Ready to lace up your boots and embark on an unforgettable trek through time? The Western Front Way...
Celebrate World Book Day with Our handpicked Top Adventure Reads for hiking and cycling 👇
If a book takes your imagination, click on the book images to know more. 🔎
1. A Thing of Beauty by Peter Fiennes
Peter Fiennes’ A Thing of Beauty embarks on a journey through Greece, retracing the stories of ancient mythology and asking whether myths are still relevant today. His storytelling is both poetic and insightful, offering readers not just a travelogue but a meditation on why we wander. Fiennes' books captures this beautifully.
2. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s Wild is the ultimate story of transformation and grit. Faced with loss and hardship, Strayed embarks on a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail with little experience and a heavy backpack. Her raw and honest account of finding strength is a powerful reminder of how the great outdoors can heal and empower us. For those setting out on their own adventures, whether it’s a new Waytrails route or a life-changing journey, Strayed’s story is a must-read.
3. The Hungry Cyclist by Tom Kevill-Davies
For our cycling enthusiasts, The Hungry Cyclist by Tom Kevill-Davies offers a delicious twist on adventure. Tom takes to his bike and pedals from New York to Rio de Janeiro, exploring local cuisines and cultures along the way. His journey is a delightful mix of pedal-powered exploration and culinary discovery, proving that the best trails often lead to the heart of a good meal.
4. Odyssey by Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry's Odyssey reimagines the epic tale of Odysseus and his winding journey home. Fry brings wit and modern flair to the classic myth, making it a perfect read for those who see every trail as an adventure filled with challenges and rewards. Who hasn't thrilled at the great adventures of the gods?
5. Endurance by Levison Wood
In Endurance, Levison Wood, one of the modern world's greatest living explorers, shares 100 incredible stories of survival, adventure, and exploration. This collection spans centuries and continents, showcasing the spirit of resilience and adventure that we can relate to. And the book cover is also a beautiful thing!
6. The Boy Who Biked The World by Alastair Humphreys
We're not going to leave out the young explorers among us. This charming book follows a young boy’s adventure as he bikes his way to Africa. Alastair Humphreys' tale is not only inspiring for adults but also a great introduction to adventure travel for young readers.
7. A Time of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor
This classic travel memoir captures Patrick Leigh Fermor’s journey on foot from Hook of Holland to Constantinople, in 1933, aged only eighteen. "...in part a coming-of-age memoir, but it is also a rich and compelling portrait of a continent that – despite its resplendent domes and monasteries, its great rivers and grand cities – was soon to be swept away by war, modernisation and profound social change. " - Daunt Books. A perfect read for the world today.
8. The Great Game by Peter Hopkirk
Hopkirk's The Great Game delves into the thrilling history of espionage and exploration in High Asia. It’s a perfect pick for those who love the intersection of adventure and history, offering a fascinating look into an era of daring quests. It might not be your typical hiking or cycling book, but the sense of adventure and a world that is almost lost to us is brought to life in these pages.
9. The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson
Bryson's humorous take on exploring small-town America is both insightful and entertaining. His journey by car may not be the typical hiking or cycling adventure, but his storytelling captures the spirit of exploration and discovery. His keen observations and witty anecdotes make this a perfect read for armchair travellers and adventurers alike.
10. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
The Salt Path became an international best-seller. It is a moving story of resilience as Raynor Winn and her husband walk the South West Coast Path in the UK. This book beautifully captures the healing power of nature and the strength found in walking towards hope. Get it read before the film is released in April! You can download the free GPX of the Salt Path on our trail site.
11. Riding in the Zone Rouge by Tom Isitt
Tom Isitt's Riding in the Zone Rouge delves into the gruelling 1919 race through the battlefields of World War I. This cycling adventure is a powerful blend of history, endurance, and the unbreakable spirit of exploration. We spoke with Tom last year about cycling the Western Front Way and reading his book is a must-read for anyone thinking of setting off on the trail on two wheels.
12. The Path of Peace by Anthony Seldon
Anthony Seldon's The Path of Peace is a reflective and poignant journey along the Western Front Way. Blending history, walking, and personal discovery, this book offers a unique perspective on finding peace through travel. A recommended read for those at a crossroads in their lives and taking on the outdoors as part of a reflection and recovery process. You can find the Western Front Way free GPX on our dedicated pages.
Hit the Trail with a Good Read
At Waytrails, we’re all about finding inspiration both on and off the trail. Whether you’re hiking a woodland path, cycling a rugged coast, or simply dreaming of your next escape, these books offer the perfect mind map into stories of adventure, resilience, and discovery. So this World Book Day, grab a book, find a quiet spot, and let your mind wander to new trails—real and imagined.
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Happy reading, and happy trails!
