Reading for Adventure

I really liked this book. It is definitely one for our time, where the overwhelming amount of choice we have in all aspects of life can lead us to a stunned inertia. This is as evident in the huge variety, range, length, technicality, elevation, and sheer numbers of walking trails that have sprung up in the past 50 years. Where on earth to start? Making a decision on which trail to put your money on is worse than scanning the super-market yogurt fridge. There’s the gut feeling that all have merit but choosing Skyre over Kefir or bacterially enhanced over organic is a roulette. Similarly, to quote the book's editors, ‘a Big Trail may therefore be the biggest adventure you’ll ever have or the worst trip you’ve ever taken– if you’ve chosen the wrong trail.’

So, this book is not a detailed trail handbook. It is the precursor, to be used when you are thinking of planning a long-distance walk, giving just enough choice to appeal to a range of abilities and the right amount of detail to inform if it would be feasible and a flavour of what to expect of interest on route. Or it could be used for an arm-chair adventure

For example, I spent a happy evening choosing mine. Single woman, on a budget, not ultra-fit, likes small mountains, wants a winter walk. Alpine ones not recommended then. Paris Greenbelt – a bit too tame.  No 08 King Ludwig’s Way, Bavaria, with fairy tale castles seems to fit the bill – but oops! – no guide maps available in English. Good to know that. So, how about No 11, Mullerthal trail, Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland? Not currently closed for wild-boar hunting. Stop in the Echternach lake side youth hostel. Make use of excellent public transport to prevent back tracking. Fascinating pictures of scenery. It looks just the job.
 Armed with covid passport – Big Trail Adventure, here I come!