Book Review - Trailblazer Guide - Hadrian's Wall Path

I have recently completed a couple of circular walks using sections of the Hadrian's Wall Path. It is wonderful walking country and some sections are more challenging than you might think. I did the routes without any guide book in hand. After spending a couple of evenings reading this review copy of the Trailblazer Guide, I think my lack of reading was perhaps a big mistake.

Walking for me can be a solitary activity although if the company is good then I am quite happy to share my walks with others. This Trailblazer Walking Guide goes a long way to solve this problem providing a perfect companion in every way. Good to look at, quiet, easy to handle and well informed, the guide offers a refreshing view of what this long distance path has to offer.

Some walking guides can be a torrid read. Boring descriptions of each stile, gate and path you need to navigate to complete the route. Certainly not bedtime reading. This Trailblazer Guide is different. There is coverage of flora and fauna likely to be encountered along the way, something which I always find interesting despite my inability to recognise anything but the most common flower or bird. There is information about each city, town or village you will pass through. This includes accommodation, transport links and food - all dealt with in an efficient and easy to read manner.

The route is described from east to west. You won't find details of every gate and stile but more useful information aimed at the intelligent walker. "Ignore stile", "path not very clear" and "lovely, quiet riverside path" are comments that all help when following such a trail.

The cover price is £9.99 and this is outstanding value. The book will save you hours in planning with every piece of information immediately to hand. Finally there are some wonderful colour pictures of various aspects of the route - they will help to inspire you during those days when the weather has closed in!

Rating - An excellent guide book for the intelligent walker. The prefect companion for a long distance trail like this.

Review date - 26th July 2007 - Reviewed by LJ