Trekking the Giants' Trail: Alta Via 1 through the Italian Pennine Alps

Author: Andy Hodges
Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited
ISBN: 1783628081
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 225

Book Description
Italy's Alta Via 1, a 180km trail through the Italian Alps following the northern flank of the Aosta Valley, boasts magnificent views of the Alpine giants: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin and Monte Rosa. Indeed, it is sometimes known as the Giants' Trail and can be combined with a sister-route, the Alta Via 2 (covered in a separate Cicerone guide), which runs along the southern flank of the valley, to form the Tor des Géants. Stretching from Donnas to Courmayeur, the Alta Via 1 offers fantastic alpine walking, with welcoming refuges and small hotels providing overnight accommodation (and great food) along the way. The guide presents the route in two sections, for the advantage of those who can't spare the full fortnight-plus needed to walk the entire AV1. The trail is described in 16 stages, with alternative stages covering some popular variants, including an optional detour to visit the famed monastery at the Great St Bernard Pass. Each stage includes clear route description and mapping, plus notes on local points of interest and accommodation options. An alternative itinerary, list of useful contacts, kitlist and glossary can be found in the appendices. The AV1 crosses cols of nearly 3000m as it traverses the side-valleys of the main Aosta Valley. Suited to those with some of experience of alpine trekking, the walking is demanding but without technical difficulty. And the rewards are many: quieter huts, breathtaking vistas and a chance to immerse yourself in fabulous mountain landscapes overlooked by soaring, snow-clad giants.

Alta Via 1 - Trekking in the Dolomites

Author: Gillian Price
Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited
ISBN: 1783628928
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 173

Book Description
A guidebook containing all the information you need to walk the Alta Via 1 between Lago di Braies and La Pissa. Covering 115km (72 miles), this hut-to-hut long-distance hiking trail through the heart of the Dolomites in northeastern Italy takes about 2 weeks and is suitable for both first-time and experienced trekkers. The route is described from north to south in 11 stages, each between 6 and 14km (4–9 miles) in length. Easier path variants, exit routes to reach public transport and side routes to explore nearby summits and points of interest are detailed. Advice on 4- or 5-day sections of the route for walkers who prefer not to walk AV1 in its entirety is also given. Includes a separate map booklet containing 1:25,000 Kompass mapping 1:75,000 maps included in the main book for each stage GPX files available to download Detailed information about mountain huts and facilities along the route Advice on planning and preparation

Trekking the GR11 Trail

Author: Tom Martens
Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited
ISBN: 1787651401
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 329

Book Description
A guidebook to hiking the 850km (520 mile) GR11 (La Senda Pirenaica) trail between Irun on the Atlantic coast and Cap de Creus on the Mediterranean. Over the years it has become a well-defined hiking trail which mostly goes over good hiking paths through largely unspoilt and wild mountains and is suitable for experienced mountain hikers. The GR11 is one of the long-distance trails which crosses the whole Pyrenees, staying on the Spanish side of the border. It is presented here in 47 stages of 7-31km (5-19 miles), four sections are given to allow the route to be broken into shorter treks. Step-by-step route description and 1:100,000 mapping provided for each stage Highlights include Navarre, Ordesa, Monte Perdido, Valles Occidentales, Posets-Maladeta, Parc Natural Alt Pirineu Route Summary Table and Stage Facilities Planner to help plan itineraries Detailed information on planning, local flora and fauna and accommodation GPX files available to download

Trekking the Cathar Way

Author: Luke Smith
Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited
ISBN: 1783628871
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 161

Book Description
Two of the southernmost départements of France, the Pyrénées-Orientales and Ariège are inextricably linked with the history of the Cathars, a heretical Christian sect who were subjected to a crusade in the thirteenth century. Striking castles built on jagged rocky precipices are a highlight of the region and a reminder of those turbulent times. This guidebook describes the 260km Cathar Way (Sentier Cathare or GR367), a long-distance trail from Port-la-Nouvelle on the Mediterranean coast to Ariége's departmental capital Foix linking several of the impressive Cathar castles. The route follows ancient footpaths, jeep tracks and country lanes and calls for a moderate level of fitness as it sweeps from sea level to 1300m across the rugged hill ranges of the Corbières and Fenouillèdes. The guide describes the main route in 13 stages and also includes the slightly more direct north variant, as well as suggestions for shorter itineraries. Summary statistics introduce each day's walking and are followed by step-by-step route description illustrated with clear mapping. There are also details of facilities available en route and accommodation listings. An introduction covers all the practicalities, with comprehensive advice for planning your trip - including when to go, how to get there and what to take - in addition to a wealth of information about the region's fascinating history and the intriguing Cathars themselves. The trail traverses rocky hills and meanders through woodland, vineyards, ancient villages, gorges and plateaus. As well as the rich Cathar heritage, there are also historic wine-producing towns, sites associated with the French Resistance of WWII and mysterious places steeped in ancient legend. The guide is a perfect companion to discovering the Cathar Way and the captivating stories of this distinctive region.

Italy's Grande Traversata Delle Alpi

Author: David Jordan
Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited
ISBN: 1783627298
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 297

Book Description
A guidebook to the 809km Grande Traversata Delle Alpi trek through the western Italian Alps traversing the Lepontine, Pennine, Graian, Cottian and Maritime Alps to finish near Monte Rosa. The guide splits the route into 3 sections with 55 day stages. A good level of fitness is required to tackle the route as it contains nearly 60,000m of ascent.

Trekking the Swiss Via Alpina

Author: Kev Reynolds
Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited
ISBN: 1787650081
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 245

Book Description
A guidebook to the Swiss Via Alpina, a 400km (250 mile) trek east-to-west across Switzerland, from Sargans to Montreux on Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Previously the Alpine Pass Route, the Via Alpina (VA) is a fully waymarked Swiss national trail that involves nearly 23,000m of ascent and descent over roughly 3 weeks of trekking – a serious challenge suitable for experienced trekkers. The main route is described in 19 stages of 12-29km (8-18 miles), as well as a 27km (17 mile) prologue stage from Liechtenstein and detour stages via Lenk and Gsteig. Comprehensive route description is accompanied by 1:100,000 mapping, route profiles, facilities listings and advice on safety, transport, accommodation and language. Crossing 16 Alpine passes, the VA showcases some of the Switzerland’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes, from flower-strewn meadows to snow-capped peaks including the majestic Todi, Titlis, Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau and Wildstrubel. Accommodation options range from mountain huts to hotels and inns, with camping available at licensed sites along the route.

Walking the Munros Vol 1 - Southern, Central and Western Highlands

Author: Steve Kew
Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited
ISBN: 1783628650
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 273

Book Description
Half of a two-volume set describing challenging and inspiring routes to climb Scotland's 282 3000ft+ mountains, this guide covers the southern, central and western Highlands (south of the Great Glen), taking in stunning areas such as Glen Coe, Glen Shee, Lochaber and Mull. 69 demanding and inspiring routes are described, covering 139 Munro mountains. Including both popular and lesser-known routes, the guide is ideal both for Munro-baggers and those who simply love great mountain walking. This volume includes the iconic Ben Nevis, Buachaille Etive Mor and Aonach Eagach ridge as well as the Mamores, Grey Corries and Arrochar Alps. Volume 2 details the other 143 Munros, covering the northern Highlands, Cairngorms and Isle of Skye. The half-day and full-day walks and scrambles range from 7km to 48km (with the option to reduce walking distance on some of the longer routes by cycling the approach). Detailed route description and 1:100K mapping is accompanied by information on difficulty, mapping, parking, access and nearby accommodation. The guide also includes handy lists of the Munros, by height and alphabetically - perfect for peak-baggers - as well as useful details on Gaelic names.

Trekking the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail

Author: Nike Werstroh
Publisher: Cicerone Press
ISBN: 1783627255
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 129

Book Description
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.

Alta Via 2 - Trekking in the Dolomites

Author: Gillian Price
Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited
ISBN: 1783629010
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 192

Book Description
Guidebook describing Alta Via 2, a challenging hut-to-hut trek through the Italian Dolomites. Stretching 174km from Bressanone (Brixen) to Feltre, the route involves some aided and exposed sections (although several can be bypassed) calling for a sure foot and a good head for heights. It can be walked in under a fortnight - although it is also possible to walk shorter chunks should you only have limited time, and the guide highlights potential exit routes and transport options. Also included are summaries of Alte Vie 3-6, which are more demanding and include remote terrain and stretches of via ferrata for which climbing experience is essential. On Alte Vie 3-6 some nights will be spent in unmanned bivouac huts, meaning trekkers must carry their own kit, although it is possible to walk shorter hut-to-hut sections. The easiest of the Alta Via routes, Alta Via 1, is covered in a separate Cicerone guide. An overview diagram is provided for each trek, showing times between huts. Alta Via 2 is presented in 13 stages, each with clear route description illustrated with 1:75,000 mapping. There are overview statistics for each stage and contact details and notes about mountain huts encountered en route. The guide also includes a wealth of information about the region's geology, plants and wildlife to enhance your appreciation of the landscapes traversed. Useful contacts and an Italian-English glossary can be found in the appendices. A handy pocket-sized map booklet showing the full route of Alta Via 2 on 1:25,000 Kompass maps is included with the guide. Alta Via 2 visits the Plose massif, the jagged Puez-Odle, fortress-like Sella, the majestic Marmolada, spectacular Pale di San Martino and the rugged Alpi Feltrine group as it journeys from the baroque town of Bressanone to Renaissance-style Feltre. On all of the Alta Via routes you can expect breathtaking mountain vistas and a truly memorable trekking experience.

Trekking the Cami dels Bons Homes

Author: Nike Werstroh
Publisher: Cicerone Press Limited
ISBN: 1787651320
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 123

Book Description
A guidebook to walking the Cami dels Bons Homes (GR107), from Foix in France to Berga in Catalonia. Covering 225km (140 miles), this long-distance hike follows a Cathar trail through the French and Spanish Pyrenees. Some sections of the trail are long and somewhat demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is required for the trek. The route is described from north to south in 10 stages, each between 16 and 36km (10–22 miles) in length. GPX files available to download 1:100,000 maps included for each stage Handy stage facilities planner that highlights information about accommodation, facilities and public transport along the route Advice on planning and preparation