Kintyre Way (4 ed)

Sandra Bardwell is a dedicated lifelong walker who began hiking in her birthplace of Melbourne, Australia, where she worked as an archivist and historian. She moved to Scotland in 1989 and lives beside Loch Ness. In recent years she has written guidebooks for Lonely Planet (Italy, Ireland, France, Scotland, Australia, 1998-2007), Rucksack Readers (England, Ireland and Scotland) and Sunflower Books (Croatia and Poland-Slovakia, 2006). Jacquetta Megarry is an enthusiastic walker turned publisher. She devised the Rucksack Reader format to suit the needs of hikers, and has written or co-authored over 25 guidebooks on routes in Scotland, England, Ireland and worldwide for Rucksack Readers.

The route is clearly described, lest any marker posts have disappeared, and there are references to features of interest such as archaeological sites along the route. This description, and the photos, will be particularly helpful for newcomers to Kintyre, because they will know what to expect. On the other hand, walkers on the sections Claonaig to Clachan and Machrihanish to Dunaverty should also carry an Ordnance Survey map, because the maps in this book are useful for planning purposes but not for navigation on the ground. And the book isn't merely practical. It's beautifully illustrated with colour photos that will surely tempt strollers and island-hoppers as well as serious hikers to visit Kintyre. The historical background, economic activity and the making of Scotch whisky are all described in clear language that makes it a pleasure to read. Excerpt from a review at Amazon.co.uk I am really enjoying "every step" of the Way; it's an excellent book with so much intricate detail ... The photographs are unique, and would make a good Argyll calendar. For me, the book evokes many memories, for I've lived in these parts all my life, and they beckon me back. Review by a Kintyre resident