Slow Journeys : The Pleasures of Travelling by Foot

by Gillian Souter

A slow ramble through the French countryside perhaps, or maybe an indulgent luxury walk in Tasmania? Gillian Souter helps travelers plan and prepare to make those dreams a reality. An experienced long distance traveler shares the pleasures of exploring the world at a walking pace, without having to give up a good night's sleep. While focusing on a comfortable approach to walking—on-path rather than off-track, staying in simple accommodation rather than camping, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner instead of purifying drinking water—this guide is generous in its whimsical considerations and observations of the joys of taking a long walk. It also offers practical information on the hurdles all walkers face, including preparing an itinerary, choosing supplies, preventing blisters, and mastering the intricacies of navigation. With this book in hand, readers can put on walking boots, hoist their pack, and head off down tha

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Walking

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow Journeys, subtitled The Pleasures of Travelling By Foot, may seem like a strange choice of reading for someone with an ankle so wonky that a brace and a walking stick are essential accessories for walking the cobblestones of Europe. However, Gillian Souter’s guide to walking the world is so entertaining that I suspect even a confirmed couch potato would enjoy reading it…

She begins by making a strong case for walking, which she takes care to differentiate from serious hiking or mountain climbing. She’s none too keen on camping, and is alert to the misery of lugging heavy equipment about as well, but, she says, long-distance walking is such a satisfying way to travel that it’s worth it – and anyway there are plenty of walks that you can do where porters move your stuff for you while you walk from ‘hut to hut’ (0r B&B or lodge or pub as the case may be).

You may get a buzz out of walking ancient trails, or like Coleridge or Wordsworth you may be inspired to write romantic poetry. The fresh air and beauty of nature will refresh your spirit and improve your mental health, and of course there are benefits to your physical health from improving your blood pressure to toning up your muscles. Walking makes holidays inexpensive, and you get to see the country properly – even if all you do is saunter around the back alleyways of cities and towns...
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[Susan Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in an Op Shop for a dollar! Bargain. I loved this book.

1. The first two chapters are quite philosophical celebrating the meditative benefits of walking.
2. There are lots of contemplative quotes from poets, authors and philosophers of the past.
3. It's a great practical handbook packed full of advice.
4. Her sense of humour gets wittier and wittier as the book progresses. I think I would like the author.
5. I learnt a lot of other great walks out there in the world I hadn't know existed.

Very glad it caught my eye in the op shop that day.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personable and quite funny, Souter and her husband live in Australia and hike extensively in that part of the world and Western Europe. This book is crammed with practical information and helped me narrow down my options (bears, snakes, cliffs, and hostels teeming with prancing naked German men will be avoided). Long rambles in Britain, Southern France, and Coastal Italy are on my short list.

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like its title, this book is a slow and enjoyable amble through the many pleasures of walking. It includes warm and humorous anecdotes of the author’s experiences. Also included are some very practical equipment and etiquette tips, and a fabulous list of further resources at the end. Excellent reading for anyone who suspects they might enjoy a walking holiday but aren’t quite sure.

[Deborah Makarios · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty and informative.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, occasionally amusing, practical guide to taking long journeys by foot. Long journeys of the sort we’ve planned, staying in accommodation rather than camping. Not a technical guide more inspirational with practical advice on how to go about it.

[Lee-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Section by section on what to bring, how to plan, where to go and what to avoid on a walking trip. It got me dreaming :)