Lesley Williams – författare

Whilst there is extensive literature analysing the design and function of new buildings and places, the actual process through which development proposals are actually fashioned – through complex negotiation and deal making, involving many different stakeholders with different agendas – is largely undocumented. Conventional planning theory tends to assume a logical, rational and linear decision-making process, which bears little relationship to reality. This book aims to shed some light on that reality. The King’s Cross scheme is one of the largest and most complex developments taking place in Britain today. The planning negotiations, which took six years, were probably some of the most exhaustive debates around a development ever. A report of over 600 pages of technical information was eventually presented to the committee, and after two evenings and ten hours of presentations and debate, the committee approved the scheme by just two votes.

Whilst there is extensive literature analysing the design and function of new buildings and places, the actual process through which development proposals are actually fashioned – through complex negotiation and deal making, involving many different stakeholders with different agendas – is largely undocumented. Conventional planning theory tends to assume a logical, rational and linear decision-making process, which bears little relationship to reality. This book aims to shed some light on that reality. The King’s Cross scheme is one of the largest and most complex developments taking place in Britain today. The planning negotiations, which took six years, were probably some of the most exhaustive debates around a development ever. A report of over 600 pages of technical information was eventually presented to the committee, and after two evenings and ten hours of presentations and debate, the committee approved the scheme by just two votes.

A guidebook to 50 graded day walks in Switzerland’s Valais. Exploring the areas around the towns of Zermatt and Saas-Fee in the Mattertal and Saastal valleys, the walks are suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike.

Walks range from 4 to 29km (3–18 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–10 hours. The routes make the most of the area''s extensive network of well-made mountain paths and its lift system to explore Europe’s highest mountains.

A guidebook to walking the Tour of the Lake District. Covering 144km (90 miles), this long-distance circular trek starting and finishing in Ambleside takes around 9 days to hike and is suitable for any reasonably fit walker.

The route is described clockwise in 9 stages, each between 11 and 22km (6–14 miles) in length. Alternative high-level routes are also included for those who want to visit the high peaks of Coniston Old Man, Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Helvellyn.

Would you like to explore the best of Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere? This guidebook covers 15 of the best short walks in the area (between 5 and 11km, all under three hours), including Loughrigg, Elterwater, Orrest Head, Hill Top, Wray Castle and the Lion and the Lamb.

Why choose this guidebook?

Cicerone’s Short Walks guidebooks contain everything you need to get outdoors and discover the best of an area. The routes are perfect if you’re new to walking or looking for something you can enjoy with the whole family. Let the adventures begin!

A guidebook to 50 day walks in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. Exploring the dramatic scenery of the Jungfrau region the walks are suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike and cover Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen Valley and Mürren.

Walks range from 5 to 23km (3–14 miles) in length and can be enjoyed in 1–10 hours. Each walk is graded to allow you to select the most suitable routes for your ability. Many also take advantage of the widespread public transport and lifts around the Bernese Oberland to provide options for walks at a higher altitude.

A guidebook to hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), a spectacular circuit around Mont Blanc. Covering 170km (105 miles), the TMB takes around 11 days to walk from its official start at Les Houches (France), passing through Courmayeur (Italy) and Champex (Switzerland) before returning to France via the Chamonix valley. A well-serviced introduction to high-level mountain trekking for walkers with good levels of fitness, it can also be run, fastpacked or hiked in 5–9 days.

The route is described in both directions in 11 daily stages between 7 and 21km (5–13 miles) in length. Variant routes and alternative stages are also provided, giving the option of visiting cols, refuges and viewpoints not included on the official TMB route.

A booklet of all the mapping needed to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), a spectacular circuit around Mont Blanc. Covering 170km (105 miles), the TMB takes around 11 days to walk from its official start at Les Houches (France), passing through Courmayeur (Italy) and Champex (Switzerland) before returning to France via the Chamonix Valley. A well-serviced introduction to high-level mountain trekking for walkers with good levels of fitness, it can also be run, fastpacked or hiked in 5–9 days.

A guidebook to 35 day walks and 2 multi-day hikes in Switzerland’s Arolla and Zinal. Exploring the beautiful scenery of Val d’Herens and Val d’Anniviers, west of Zermatt, the routes are generally long and high but on well-maintained paths, with some calling for a good head for heights.

Day walks range from 9 to 22km (6–14 miles) and can be enjoyed in 2–10 hours. The routes are graded allowing you to choose routes suitable for your ability. Two multi-day hikes are also outlined, combining the day walks described.

Would you like to explore the best of the Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton? This guidebook covers 15 of the best short walks in the area (all under three hours), including Cautley Spout, Pendragon Castle, Wild Boar Fell, the Lune Valley and Ingleton Waterfalls Trail.

Why choose this guidebook?

Cicerone’s Short Walks guidebooks contain everything you need to get outdoors and discover the best of an area. The routes are perfect if you’re new to walking or looking for something you can enjoy with the whole family. Let the adventures begin!