fast flat routes, perfect for pacing, to tough hill climbs on the Downs and Moors of the south west. The 20 sportive routes are found in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, as far north and east as the Wye Valley and Swindon. The range ensures that there is plenty of riding to be found, throughout the region, not to mention the companion Sportives guidebook to routes in England's south east. From the Cotswolds, to Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor, into Wales and the south coast, there are miles of of cycle-friendly roads suitable for sportive training. All 20 routes are graded for difficulty and include timings, ascent, food-stops and access information, as well as annotated route maps and clear route descriptions. Sportive cycling is a growing sport, and this guide provides routes for experienced riders and those new to this sport. Useful information on bike maintenance and equipment, to travelling around the areas with your bike and advice on accommodation is also included. The result is a sportive guidebook that will prepare you for the challenges ahead, and allow you to explore the best cycling the south-west has to offer.

This guidebook presents a cycle ride along the Canal de la Garonne in the south of France. The 290km route is covered in 7 stages from bustling Bordeaux to the splendid rose city of Toulouse, with a 135km excursion from to Lacanau on the Atlantic coast. Optional side trips explore the countryside and historical towns and villages, including Agen, Moissac, Marmande and Montauban. Mainly flat and easy cycling, including 193km along the main canal towpath, this is an easy route suitable for lone cyclists, families, groups and those using e-bikes. It is perfect for those planning a cycling holiday, and for people boating on the canal or holidaying nearby who want to get out and explore. A detailed route description is accompanied by 1:50,000 maps, with fascinating information about the places encountered along the route and notes on the region's history and the building of the canal. The guidebook also contains practical information on travel, choosing the right bike and equipment, facilities and cycle shops.

This guidebook presents 60 routes covering some of the best day walks, scrambles, hut-to-hut walks, alpine mountaineering, sport climbing, via ferratas, mountain-biking routes, road rides, city and trail runs and family activities the Innsbruck area has to offer. Ideal for a multi-activity holiday or for the keen amateur seeking a summary of the local highlights, it includes suggestions to suit most abilities and ambitions, from gentle strolls to adrenalin-filled mountain adventures, suitable only for those with the appropriate equipment and experience. Nearly all the activities are accessible by public transport from Innsbruck and many take advantage of the region's fantastic network of alpine huts. Route descriptions are illustrated with maps, profiles and photo topos, and you'll also find practical advice on transport, accommodation and equipment. Long popular as a winter sports destination, Innsbruck also has much to offer the summer visitor, with many kilometres of paths and trails, sport climbing crags, via ferrata routes and engaging activity trails for children.

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.

This guide covers 34 day walks and one long-distance route in the wild and remote hills of Galloway. Although there are some shorter and easier routes, many of these hill walks are long and on rugged terrain, so are more suitable for experienced walkers. The walks cover the evocative areas of The Merrick, The Awful Hand, The Rhinns of Kells, the Minnigaff hills and Cairnsmore of Fleet, among others. The guide uses OS 1:50,000 maps with detailed route descriptions and inspirational photos accompanying each route. Key information such as distance, time, and ascent are given. A 'harshness' grade gives an indication of how rough the ground is expected to be, and suggestions of variants, shortcuts and ways to extend each walk are also given. Plenty of background information is given on the region's fascinating and important history. If you like your wild landscape really wild? If you like your lakes to have whooper swans in the middle and no ice-cream vans around the edge? If you like to have one foot on bare rock and the other one deep in a peat bog? If you like your granite with goats on? Then Galloway is the place to go.