Mountain Biking In West And North West Scotland

This guidebook to mountain biking routes in West and North West Scotland describes 25 MTB routes north of the Great Glen, Covering a large geographical area, including Fort William, Rannoch Moor, Glen Spean, Ben Nevis, Sutherland, Torridon and Skye, the routes give a real flavour of the variety of different bike riding available. The routes range from 19.5km to 73.25km, graded moderate to very hard. Many are long and committing, so good preparation and fitness are essential, and in some cases a willingness to "hike and bike". Each route has a clear and detailed route description along with 1:50,000 OS mapping and a height profile. All routes have key information, including distance on and off-road, ascent, grade, time and the nearest pub and cafe. There is also advice on equipment, planning and preparation, and maintenance, before you hit the trails. Scotland is rightly regarded as one of the world's top mountain bike destinations, with magnificent riding and stunning scenery. From the self-proclaimed Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William, to the majesty of the Outdoor Hebrides, this guide you will access some of the wildest and remote parts of Scotland, offering scintillating single track, challenging descents, incredible mountain vistas and many rewarding days in the saddle.

This guidebook describes 21 mountain biking routes in central and southern Scotland. It includes the 7stanes trail centre in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as cross-country routes in the Campsie Fells, Pentland Hills and Lammermuirs, the Galloway Forest, Tweed Valley, Cheviots and Lowther Hills. The routes range from 17 to 66km and are graded from moderate to very hard. Taking between 2 and 7 hours to complete, they are intended for reasonably fit mountain bikers with at least some experience. Detailed route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping, and the selected routes set out from various points across the area, including Greenock, Glentrool, Peebles and Milngavie, with good access from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. The guidebook also gives an overview of what the region's MTB trail centres have to offer, including the famous 7stanes trail centre, along with advice on equipment, maintenance and safety. Southern and Central Scotland is renowned for its superlative MTB trail centres, but the region's rolling hill country is also traversed by an extensive network of tracks, paths, forest roads and other trails providing endless possibilities for 'free range' mountain biking.

This book showcases 24 routes in Scotland suitable for all levels of mountains bikers.

A guidebook to 44 circular walks in the south and west of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with bases including Sedbergh, Malham, Grassington, Skipton, Settle and Kirkby Lonsdale. The walks cover the valleys of Wharfedale, Littondale, Malhamdale, Ribblesdale and Dentdale - each with its own distinctive landscape and character. Also included is the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a 23 mile (37km) challenge to bag three summits - Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The walks range between 3.5 and 13 miles in length and showcase Yorkshire's diverse landscapes, beautiful views and rich heritage. With the exception of the Three Peaks walk, they are designed to suit most abilities: steeper sections are rare and usually short-lived. Detailed route description and 1:50,000 OS mapping are provided for each route, along with information on nearby points of interest and facilities. Highlights include delightful riverside walking in Wharfedale, spectacular views of the distant Howgills and Lake District Fells, and the arresting limestone cliffs of Malham Cove providing a wonderful introduction to this magnificent area.

The South West Coast Path National Trail (SWCP) measures a staggering 630 miles (1015km) from Minehead on the Somerset coast right round Devon and Cornwall to Poole in Dorset. The guidebook divides the route into 45 stages of between 12.5 to 37.5km, beginning and ending where amenities are available. Written by prolific outdoor writer Paddy Dillon, this guidebook is packed with lots of information for planning your walk, including clear step-by-step route descriptions and OS map extracts, public transport links, accommodation and facilities along the way. Also described is the 17-mile South Dorset Ridgeway, from West Bexington to Osmington Mills, which can be used as a scenic way to shave 42 miles off the total distance. This epic route takes in Exmoor National Park, five AONBs and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, besides various nature reserves and SSSIs. No other stretch of coastline compares for scenic splendour, historical sites and availability of refreshments, accommodation and public transport, making it easy to split the South West Coast Path into week or weekend-long sections.

This guidebook is the ideal companion for walkers who want to explore the western section of Derbyshire's White Peak area. Starting in towns and villages including Castleton, Ilam, Buxton, Tideswell, Hartington and Longnor, these day walks are perfectly suited for year-round trips to the Peak District and are suitable for walkers of all abilities. Across 40 day walks, this guidebook offers a range of routes that showcase the best of the Peak District landscape: rolling green hills rising up to limestone ridges, deep dales with meandering rivers, and limestone caves and pinnacles. There is plenty of history to explore too, with many walks visiting historical sites from Neolithic, medieval and industrial periods. Most of the walks range between 4 and 9 miles and can be enjoyed in 2-4 hours walking. As several start from the same car park or village, many walks can be combined for longer days out. Each walk features clear OS mapping and detailed route description interspersed with insights into the area's history, geology, art and culture, making this a brilliant guide for both navigation and learning about the Peak District.

This book is a celebration of mountain huts, showcasing the the sheer variety and sometimes quirky nature of these buildings that allow walkers, trekkers and climbers to access remote corners of the mountains. Packed with entertaining stories that bring the places and people to life, it contains descriptions of the author's favourite huts in the Alps, along with suggestions for hut-to-hut tours of 3-13 days duration, including the Tour of Mont Blanc. It also traces the history of huts and how they have evolved from the most primitive of shelters to the often purpose-built, eco-friendly buildings of today. For the uninitiated, it unravels some of the mystery of huts and explains how to use them and what facilities to expect. Above all, it illustrates the way in which mountain huts can be truly sociable places, where like-minded people can spend a night or two in the most magical of locations and share a love of wild places.

Abounding in history and dotted with cols coloured by stories about the world's greatest cyclists, the Route des Grandes Alpes (RdGA) is a must for competent, hill-hungry cycle tourers. Covering some 720km from Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to mediterranean Nice, the route is described across 14 stages and can be completed in anywhere from 7 to 14 days - depending on how you'd like to spread out the 17,000m of climbing. Six variants are also described, ensuring no holiday is compromised or cut short if a col on route is closed. Clear and concise route descriptions are provided for each stage (and variant), together with 1:150K mapping and extremely helpful gradient profiles. Also included is invaluable practical advise - everything from bicycle selection (including eBikes) and nutrition in the saddle, to logistical planning and accommodation options. Showcasing some of the world's best Alpine cycling, the RdGA takes in 17 major climbs, including the famous Col de l'Iseran (the highest paved pass in the Alps), the Col du Galibier (favourite climb of Tour de France founder, Henri Desgrange) and the Col d'Izoard (synonymous with cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet). It also passes through some of the most spectacular national parks in France, including the Vanoise, the Écrins and the Mercantour.