Six outdoors books to get some inspiration this World Book Day
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To mark World Book Day we’ve been turning a new leaf – by checking out some of the latest outdoors titles on the shelves.
This is our “Wild” Book Day list for outdoor lovers to enjoy perusing as they plan their next adventure!
Scottish Wild Country Backpacking by Peter Edwards, David Lintern and Stefan Durkacz
Published by Cicerone
Featuring 30 routes across the Highlands and Islands, this beautifully packaged and well researched book is a tome of inspiration for those who like to spend wild nights under canvas – or at least the modern-day, lightweight alternative.
It includes stunning photography, detailed route suggestions with clear maps and plenty of context about the landscape and human history of the areas it visits. There are high-level walks with summit camps as well as historic through routes and more.
Walking the John O’Groats Trail by Andy Robinson and Jay Wilson
Published by Cicerone
Explore the 147-mile route from Inverness to John O’Groats, following spectacular paths on cliff tops, along sandy beaches and through spectacular woodlands.
Written by the trail’s founder Jay Wilson and long-distance walking expert Andy Robinson, this detailed pocket guide is the perfect accompaniment to any journey – whether the full route or shorter stages.
The Hot Tent Diaries by John Burns
Published by John Burns
When lockdown struck, outdoors man John Burns from Inverness was left without his beloved bothies to visit. In need of the escape to wilder places, he tried to seek out a suitable alternative – ending up with his Swedish-inspired hot tent.
This book tells the tale of how he got there, in John’s own wonderfully dry, comic, down-to-earth style, as well as explaining some of the do’s and don’ts he has learned as he has gained experience with this unusual set up.
Great British Gravel Rides by Markus Stitz and Gravel Rides Scotland by Ed Shoote
Both published by Vertebrate Publishing
Off-road riding inspiration for near and far can be found in these two titles that pack a whole host of great cycle routes into their glossy pages. From the Borders to the Highlands, the Scottish book suggests some of the finest riding on wild trails north of the border, while the British version takes a slightly different approach.
It asks a local rider in each area to pick out their best route, and tell the reader why. Each book is packed full of beautiful photos, route descriptions and all the finer details, along with large maps to help plan some memorable days in the saddle.
Thunder Road by David Lintern
Published by The Dusk Press
This unique book is a short read that focuses on the voices of people along the Cape Wrath Trail, from those walking the route to the people who live in the settlements along the way.
It contains excellent photographs taken on the trail and small quotations from some of the people the author met on his own travels, followed by an afterword explaining the context.
All proceeds from the book’s sale are being donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee.
