Cycling Scotland S North Coast

This cycling guidebook follows the course of a new cycling route around the North Coast of Scotland, described as Scotland's own Route 66. Since its launch in 2015 this route, branded as 'North Coast 500' (NC500), it has proved to be a resounding success, with motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists flocking to Inverness to put rubber to the road, driving and riding through some of the most spectacular scenery in the United Kingdom. This guidebook is aimed specifically at cyclists, describing the entire coastal route over seven stages. A sketch plan, elevation graphs and turn-by-turn directions are given to each stage; points of interest are highlighted, and in many cases illustrated; helpful sections on travel to Inverness, nutrition, navigation and emergency cycle repairs; alternative route is offered to the busy and challenging A9 section south of Wick and finally, a full list of accommodation providers to suit all budgets. An invaluable guide to cyling Scotland's North Coast, one of the finest cycle tours in Britain. Nicolas Mitchell is passionate about cycle touring and has thousands of cycling miles to his credit, this is his third cycling guide book for Crowood.

This guidebook describes a 528-mile cycling route in northern Scotland. Starting and finishing in the highland capital Inverness, the circular route passes through the ancient counties and districts of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross and the Black Isle and is suitable for mountain, touring and road bikes.

This guidebook describes a 528-mile cycling route in northern Scotland. Starting and finishing in the highland capital Inverness, the circular route passes through the ancient counties and districts of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross and the Black Isle and is suitable for all types of bike: the going is entirely on asphalt-surfaced roads, though many are quiet with little traffic. The circuit can be comfortably completed in a fortnight. Featuring clear and concise route description, together with 1:150,000 mapping, gradient profiles, suggested schedules and invaluable practical information - including complete lists of all hostel/bunkhouse accommodation, official campsites and services for cyclists and advice on other accommodation and refreshment opportunities, this guidebook provides all the information needed to plan and execute a terrific cycle tour. Alternative routes are provided in case you should wish to avoid the steep ascent of Bealach na Bà or the undulating Assynt peninsula, or to include the busier A9 east coast road. The route boasts stunning scenery and rich historical interest and cyclists will be treated to mile upon mile of unspoilt wilderness. The journey takes in varied landscapes of craggy mountains, verdant glens, rolling peat moorland dotted with lochs and wild rugged coastlines - and if the scenery isn't enough, there are many distilleries and micro-breweries on or near the route guaranteed to entice. With notes on history, geology, wildlife and local points of interest, the guide offers a perfect way to get to know Scotland's captivating far north.

This book contains routes for both off and on road enthusiasts, graded for length and level of difficulty. Each route includes a detailed map, points of interest and refreshment stops, and a lively description of the terrain to be encountered. All cyclists, young or old, mountain biker or tourer, will find something to suit them. All those who cycle south of London will enjoy this book. The entire South Downs way, between Petersfield and Eastbourne, is covered in 3 rides, and the North Downs routes will take the cyclist along the southern line of the M25 from Surrey into Kent.

A guidebook to the classic Chamonix to Zermatt trek from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. The 225km Walker's Haute Route through the French and Swiss Alps crosses 11 passes, gains more than 14,000m in height and is a strong contender for the title of Most Beautiful Walk in Europe. The high-level route is described in 14 day stages, with optional variants, and is suitable for walkers with a good level of fitness and some previous alpine trekking experience. Alongside clear route descriptions and mapping for each stage of the trek, there is essential practical information on travel to Chamonix and return from Zermatt, as well as advice on accommodation in alpine villages and mountain refuges, trekking safety, equipment, itinerary planning and preparation. Taking 2 weeks to complete, this challenging but rewarding trek encompasses views of the greatest collection of 4000m peaks in the Alps - Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin, Dent Blanche, Weisshorn and the Matterhorn - and visits some of the most spectacular valleys, including the Val d'Hérens, Val d'Annivers and the Mattertal.

This guidebook describes the Cape Wrath Trail, a long-distance trek from Fort William to Cape Wrath crossing the wild northwest of the Scottish Highlands. The route is described from south to north in 14 stages, with 6 alternative stages along the way, allowing for a flexible itinerary of between two and three weeks. A long tough trek with no waymarking, this is for the tried and tested backpacker. The guidebook includes OS mapping, route profiles and detailed route descriptions and gives you all the information you need about accommodation (including hotels, bothies, B&Bs and bunkhouses), campsites and amenities en route, to help you plan and prepare for this epic challenge. The Cape Wrath Trail is regarded as the toughest long-distance route in Britain and offers unparalleled freedom and adventure to the experienced and self-sufficient backpacker prepared to walk for many days in remote wilderness. Travelling through the wild and rugged landscapes of Morar, Knoydart, Torridon and Assynt, it will test the limits of your endurance.

The Wicklow Way was the first long-distance walking trail to be established in Ireland. Coming in at 130km (81 miles), the route traverses the county of Wicklow, from Marlay Park on the outskirts of Dublin to Clonegal, just over the county border in neighbouring Carlow, and can be comfortably completed in a week. The guide also details several adjacent trails that can be interchanged with the main route, and short detours off-route (also described) lead to welcoming villages offering accommodation and a range of other facilities.The route is presented in seven stages, each with an overview followed by clear route description and mapping. There are elevation profiles and notes on local points of interest. In addition to background information about the county's history, geology, plants and wildlife, you will find all the information you need to walk the route, with helpful advice on transport, accommodation and kit. Accommodation listings, useful contacts and a glossary of Irish place-names can be found in the appendices.Wicklow is a county of varied landscapes: mountains and sweeping uplands offer extensive views, whereas other stages take you through verdant glens and past scenic lakes. The area is rich in both culture and history, with the ancient Monastic City at Glendalough a special highlight. And of course, there are characterful villages and pubs where you can experience true Irish hospitality. The Wicklow Way has plenty to commend it and is a great way to explore this wonderful county.

The Alta Via 1 is one of Italy's most famous and most popular long-distance routes and is the easiest of six Alta Via routes that traverse the magnificent Dolomites. The hut-to-hut trail extends 115km from Lago di Braies to La Pissa, boasting spectacular alpine vistas. Although it demands a moderate level of fitness, it is well waymarked and follows clear well-trodden paths, making for an ideal introduction to trekking in the Dolomites. Welcoming refuges offer meals and accommodation along the way, though camping is also possible on the middle stages (restrictions apply elsewhere). The route is presented in 11 stages, each with overview statistics, a brief summary of the day's walking and detailed route description illustrated with clear mapping. There are also comprehensive notes on the huts the route passes, with contact details and tips on facilities available. The intro includes advice on transport, accommodation and equipment, plus suggestions for creating shorter itineraries should time be limited, and there are facts about local points of interest and background information on the region's geology, plants and wildlife. A handy map booklet is also included, showing the full route of AV1 on 1:25,000 Kompass mapping, so you don't have to carry paper maps. Famed for their striking jagged peaks and sheer rock faces, the Dolomites also bear stark reminders of the turbulent World War I years in the shape of trenches and barracks. The AV1 is a wonderful way to experience the celebrated scenery: (weather permitting) an estimated 80% of the Dolomites can be seen from the trail, with highlights including fantastic views of the Tofane, Pelmo and Civetta and the iconic Marmolada with its glacier. If this is your first visit to the region, you'll soon see why so many fall under its spell!