Paddy Dillon

Experience the ultimate island-hopping adventure on the celebrated GR131, a 560km (348 mile) long-distance trail traversing the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. Linking Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro, this epic month-long trek reveals the archipelago’s wild scenery, from lava fields to cloud forests. For those seeking shorter escapes, the GR131 can be tackled in sections or on individual islands, with flexible itineraries to suit every trekker’s ambitions. Ideal for walkers with a taste for discovery and remote adventure, this comprehensive Cicerone guide describes the GR131 in 32 graded stages (7–30km each), beginning at Órzola on Lanzarote and culminating at the legendary ‘edge of the world’, the remote Embarcadero de Orchilla on El Hierro. An optional ascent of El Teide, Spain’s highest peak, offers an unforgettable highlight on Tenerife. Follow the GR131 route across the Canary Islands along quiet roads, historic mule tracks, and waymarked paths, linking traditional villages and vibrant towns, while scaling the highest ground on each island. Plan your Canary Islands trek for the ideal season, with guidance on local weather and trail conditions showing why March to May is best for wildflowers and comfortable walking temperatures. Benefit from clear stage gradings and descriptions, reliable waymarking, and daily information boxes that cover start and finish points, distances, walking times, elevation changes, terrain, and available facilities along the GR131 in the Canary Islands. Find practical advice on accommodation throughout the Canary Islands, from village pensiones and rural guesthouses to refuges and hotels, plus comprehensive notes on services, shops, bar-restaurants, water sources, and public transport for every stage. The guide also includes information on ferry transfers and local buses for seamless logistics between the islands. Navigate the GR131 across the Canary Islands with confidence using clear 1:50,000 mapping, downloadable GPX files, and step-by-step route descriptions provided for each stage. Expand your knowledge of the Canary Islands with sections on geology, history, flora and fauna, travel, language, money, food, and the unique culture of the archipelago. Plan your island-hopping trek with confidence using the definitive Cicerone guidebook, and immerse yourself in the striking natural beauty, history, and diversity of the Canary Islands’ GR131, Europe’s trail to the edge of the world.

Discover Malta and explore the three main islands of the Maltese archipelago, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, each offering their own rich history and unique character. Wander the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta, traverse the dramatic clifftop coastlines of Malta, meander through the quieter lanes and ancient villages of Gozo, and experience the wild circuit of tiny Comino. Suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook by prolific author Paddy Dillon describes 33 walks across Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Routes range from 3 to 22km (2–14 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–8 hours, from easy heritage strolls and coastal walks to a challenging exploration of the Victoria Lines, the historic fortified ridge that runs the full length of Malta. Choose from 33 walks across Malta, Gozo, and Comino, exploring clifftop coastlines, heritage trails, ancient aqueducts, fortified ridges, and the historic heart of Valletta, with routes easily accessible from anywhere on the islands by public transport. Discover the highlights of walking on Malta, including the Valletta Heritage Trail, the Victoria Lines fortified ridge between Mgarr and Bahar ic-Caghaq, the Marfa Ridge, the Mdina and Rabat Heritage Trail, and the full circuit of the island of Comino. Navigate with confidence using 1:25,000 maps included for every walk, alongside downloadable GPX files to support your planning and navigation across all three islands. Plan your Malta walking holiday with detailed information on planning, facilities, and public transport, with routes easily accessible from the key centres of Valletta, Rabat, and Victoria on Gozo. Compact, accessible, and walkable year-round, Malta offers a remarkable mix of history, culture, and coastal scenery in a surprisingly small space. Experience the best of the Maltese Islands with introductory sections covering geology, history, wildlife, religion, and the rich cultural heritage left by the many peoples who have shaped these remarkable Mediterranean islands over the centuries. Explore the history, coastlines, and hidden paths of Malta, Gozo, and Comino with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. Whether you're combining walking with a city break in Valletta or dedicating a week to exploring all three islands on foot, this is the definitive guide to walking on Malta.

Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is a lush Portuguese island renowned for its volcanic peaks, UNESCO World Heritage laurel forests and spectacular coastal cliffs. Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring”, it offers year-round walking in a landscape of soaring mountains, flower-filled valleys and ingenious levada irrigation channels that contour the hillsides. This Cicerone guidebook, Walking on Madeira, is your complete companion to exploring Madeira and neighbouring Porto Santo on foot, with 60 carefully curated day walks covering mountains, coast, forests and classic levada routes. Written by renowned outdoor author Paddy Dillon, it blends meticulously researched route descriptions with local insight so you can plan safe, rewarding and memorable days in Madeira’s most spectacular landscapes. It includes 60 day walks on Madeira and neighbouring Porto Santo, from relaxing levada strolls to more strenuous high-mountain hikes like Pico Ruivo (the highest peak on the island at 1,862m) and Pico do ArieiroRoutes range from 4 to 27km (2–17 miles), so you can tailor your walking holiday to your experience or combine walks to create longer days outDetails of planning, facilities and public transport are provided, and all routes are easily accessed from Funchal, the island’s main accommodation baseRich introductory sections on Madeira’s geology, history, flora, fauna and protected areas, along with notes on Funchal, Monte and Porto Santo to help you get more from your trip beyond the trailsSketch maps are provided for each walk to supplement the GPX files for digital navigation across this Portuguese island Whether you’re planning a dedicated walking holiday in Madeira or looking for the best levada walks and mountain hikes on the island, this comprehensive guide provides the detail and reliability you need. With 60 expertly selected routes, practical planning advice and trusted navigation support, Walking on Madeira is the essential companion for discovering Madeira’s most spectacular trails with confidence.

Discover the wild beauty of the Azores on foot with this guide to 70 day walks across the nine islands of this remote Atlantic archipelago. Lying in the North Atlantic Ocean the Azores are an archipelago of nine lush green islands 850 miles west of Portugal. From crater lakes and volcanic peaks to lush forests, waterfalls and dramatic coastlines, the Azores offer an extraordinary variety of landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and Atlantic weather. The walks explore all nine islands and range from 4 to 25km (2–16 miles), typically taking 2–8 hours. Routes are suitable for both beginner and experienced walkers, with a mixture of gentle trails, coastal paths and more challenging mountain routes, including the ascent of Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. The routes cover the three island groups: the Eastern Group (Sao Miguel and Santa Maria), Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial) and Western Group (Flores and Corvo). The mild climate makes this an ideal destination for year-round walking. 70 day walks across all nine Azores islands: Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo, covering the Eastern, Central and Western island groupsClear step-by-step route descriptions with 1:50,000 mapping for each walk, covering volcanic landscapes, crater rims, forests and coastal trailsEach route includes distance, walking time, terrain notes and information on points of interest along the wayGPX files available to download, making it easy to follow the routes using GPS devices or smartphone appsDetailed practical information on planning, transport, facilities and travelling between the islandsHighlights include the ascent of Mount Pico, spectacular caldeiras, waterfalls and sections of the long-distance GR1 route This guidebook brings together the best walking across the Azores, helping you explore everything from crater-rim viewpoints and volcanic summits to lush valleys and rugged Atlantic coastlines. Whether you are visiting a single island or travelling between several, these carefully selected routes provide an unforgettable way to experience one of Europe’s most distinctive island landscapes.

Discover one of Europe’s best alpine treks on the French Alps section of the GR5, a classic long-distance route from Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to the Mediterranean coast at Nice or Menton. Spanning around 600 km (373 miles), this section of the GR5 weaves its way through some of the Alps’ most spectacular landscapes, crossing high mountain passes, glacial valleys and traditional alpine villages, appealing to adventurous hikers with a strong fitness base and a love of long-distance walking. This expertly written Cicerone guidebook is the essential companion for planning and completing the GR5, whether you intend to walk the entire north–south traverse of the French Alps in one continuous journey or break the route into manageable sections. Comprehensive descriptions cover the main GR5 line as well as important variations such as the GR55 high-level route through Vanoise and the optional GR52 finish to Menton on the Mediterranean. Each of the 28 stages (15–29 km/9–18 miles each) includes detailed route descriptions and 1:100,000 mapping, supported by clear elevation profiles to help you plan each day through the French AlpsTailor your trek through the Vanoise, Queyras and Mercantour National Parks with flexible itinerary options including 28-, 31- and 40-day schedules, making it easy to adapt the full route to your fitness and available time or opt for a section hikeComprehensive accommodation listings for each stage, including accommodation type, contact details and whether you'll need your own supplies in unmanned refuges, to support advance planning and daily logisticsDownloadable GPX files for this section of the trail from Lake Geneva to Nice for use on smartphones and GPS devices, providing a reliable digital navigation option Practical advice specific to the GR5 on alpine weather and safety considerations essential for long-distance walking in high mountain environments Take on the GR5 and discover one of Europe’s most spectacular long-distance treks. With careful planning, practical advice, and detailed guidance at your side, you can embrace the adventure, navigate with confidence, and enjoy the French Alps at a pace that suits you. Also available: This book is one of three Cicerone GR5 guides, alongside The GR5 Trail – Vosges and Jura and The GR5 Trail – Benelux and Lorraine, covering the full route from the Low Countries to the Mediterranean.

Tackle one of Europe’s greatest trekking challenges on the GR20, Corsica’s legendary high-level route that runs the length of the island’s mountainous spine from Calinzana in the north to Conca in the south. Often described as Europe’s toughest trek, this 190km (118-mile) trail is best suited to experienced hikers as it follows rugged granite ridges and remote cols, with steep ascents, scrambling sections and exposure to rapidly changing mountain weather. This expertly crafted Cicerone guidebook is the essential companion for anyone planning to tackle the GR20, whether you aim to complete the full route in 16 days or focus on one half. The trek is commonly split into the northern section, widely considered the most challenging with its rugged alpine terrain and exposed scrambles, and the southern section, which is still demanding but generally less technical. The GR20 is split into 16 stages (5 to 20km per stage) with high-level and low-level alternatives for some sections, so you can make the journey your own Detailed route descriptions and elevation profiles are supported by a separate map booklet featuring 1:25,000 IGN mapping with the route line clearly marked for navigation through Corsica's rugged mountainsTips from experienced author, Paddy Dillon, on safety measures, what to pack and when to go are provided, essential when tackling such a tough trek Accommodation listings are included for each stage, which are mainly refuges maintained by Parc Naturel Régional de Corse. Clear guidance on where advance booking is required is also provided. Downloadable GPX files are available for the entire trail from Calinzana to Conca, as a digital navigation option for use on smartphones and GPS devices More than just a walk, the GR20 is a true test of endurance, resilience and spirit. With this trusted Cicerone guidebook in your pack, you’ll be fully equipped to face the challenge, embrace the unpredictability and experience the raw beauty of Corsica’s mountains. Plan well, walk wisely, and step into an adventure that will stay with you long after the final descent to the Mediterranean.

Gran Canaria is far more than a beach destination. Away from the coastal resorts lies a remarkably varied interior of deep volcanic barrancos, ancient laurisilva forests, pine-covered ridges and the dramatic rock formations of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, rising from the island's rugged highland core. Known as a continent in miniature, Gran Canaria packs an extraordinary range of landscapes into a single island. With walks varying from short and easy to long and demanding, this comprehensive guidebook by expert Paddy Dillon covers 40 day walks and a five-stage GR131 coast-to-coast route across Gran Canaria. Day walks range from 5 to 22km (3 to 14 miles) and take between 2 and 7 hours, while the GR131 covers 77km (48 miles) in five stages from Puerto de las Nieves to Maspalomas. 40 day walks across Gran Canaria's most varied terrain, from the central highlands around Cruz de Tejeda and Tejeda to the Tamadaba pine forest, La Aldea, Mogán and the sand dunes of Maspalomas, with shorter walks combinable into longer itinerariesThe GR131 coast-to-coast route, described in five stages, crosses Gran Canaria from north to south as part of the long-distance trail that traverses all seven Canary Islands, offering a memorable multi-day walking experienceIconic highlights include Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria's most recognisable landmarks, Roque Bentayga, the Caldera de Bandama and the high point of Pico de las Nieves, the island's highest summit1:50,000 mapping for every walk alongside practical information on public transport, facilities and access, making it straightforward to reach trailheads without a car from Las Palmas or the southern resortsA year-round walking destination, with spring the ideal season, winter offering reliable good weather on lower routes Gran Canaria's walking landscape is one of the best-kept secrets in the Canary Islands, where deep barrancos, ancient forests and volcanic ridges sit just a bus ride from the beach resorts. This guidebook is your essential companion for discovering every part of it. Discover the rest of the Canary Islands with Walking in Tenerife, Walking on La Palma, Walking on La Gomera and El Hierro and Walking on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura available for purchase separately.

Most visitors to Mallorca never venture beyond the coast, yet rising immediately behind the shoreline lies the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain range of rugged limestone peaks, ancient terraced hillsides, hidden gorges and centuries-old stone paths that rival any mountain walking destination in the Mediterranean. This comprehensive guidebook by expert author Paddy Dillon presents 50 walks across the Tramuntana, ranging from 4 to 24km (2 to 15 miles) and taking between 2 and 8 hours. Many routes involve steep ground, hands-on scrambling and navigational challenge, and are primarily geared towards those comfortable with mountain conditions. 50 walks are included, divided across seven areas, spanning the full length of the Serra de Tramuntana from Andratx in the southwest to Formentor and Alcúdia in the northeast, with bases including Valldemossa, Sóller, Deia and PollençaHighlights of the walk include the Torrent de Pareis gorge, one of the most dramatic canyon walks in the Balearic Islands, the island of Sa Dragonera, the Camí de s'Arxiduc ridge and the summit of Puig de Massanella, the highest accessible peak in MallorcaMallorca's ancient mountain heritage is experienced throughout, with routes following centuries-old drovers' paths, dry stone terraces and historic mountain tracks that formed the basis for the Serra de Tramuntana's UNESCO World Heritage designation1:25,000 Editorial Alpina mapping and downloadable GPX files for every walk, with detailed public transport information making most routes accessible from Palma and the island's main towns without a hire carPractical mountain guidance on weather, path conditions, kit requirements and safety, alongside notes on wildlife, wildflowers, history and food and drink throughout Mallorca mountain walking is unlike anything the island's coastal reputation suggests. This guidebook is the essential companion for exploring the Serra de Tramuntana on foot, and the best reason to see a very different side of one of Europe's most visited islands.

Discover some of the best trekking in Mallorca on the GR221 – Mallorca’s Drystone Route. This spectacular long-distance trail runs 140km (87 miles) through the sun-drenched Serra de Tramuntana mountains, stretching from Port d’Andratx in the south-west to the historic town of Pollença in the north-east. Linking a string of delightful mountain villages via ancient paths and mule tracks, the GR221 offers a unique way to explore the rugged, unspoilt heart of Mallorca, far from the island’s bustling beach resorts. Best suited to walkers with some experience of long-distance routes, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook divides the GR221 trail into 10 manageable daily stages, with additional alternative starting points (s’Arracó, es Capdella, Calvia) and finishing options (Cala Tuent, Alaró, Orient, Caimari, Port de Pollença), allowing flexibility to create your perfect itinerary. Traverse the dramatic limestone ridges, shady forests, terraced hillsides, and sun-scorched valleys of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pause in charming villages such as Estellencs, Valldemossa, Deia, and Sóller, where life moves at a gentler pace, and welcoming cafés offer well-earned refreshments. The main GR221 route runs from Port d’Andratx to Pollença, but variant routes and extensions add further possibilities for exploration, totalling an additional 90km (56 miles) for those wishing to extend their adventure. Enjoy year-round walking on Mallorca, with spring and autumn providing the most comfortable conditions for trekking. In spring, almond trees bloom, and the countryside bursts into life, while autumn brings ripe oranges and grapes to the valleys. Details optional detours to climb neighbouring peaks, including the iconic Puig de Maria, for panoramic views across the island and the Mediterranean Sea. Provides detailed route summaries for each stage of the GR221, including clear 1:25,000 Alpina mapping, daily statistics (distance, ascent/descent, estimated walking times), and practical advice on public transport, accommodation, and places to purchase food and drink. Downloadable GPX files make navigation easy, whether you’re following the route in print or digitally, and are supported by expert advice for planning each stage of your journey. Background information on Mallorca’s rich history, flora and fauna, and a Spanish–Catalan–English glossary to help you connect with local life. Plan your GR221 Drystone Route trek in Mallorca with confidence and immerse yourself in the wild beauty, tranquil villages, and living tradition of the island’s mountain heartland, supported every step of the way by the expert guidance in the Cicerone guidebook.