“Marathons are no longer enough. Pain is to be relished, not avoided. Hallucinations are normal.” Adharanand Finn’s takes a journey, in The Rise of the Ultra Runners, to discover why anyone would want to take part in one of the world’s most brutal and challenging sports. An experienced marathon runner, Finn explores the psychological and social drivers that are leading more and more runners to swap tarmac for trail, and 26.3 miles for 30-, 50- or 100-mile races. In the book Adharanand Finn pushes himself, journeying from the deserts of Oman to the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, and on to his ultimate goal – the 105-mile Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. Along the way he encounters the sport’s most colourful characters and shares firsthand experience of the sports soaring highs and crushing lows. This is the perfect book for anyone who is thinking of taking up ultra-running, or for anyone who wants to read about the boundaries of human endeavour.
The pinnacle of road cycling has always been the climb – climbing a mountain gracefully, beating your competition up the slope. The mountains are where cycling legends are formed. Max Leonard goes in-depth to explore this obsessional relationship. He asks why road cyclists have turned Europe’s mountains into the Colosseum of the cycling world. He explores the pilgrimages that amateur cyclists have created of these high, remote roads and what they see and feel when they do. Higher Calling explores the central place of mountains in the folklore of road cycling. Leonard beautifully combines adventure and travel writing with the narrative of pro racing – taking readers from the battles that created the Alpine roads in the first place, to the shepherds tending their flocks on the peaks, to a Grand Tour climax on the highest road in Europe. Through this journey, Leonard brings together stories of courage and sacrifice, war and love, and obsession.
I checked my balance and peered apprehensively at the sheer drop below. Once I felt comfortable, I radioed down to Stu.'I'm just gonna unclip quickly,' I said. My walkie-talkie crackled straight away. Stu sounded pretty stressed. 'Dude, keep the rope on!'I edged forward, my hands and feet scoping out the summit for any loose rock. The ridge pinnacle was still only a meter wide, if that, but I felt pretty stable.'This bit's fine,' I said. 'The rope makes it harder for me..." At the Edge follows Danny MacAskill, the viral youtube cycling stunt man, from his lawless childhood on the Isle of Skye, to his early days as a street trial rider, and goes behind the scenes of his famous training videos. MacAskill reveals what it takes to take on such dangerous biking stunts, as he scales everything from mountain peaks, to rooftops, to ghost towns and movie sets.
Wild Swimming Walks (Devon and Dartmoor) is an essential guide to the natural beauty and stunning landscapes of Dartmoor and South Devon. Secret lakes are there to be discovered, wild waterfalls to be photographed, lush river meadows to soak up the sun while eating a picnic and the summer joys of sandy seaside secret beaches. It's the perfect gift for wild swimmers, family explorers, nature lovers and walkers alike. Wild Swimming Walks includes detailed directions, maps and downloadable route information to print out or take with you on your phone or tablet.
Wild Swimming Walks (London and South East) is an essential guide to those of you seeking to escape city life - even just for a day. 28 routes will see you discovering swimming meadows along the Thames, the solitude of secret coves of the Sussex seashore and the thrill of finding hidden islands on the Essex coast. It's the perfect gift for wild swimmers, family explorers, nature lovers and walkers alike. Wild Swimming Walks includes detailed directions, maps and downloadable route information to print out or take with you on your phone or tablet. Includes suggestions for longer weekends away as well. All the walking routes are accessible by train and each comes with ideas for places to visit and refreshments along the route.
What better way to discover and enjoy a new place than under your own power. Whether you're on a bicycle, tandem, handcycle or tricycle, Lost Lanes takes you on a journey through the stunning countryside of Wales and the English border counties. Enjoy travelling along ancient byways, peaceful country roads and the lost lanes of Wales, a country of high mountains, deep valleys and wild windswept coasts. All the routes are clearly graded from easy to challenging, letting you choose how much effort you want to take in. And if you enjoy the pub stops as much as the biking, Lost lanes includes listings of the best pubs and tea stops, wild swim spots, viewpoints and even accommodations to make it a multi-day tour. The book is accompanied by a dedicated website where you'll find downloadable GPX files, turn-by-turn route instructions and detailed maps. This beautiful full-colour book contains 30 specially selected rides, and 6 organised event rides, including the best for: • Weekends Away and Wild Camping • Gourmets and Pubs • Ups and Downs and Natural Wonders • History, Arts and Culture • Families • Wild Swimming *Cruise from cove to cove along the stunning Pembrokeshire coast, on quiet lanes bejewelled with wildflowers. *Explore the ruins of the lower Wye Valley, from lost medieval villages to Roman remains, Norman strongholds and the awe-inspiring Tintern Abbey. *Follow in the tyre tracks of the pioneering ‘pass stormers’ of the 1920s with an adventurous route over the wild and windswept Berwyn Mountains.
Wild Swimming Walks (Dorset & East Devon) is an essential guide to the rolling and lush scenery of the county of Dorset and the eastern reaches of Devon. Follow an enchanting journey from the undercliffs and caves of the Jurassic coast to the lush meadows and vales of Dorset. It's the perfect gift for wild swimmers, family explorers, nature lovers and walkers alike. Wild Swimming Walks includes detailed directions, maps and downloadable route information to print out or take with you on your phone or tablet. *Swim through the iconic Durdle Door *Explore the mysterious undercliffs of the Jurassic coast *Dive into gin-clear waters off Portland *Swim around the famous Ladram sea stacks *Venture into the ancient holloways of West Dorset
Wild Swimming Walks (Cornwall) is an essential guide to the magical and ancient landscape of Cornwall. Find yourself in secret coves and tiny harbours once frequented by smugglers, dive into sparkling emerald creeks and enjoy the salty freshness of sea swims. It's the perfect gift for wild swimmers, family explorers, nature lovers and walkers alike. Wild Swimming Walks includes detailed directions, maps and downloadable route information to print out or take with you on your phone or tablet. *Discover mermaid pools and coral sands in Penwith *Bathe by standing stones on Bodmin Moor *Swoosh down the Tamar at historic Cotehele *Glide under willows in the valleys of the Fal *Float on azure waters in Nanjizal sea cave *Follow smugglers’ paths at Prussia Cove
What better way to discover and enjoy a new place than under your own power. Whether you're on a bicycle, tandem, handcycle or tricycle, Lost Lanes takes you on a journey through the bucolic splendour of Southern England. From gentle spins to weekend camping adventures and energetic hill climbs, enjoy wild seashores, enchanted woodlands, breathtaking vistas and midnight escapades. Spin past hedgerows and open meadows, along sparkling rivers and wild seashores, and see it all from the best vantage point of all: that humble yet extraordinary transport of delight, the bicycle. All the routes are clearly graded from easy to challenging, letting you choose how much effort you want to take in. And if you enjoy the pub stops as much as the biking, Lost lanes includes listings of the best pubs and tea stops, wild swim spots, viewpoints and even accommodations to make it a multi-day tour. The book is accompanied by a dedicated website where you'll find downloadable GPX files, turn-by-turn route instructions and detailed maps. And it gives guidance on how to access rides by train - phew, the car can be left at home. The book includes 256 pages, and includes the following: • Route overviews, distances and maps • Overnight stops, from B&Bs to camping under the stars • Best pubs and tea stops • Wild swims, breathtaking views and fascinating history
Authors Jen and Sim Benson have chosen 200 of Britain's brilliantly best trail runs. Each has been chosen for its incredible terrain, sensational beauty and ease of navigation. There's something for everyone here, so whether you're a beginner or an expert runner, you'll enjoy discovering something new. From gentle runs to hard-as-nails ascents, discover epic trails through spectacular mountains, forest and coastal trails. Stunning photography and engaging writing chart the history of each run, route and landscape, making this a must-have guide for runners and explorers. The book includes all you need to enjoy each trail - directions, terrain data and safety advice, with Ordnance Survey 1:250,000 route maps and links to 1:25,000 maps and GPX downloads. You'll also find sections dedicated to building fitness and technique and staying safe. Wild Running is your ultimate guide to running the hills, dales and vales of Britain. Beginners Shorter, gentler runs – perfect for beginners or those returning to running Fastpacking & Ultradistance Explore the country, enjoying multi-day adventures Urban Escapes Hidden and wild trails within easy reach of the city Summits & Views Tough climbs, glorious views with fun, fast descents Coast & Beach The finest coastal running Woods & Forests Winding trails through sylvan wonderlands Wild Swimming Post-run dips and adventurous swimruns History & Culture From ancient monuments to places of literary inspiration Rocks & Scrambling Add some climbing and scrambles to your run Wildlife Seasonal highlights, nature reserves and amazing wildlife Wheels Accessible for running buggies, wheelchairs and bikes Weekends Perfect pairings for weekends
What better way to discover and enjoy a new place than under your own power. Whether you're on a bicycle, tandem, handcycle or tricycle, Lost Lanes takes you on a journey through the byways of the Midlands and beyond, from the windswept hills of Shropshire to the big skies of Lincolnshire, from the crags of the Peak District to the comely villages of the Cotswolds All the routes are clearly graded from easy to challenging, letting you choose how much effort you want to take in. And if you enjoy the pub stops as mush as the biking, Lost lanes includes listings of the best pubs and tea stops, wild swim spots, viewpoints and even accommodations to make it a multi-day tour. The book is accompanied by a dedicated website where you'll find downloadable GPX files, turn-by-turn route instructions and detailed maps. And all rides are accessible by train, so the car can be left at home. *Enjoy the traffic-free trails of the Peak District – dramatic landscapes, grand country houses and industrial archaeology *Explore the Cotswolds on its quietest country lanes and hidden byways, stopping at cosy pubs and breathtaking sunset viewpoints *Follow in the tyre tracks of Edward Elgar to the summit of the Malvern Hills for some of the most splendid views of England *Discover secret Birmingham on its vast network of canal towpaths and traffic-free urban greenways
Lightweight 'bikepacking' is a fast growing international trend. Essentially it's backpacking with a bike - or any ride that includes an overnight stay. So why not try an off-road micro-adventure with a difference, exploring Britain's hidden trails and tracks? This is the first ever UK book on bikepacking and provides: -30 of the finest off-road rides that the British isles have to to offer, from the Isle of Wight to the Scottish Highlands -Tips for picturesque camping, biking, packing and exploring -Ideas for family adventures -Engaging travelogue and inspiring photography -The best routes for mountain trails, night rides, adventures, stargazing, forest single track and more - all just a short train ride away This unique guide will appeal to cyclists, micro-adventurers or those seeking the ultimate wild British cycling adventure.