The Robert Louis Stevenson Trail

On 23 September 1878 Stevenson set out from Le Monastier in the Haut Loire, to tramp through the wild region of the Cevennes. His only companion was a small donkey to carry basic necessities, and a commodious "sleeping sack". In the next 12 days, at a pace dictated by the donkey and carrying most of the supplies himself, he travelled 120 miles across rivers, mountains and forests. His stylish and witty account was published in 1879.

Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Travels with a donkey in the Cévennes' is a classic of travel literature. The GR70 long-distance trail is based on the author's route, allowing walkers to follow in the footsteps of Stevenson and his four-legged companion Modestine through the beautiful Cévennes region on the edge of France's Massif Central. The route is ideal for both first-time trekkers and more experienced hikers, covering around 272km of gently undulating countryside from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Alès. It can be completed in under a fortnight. The trail is presented in 12 stages of 16 to 30km, each with clear route description and mapping, an elevation profile, notes on local points of interest and a brief account of Robert Louis Stevenson's experiences on that section of the route. There is useful advice for planning your trip - including when to go, what to take and how to get there - and accommodation listings. Following drove roads, bridleways and footpaths, the GR70 showcases the landscapes of the Cévennes: wildflower meadows, rolling hills, chestnut woods, limestone gorges and meandering rivers. Characterful villages provide accommodation and other services and offer an opportunity to sample the delicious local produce. There are also glimpses into the region's fascinating history, from pre-historic burial sites to locations associated with the eighteenth-century Protestant Camisards who resisted religious persecution. While many things have undoubtedly changed since Stevenson's visit, the area retains its authentic rural charm and you will soon discover just why Stevenson found it so appealing.

A guidebook for walking in the footsteps of Stevenson as he travelled through France's Velay and Cevennes regions accompanied by his faithful donkey, Modestine. At 140km, this route is ideal for people new to walking holidays. Starts at Le Puy, finishes at St Jean de Gard. A great route with a historic and literary feel.

Robert Louis Stevenson spent 12 days with a donkey walking in the Cevennes in France in 1878. His Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes became an instant hit, and his route is now called the Stevenson Trail. Hilary Macaskill and Molly Wood negotiated the whole 212 kilometres of the trail with donkeys, tenacity and a little humour, and lived to write about their adventure, along with loads of local facts about cuisine, flora, fauna and donkey management.

This walking guidebook describes 42 day routes exploring the stunning Auvergne region in central France. The walks are ideal for day walkers and hikers, with routes ranging from easy 5km outings to more challenging 20km hikes. All are illustrated with clear mapping and colour photographs. The guide focuses on the best routes in five different areas, including Cantal, the Chaîne des Puys (Monts Dômes), the Monts Dore, the Haute Loire (Livradois and Velay) and the Montagne Bourbonnaise, with bases including Vichy, Clermont-Ferrand and Puy-en-Velay. The routes in this guidebook offer walking on truly spectacular volcanic landscape, with grassy domes and volcanic bowls and long, rambling ridges, yet the walking is generally suitable (nothing over 1,900m) for all walkers, and the area is both accessible and provides a wide range of cultural and historical (and geological) interest. The guidebook also provides a wide range of practical information for visiting the Auvergne, with accommodation transport, and preparation advice, as well as providing a wealth of detail on the many places of interest along the walks.

A guidebook to 50 graded day walks in Switzerland’s Valais. Exploring the areas around the towns of Zermatt and Saas-Fee in the Mattertal and Saastal valleys, the walks are suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike. Walks range from 4 to 29km (3–18 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–10 hours. The routes make the most of the area's extensive network of well-made mountain paths and its lift system to explore Europe’s highest mountains. 1:50,000 maps included for each route GPX files available to download Detailed information on planning, transport and amenities Highlights include the Swiss 4000m giants Matterhorn and Monte Rosa