CICERONE EXPLORE THE WORLD – The Bell Bookshop

Cotswold Way 4th Edition

Emma — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Guidebook to walking the Cotswold Way National Trail between Chipping Campden and Bath, across the Cotswolds AONB – which includes both a guide to the route and a separate mapping booklet. The 102 mile (163km) route is described in both directions over 13 stages, of between 6 and 10 miles, depending on the existence of overnight accommodation. Camping options are sparse along the route.This guidebook is illustrated with maps and the author’s own full-colour photographs. The stage-by-stage route description is accompanied by overview maps at a scale of 1:100,000 (1cm to 1 mile). A more detailed map of the Way is supplied in booklet form, at a scale of 1:25,000, slid into the back of the book.The Cotswold Way became a National Trail in May 2007, despite having been a much-loved walking route for more than 35 years. It follows the Cotswold escarpment, with dramatic and far-reaching views across the Severn Vale towards the Welsh hills, plunging down to visit honey-coloured villages, old market towns and the elegant and historic city of Bath.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

Emma — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

The essential guidebook to walking the 84-mile Hadrian’s Wall Path. One of the UK’s most visited National Trails, it runs the length of the Roman Wall from Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend, Newcastle.The trail is presented here in 10 stages, with suggestions for five and eight-day itineraries. It is suitable for beginners, although a reasonable level of fitness is required if doing it as a multi-day walk. The route is described both west to east and east to west, and the guidebook also features extensions to Maryport on the far west coast of Cumbria and to South Shields on the east coast.This full-colour guidebook contains a wealth of information on the history of the Wall, and a range of practical information for walkers, from accommodation and itinerary planning, to details on public transport and refreshments. A separate map booklet of 1:25,000 scale OS maps shows the full route. Clear step-by-step route descriptions in the guide are illustrated by 1:100,000 OS map extracts. The route description links together with the map booklet at each stage along the way, and the compact format is conveniently sized for slipping into a jacket pocket or the top of a rucksack.

Kennet & Avon Canal

Emma — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0000

This guidebook to walking along the Kennet & Avon Canal covers the 94 mile (152km) route from Reading to Bristol. The canal walk is split into 7 stages of fairly easy, level walking, of between 9 ¾ and 18 ½ miles, with advice on splitting or shortening the stages if needed. The book also includes 20 easy circular walks, ranging from 4 ¼ to 9 miles, taking in the best sections of the canal and visiting sites nearby, making this two guidebooks in one.Alongside OS map extracts and detailed route descriptions, there are plenty of details on the history, heritage and wildlife encountered along the way. An itinerary planner is included for walkers who want to create longer or shorter stages, and there is useful practical information including details on accessing the walks by public transport and a list of accommodation available along the route. The result is a highly useful and fascinating companion to exploring the canal and its surroundings.In the early 1800s the Kennet and Avon Canal provided an important direct trade route between London and Bristol. Today the waterway weaves its way through the rolling chalk contours of the North Wessex Downs to the southern edge of the Cotswolds, passing vibrant towns and cities as well as picture-postcard villages with thatched cottages, ancient churches and cosy pubs. Fascinating features – such as Crofton Pumping Station and Beam Engines, the impressive Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes, the aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgian Bath and Bristol’s vibrant Floating Harbour – are explored as the canal makes its journey across southern England.

Thames Path 3rd Ed

Emma — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A guidebook to walking the Thames Path, a 180-mile National Trail from the Thames Barrier to the river’s source in near Cirencester, passing from central London through Windsor, Henley, and Oxford, and rural countryside. Described in 20 sections, of between 4 and 16 miles (6.5-32km), it is an mainly flat route with good access by public transport and typically takes two weeks to walk. On its way it passes historic sites such as Greenwich, Kew Gardens, Hampton Court, Runnymede, Windsor Castle and Oxford.

This guidebook features complete OS 1:50,000 scale mapping of the route and comprehensive information about accommodation, facilities, refreshments and transport links for each stage of the route. It is crammed with fascinating details about the places and features passed along the way. A separate pocket-sized map booklet is also included showing the full route on 1:25,000 scale OS maps, providing all the mapping needed to complete the trail.

The Thames Path is an easy riverside walk that discovers the constantly changing character of the River Thames.