Great walks of the world

An eclectic collection of 11 global walks and hikes, the book includes destinations on every continent but Antarctica. From one-day saunters to two-week odysseys, readers will find the in-depth story behind each trail, combined with detailed maps and a visual feast of archival and contemporary images from contributors located around the world.

Climb the Stairs of Repentance to the top of Mount Sinai, the Holy Peak of Moses, or retrace the journey of the stampeders of the Klondike Gold Rush as you scale the Golden Stairs of the Chilkoot Trail. Catch the "Long Look" across El Despoblado as you stand at the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains in Texas. Walk in the Dreaming tracks of the local Arrente as you trek the Larapinta Trail along the spine of Central Australia's ancient MacDonnell Ranges. Or follow delightful paths through sheep paddocks and woodlands filled with bluebells and birdsong along Great Britain's Cotswold Way.

But it isn't all about the hikes and the history. There is plenty of practical information on Internet resources and recommended reading along with suggestions on what to do before or after the hike. Learn about local fauna, regional food specialties and unique customs – like the sensuous rituals linked with maté tea in Patagonia or the grizzly tradition of the SourToe Cocktail in Dawson City, Yukon.

So lace up those boots and get moving. Or put your feet up and read all about it from the cozy comfort of your living room. The choice is entirely yours.