Walking the World's Most Exceptional Trails [Hardcover]

Eloise Napier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003

From the Atlas Mountains in Morocco to the West Highland Way in Scotland and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana, there are diverse walks presented here for hikers of all ages and abilities. Included in this collection of healthy and fun holidays is the Patagonia walk across the Argentina-Chile border, which traverses mountain paths and passes through pampas grass and nearby glaciers. Another singular trail on the Paths of Pindos in Greece is situated in one of Europe's finest wilderness areas, where bear and eagles dwell on the hillsides, and meadows,—alive with wildflowers and butterflies,—are edged by rustic villages.

Each trip featured here lasts between 7 and 14 days and is organized by a well-known travel specialist. It's your decision whether to travel alone at your own pace following detailed notes and maps, or with a guide, or in a group. Most walks offer a choice of mileage options. At the end of each day's excursion you will reach a cozy inn or hotel where you'll spend the night. And the next morning you are given a packed lunch while your luggage is transported to the next stopover.

To help you decide about a trip that appeals to you, the author fully describes each tour and provides a map of the region illustrating the route and the accommodations that are available. Whatever adventure you have in mind—walking cross-country, on gently sloping hills, or on a more challenging trail,—this book will help you find an unforgettable vacation.

Other Details: 240 full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Eloise Napier is a freelance journalist and travel writer, who regularly contributes to several publications in London. She is the author of Abbeville's Spas: Exceptional Destinations Aaround the World.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Abbeville Press; 1St Edition edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789208016
• ISBN-13: 978-0789208019
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,099,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am buying this book, for sure, January 2, 2004

By 

Peggy Vincent "author and reader" (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Walking the World's Most Exceptional Trails (Hardcover)

I spent a loooong time in the bookstore perusing this book, drooling, slowly turning the pages - and I put it on my Christmas list. No one bought it for me, so I'm buying it for myself. If you can walk and have the wherewithal to travel a bit (time and money help), this book makes it possible to easily plan a very special vacation lasting from 1-2 weeks.
Best of all, you don't have to camp out if you don't want to: there's a hotel, hostel, or inn waiting for you at the end of each day's journey. And you don't have to lug 40 pounds of gear on your back; all you carry is a day pack with your lunch, a jacket and rain gear, water, sunscreen, etc. Your luggage is driven on ahead and will be awaiting your arrival at that snug little inn where you can put your feet up, have a beer or glass of wine, and wait for dinner to be ready.
The walks are all over the world: Morocco, England, Chile, Greece, the US, etc. The trips range from easy to challenging. The directions, maps, and details appear to be excellent, tho of course I haven't checked them out thru actual usage yet. But I will, I will.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Commercial rip-off, February 3, 2006

By 

James Manahan "James Manahan" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking the World's Most Exceptional Trails (Hardcover)

The described walks are sponsored by commercial enterprises. The book amounts to a series of advertisements. The only 'maps' offered are less than two inch rectangles showing the towns or cities that might be named in the hike. Since the commercial tour leaders themselves provide free, more detailed, and dramatically photographed books, this one amounts to a rip-off. It is farily useless for the independent traveler

41 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning photographs, well-written text, February 28, 2004

By 

Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking the World's Most Exceptional Trails (Hardcover)

Wow! This is a coffee table book that not only has sumptuous photographs, the accompanying text is equally enchanting. This is a book from which you can derive hours of satisfaction, either admiring the photos, or reading the various chapters. Napier describes some of the world's greatest walks/hikes and if you're a vicarious armchair traveler, this might entice you to actually get on a plane, lace up your boots and get going!

Rarely have I enjoyed a coffee table book this much, it's very well done, well written and a joy throughout. Highly recommended!