Lesley Williams – författare

Discover the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), one of the world's most renowned long-distance hiking trails. Traverse a diverse tapestry of landscapes, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, rugged peaks, and picturesque mountain villages. This multi-day circular route covers 170 km (105 miles), beginning and ending in Les Houches, guiding you past welcoming refuges, sparkling streams, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Perfect for fit walkers who have some long-distance hiking experience, this comprehensive guidebook divides the Tour du Mont Blanc into 11 manageable daily stages. Follow the journey as it winds through the enchanting alpine villages of Les Houches and Les Contamines, as well as the picturesque Italian town of Courmayeur. Along the way, experience a harmonious blend of spectacular mountain views, genuine hospitality, and memorable cultural encounters. The Tour du Mont Blanc is described in both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, allowing you to tailor your journey from Les Houches through key locations such as Les Contamines and Courmayeur, to accommodate your transport, accommodation, or preferred mountain conditions.Clear, step-by-step directions guide you around the full TMB circuit, with 1:100,000 IGN planning maps and downloadable GPX files to help you navigate between iconic villages and mountain passes, including Les Houches, Les Contamines, and Courmayeur.Each stage includes detailed, stage-by-stage route descriptions and suggested itineraries for completing the Tour du Mont Blanc in 9, 7, or 5 days, with daily start and finish points in villages such as Les Houches, Les Contamines, and Courmayeur.For every stage: start/finish points, distance, estimated walking time, elevation profiles, terrain summaries, refreshment stops, and accommodation options in villages including Les Houches, Les Contamines, and Courmayeur.Stage facilities planner helps you estimate distances to the next refreshments, accommodations, and notable high points, with details for popular stopping points across the route such as Les Houches, Courmayeur, and Les Contamines.Refreshment stops and accommodation options are highlighted for each stage, with special notes on trail-side facilities in Les Houches, Courmayeur, and Les Contamines, essential hubs for walkers along the circuit.A pocket-sized map booklet (available separately) with detailed 1:25,000 IGN maps ensures confident navigation through every stage, from Les Houches to Courmayeur and beyond. Plan your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure with confidence and experience one of the world’s greatest long-distance walks with this definitive guidebook.

Most of the professional training, thinking and strategies of architects, urban designers and planners, are strictly three-dimensional. In reality of course the city is four dimensional, and one needs to acknowledge the influence of time in planning and design strategies. Similarly, there has been relatively little analysis of the importance of interim, short-term or ‘meanwhile’ activities in urban areas. In an era of increasing pressure on scarce resources, we cannot wait for long-term solutions to vacancy or dereliction. Instead, we need to view temporary uses as increasingly legitimate and important in their own right. They can be a powerful tool through which we can drip-feed initiatives for incremental change – as and when we have the resources – while being guided by a loose-fit vision.Peter Bishop and Lesley Williams explore the growing interest among practitioners at the cutting edge of architecture, urban design and regeneration, in temporary, interim, ‘pop-up’ or ‘meanwhile’ uses for land and buildings in our urban areas. They explore the origins and the social, economic and technological drivers behind this phenomenon, and its place within modern planning theory and practice. The Temporary City challenges our preoccupation with long-term strategies and masterplans and questions our ability to achieve these in the face of increasing resource constraints and political and economic uncertainty. The book includes sixty-eight diverse case studies from Europe and North America which illustrate the range of temporary use opportunities and the benefits that these can bring. This is essential reading for all those struggling to address the current problems of urban renewal in an era of great change. It offers a prism through which to view the city as a rich mosaic of time-limited, but inspiring urban interventions.

Most of the professional training, thinking and strategies of architects, urban designers and planners, are strictly three-dimensional. In reality of course the city is four dimensional, and one needs to acknowledge the influence of time in planning and design strategies. Similarly, there has been relatively little analysis of the importance of interim, short-term or ‘meanwhile’ activities in urban areas. In an era of increasing pressure on scarce resources, we cannot wait for long-term solutions to vacancy or dereliction. Instead, we need to view temporary uses as increasingly legitimate and important in their own right. They can be a powerful tool through which we can drip-feed initiatives for incremental change – as and when we have the resources – while being guided by a loose-fit vision.Peter Bishop and Lesley Williams explore the growing interest among practitioners at the cutting edge of architecture, urban design and regeneration, in temporary, interim, ‘pop-up’ or ‘meanwhile’ uses for land and buildings in our urban areas. They explore the origins and the social, economic and technological drivers behind this phenomenon, and its place within modern planning theory and practice. The Temporary City challenges our preoccupation with long-term strategies and masterplans and questions our ability to achieve these in the face of increasing resource constraints and political and economic uncertainty. The book includes sixty-eight diverse case studies from Europe and North America which illustrate the range of temporary use opportunities and the benefits that these can bring. This is essential reading for all those struggling to address the current problems of urban renewal in an era of great change. It offers a prism through which to view the city as a rich mosaic of time-limited, but inspiring urban interventions.

Discover the Lake District’s literary heritage and inspiring landscapes on the Tour of the Lake District, a 144km (90-mile) circular long-distance route beginning and ending in Ambleside. Traverse iconic scenery, from tranquil lakeshores and wildflower meadows to dramatic fells and historic villages, on a journey designed to showcase the very best of Lakeland walking. Ideal for both new and experienced walkers, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook to the Tour of the Lake District offers low- and high-level routes, allowing you to tailor the adventure to your preferred style and ability. The route is divided into nine stages, each offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and traditional hospitality. The Tour of the Lake District is described in a clockwise direction, with guidance for walking in reverse and suggested 7-, 9-, and 13-day itineraries to suit different timeframes and ambitions.Choose the low-level route for a gentler Lake District walk, linking charming villages such as Grasmere, Elterwater, and Patterdale, welcoming inns, and the picturesque valleys of Borrowdale and Great Langdale, as well as the lakeshores of Derwentwater and Coniston Water, throughout the National Park.Opt for the high-level alternative to summit classic peaks such as Coniston Old Man, Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Helvellyn, and to experience the Lake District’s most dramatic mountain scenery.Each stage includes start/finish points, distance, estimated walking time, terrain summary, refreshment stops, and accommodation options in villages such as Keswick, Grasmere, and Elterwater.Clear, step-by-step route descriptions are supported by detailed 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey® maps, downloadable GPX files, and practical navigation advice, ensuring a safe and enjoyable Lake District walking experience for both traditional and digital users exploring this renowned National Park.A detailed route summary table and itinerary planner help you organise your Tour of the Lake District adventure with confidence, making it easy to plan your ideal long-distance walk. Plan your Tour of the Lake District with this essential guidebook, your key to exploring one of England’s most beautiful long-distance circular walks, and to experiencing the warm hospitality, sweeping vistas, and timeless charm of the National Park.

Home to the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and some of the most iconic mountain scenery in the Alps, the Mattertal and Saastal valleys in the Swiss Valais offer walkers an unrivalled combination of spectacular high-alpine terrain and well-developed mountain infrastructure. With 50 routes making full use of the area's extensive path network and lift systems, this is one of the finest walking destinations in Switzerland. This trusted guidebook by Lesley and Jonathan Williams describes 50 graded day walks ranging from 4 to 29km (3 to 18 miles), completed in 2 to 10 hours, based around the resort towns of Zermatt and Saas-Fee. It combines clear, walk-by-walk route descriptions with thorough planning information to help you make the most of every day in these magnificent Swiss 4000m mountains. Organised across four areas — Zermatt and the Mattertal, Grächen and the lower Mattertal, and Saas-Fee and the Saastal — the 50 graded walks range from easy village strolls to full-day mountain outings,Clear route descriptions are supported by 1:50,000 maps for every walk, with detailed information on planning, transport, and amenities to help you navigate the valleys and mountains with confidenceGPX files are available to download for all 50 routes, making it simple to follow the path digitally, whether you're tracing the Matterhorn Glacier Trail or picking your way above the glaciers to the Monte Rosa HütteStand-out routes include the Five Lakes Walk in the Findeln valley, the Gornergrat to Riffelsee circuit, the iconic Grächen to Saas-Fee Höhenweg, and hut walks to the Britanniahütte and Mischabelhütte, with welcoming mountain restaurants dotted throughout the areaBackground notes on the plants, wildlife, and geology of these extraordinary 4000m peaks sit alongside practical guidance on getting to Zermatt and Saas-Fee, travel in the region and accommodation options Packed with 50 route descriptions, 1:50,000 maps, and GPX downloads, this is the definitive Cicerone guide to walking in Zermatt and Saas-Fee. Step into the shadow of the Matterhorn and explore the Swiss Valais with confidence.

Explore the Val d'Hérens and Val d'Anniviers, two breathtaking Swiss Alpine valleys nestled to the west of Zermatt in the Valais — a region of soaring peaks, ancient glaciers, shimmering lakes, and traditional villages that remains refreshingly quieter than its famous neighbour. With day walks ranging from 9 to 22km (6–14 miles) and completable in 2 to 10 hours, it's an ideal destination whether you have a long weekend or a full fortnight to spare. This trusted Cicerone guidebook by Lesley and Jonathan Williams describes 35 graded day walks and 2 multi-day treks across Arolla, Zinal, Evolène, Grimentz and beyond, giving you everything you need to explore these valleys with confidence. It pairs clear, walk-by-walk route descriptions with thorough planning information to help you prepare well before you travel and navigate with ease once you're in the mountains. The 35 day walks are graded and spread across the Val d'Hérens and Val d'Anniviers, exploring the area from valley-floor paths through traditional villages to high mountain circuits, so you can choose routes that suit your experience and energy each dayDetailed step-by-step route descriptions are supported by 1:50,000 maps for every walk, helping you navigate confidently on the high mountain paths above Arolla, Zinal, Evolène, Les Haudères, and GrimentzDownloadable GPX files enable easy digital navigation on GPS devices or smartphone apps, so you can keep your eyes on the glaciers of the Ferpècle valley or the vast Grande Dixence barrage rather than the mapPractical planning sections cover getting to the region, travel between centres, accommodation options, and the best season to visit (mid-June to end of September), with key information on mountain huts and public transport throughout the valleysTwo multi-day routes — the Tour du Val d'Hérens and the Tour des Cabanes du Val d'Anniviers — are outlined in full, combining day walks into extended high-level itineraries for those who want to experience these valleys as a connected trek Together, the graded route descriptions, 1:50,000 maps, GPX downloads, and comprehensive planning advice make this the definitive guidebook for walking in the Swiss Valais west of Zermatt. Discover the Arolla and Zinal valleys with confidence.

Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, where the iconic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower above glistening lakes, deep valleys, and vibrant alpine meadows. Highlights include classic panorama trails, ascents to accessible summits, and visits to alpine lakes and huts, all offering unforgettable views of the Wetterhorn, Schynige Platte, Bachsee, and the cascading waterfalls plunging into the Lauterbrunnen valley. Ideal for fit walkers accustomed to days out in the hills, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features 50 exceptional day walks through Grindelwald, Wengen, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and Mürren in the Bernese Oberland. Each route reveals the chocolate-box beauty and dramatic scenery at the heart of the Swiss Alps. Walks are graded by difficulty, making it easy to find the perfect adventure for your experience and ambitions. Many routes take advantage of the region’s extensive network of buses, mountain trains, and cable cars, offering easy access to high-altitude trails and breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. Explore celebrated Bernese Oberland destinations, including Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and through routes from Meiringen to Griesalp, each a gateway to unforgettable mountain days. Routes range from gentle 5km (3-mile) strolls to challenging 23km (14-mile) treks, with walking times from 1 to 10 hours.The Bernese Oberland is best enjoyed between early June and mid-October, as lower and mid-altitude walks become accessible when the snows melt and wildflowers bloom.Features 1:50,000 maps and downloadable GPX tracks for every walk in the Bernese Oberland, ensuring straightforward navigation and clear route-finding, even in the high Alps. Each route description includes an at-a-glance information box with distance, ascent and descent, estimated time, grade, start and finish points, public transport access, and main refreshment opportunities, perfect for planning your days in the Alps.Practical advice covers everything you need for your Bernese Oberland trek: essential equipment, preparation, travel, discount cards and passes, mountain safety, accommodation, mountain huts, berghotels, and refreshment stops, so your time in the Jungfrau region is enjoyable and worry-free.Features summary tables for quick route comparison, including highlights, distance (km), ascent (m), descent (m), grade (1–4), and time (hr/min), making it easy to evaluate and plan your Bernese Oberland walks at a glance.Walks are graded into three levels: easy hiking trails (yellow), mountain hiking trails (red-and-white), and alpine routes (blue-and-white), so you can choose your Bernese Oberland walk, from relaxed balcony walks and lakeside rambles to exposed mountain traverses and summit ascents. Plan your adventure in the Bernese Oberland with the definitive Cicerone guidebook and discover a region of limitless variety, where every trail leads to a new wonder and the spirit of Swiss mountain adventure awaits.

Discover the Lake District’s iconic beauty with this expertly curated collection of 15 short walks in and around Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Each route has been handpicked for its stunning scenery, local interest and accessibility, inviting you to explore the heart of the Lake District National Park at a relaxed pace, perfect for families, newcomers and anyone seeking gentle adventure. Each walk comes with a clear, easy-to-follow Ordnance Survey® map and step-by-step route description, making navigation in the Lake District simple and enjoyable for walkers of all experience levels.Practical information is included for every route in the Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere areas, covering parking, public transport options, facilities and must-see highlights, so you can focus on making the most of your day.Discover classic Lake District landscapes as you stroll through ancient woodlands, picturesque villages and along shimmering lakeshores, with panoramic viewpoints at Orrest Head, Wansfell and Loughrigg, the storybook charm of Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, and the literary heritage of Wordsworth’s Grasmere.Routes range from 5 to 11km (all under three hours), including an optional longer challenge walk (Helm Crag), and are graded easy to moderate, with short climbs but no technical terrain, ideal for a relaxed outing or walk with the whole family in the Lake District.Enjoy the best of Lake District hospitality, with recommendations for welcoming pubs and cosy tea rooms along the way, plus expert tips for every season, from spring’s wildflowers and summer’s long days to autumn’s fiery colours and the crisp magic of winter walks. Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere guidebook is perfect for exploring the region’s most memorable walks. Whether you’re discovering waterfalls, caves and historic sites, or simply soaking up the views and vibrant village life, this guide offers everything you need for a rewarding day out in the Lake District’s most captivating corners.

Discover the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), a spectacular circuit around the Mont Blanc massif, covering 170 km (105 miles) through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Starting and finishing in Les Houches, this iconic long-distance trek takes you past picturesque alpine villages, glacial valleys, and breathtaking mountain scenery on a rewarding journey through the heart of the Alps. This map book provides all the detailed mapping you need to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc: Features 1:25,000 IGN maps with the full route line clearly shown.Covers the entire TMB circuit, including alternative stages via Col de Tricot and Fenêtre d'Arpette.Suitable for walking the route in either direction.Compact and pocket-sized, ideal for your jacket pocket or rucksack.Includes urban maps of Les Houches, Les Contamines, Courmayeur, Champex, and Chamonix.Handy facilities planner, route summary tables, and accommodation listings to help you plan your itinerary.For step-by-step route descriptions, an accompanying Cicerone guidebook, 'Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc', is also available. GPX files are available to download.Part of the Cicerone series for long-distance walkers. Plan your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure with confidence and enjoy every stage of this world-renowned trek, brought to you by Cicerone, the trusted experts in outdoor guidebooks.

The area around the western Yorkshire Dales offers a rich blend of river valleys, rolling fells, dramatic waterfalls and charming historic villages. From the deep Lune and Rawthey valleys around Sedbergh to the limestone crags and cascades of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail and the quaint market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, this corner of the Dales combines lush pastoral dales, panoramic hillsides and fascinating heritage. 15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales – Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton brings together 15 of the best short day walks in this area, all under three hours and ranging from 3 to 11 km (1–7 miles). With easy-to-moderate terrain and minimal navigation complexity, this collection is perfect for those seeking family-friendly walks or a half-day outing that showcases the very best of these classic Dales surroundings. These 15 carefully selected walks explore the breadth of the western Yorkshire Dales — including tranquil riverside strolls around Sedbergh and the Rawthey, scenic limestone valleys like Barbondale, high viewpoints such as Wild Boar Fell and the cascades of the Ingleton Waterfalls TrailExperience the classic Dales valleys, riversides and villages in under three hours, with easy-to-follow route descriptions, clear Ordnance Survey maps and numbered points that tie maps to the textPractical details on parking, facilities and local highlights — from historic Pendragon Castle to Ruskin’s View and Farfield Mill — help you plan your day and select the perfect walkWalks start from key centres such as Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Dent and Ingleton, giving you the flexibility to plan day trips or short breaks, with refreshment stops and scenic points woven into every routeDownloadable GPX files provide an optional digital navigation aid, making it simple to follow routes on your phone or GPS device while you explore rivers, waterfalls, fells and dales From limestone waterfalls and gentle riverside paths to open fells and historic market towns, this corner of the Yorkshire Dales rewards exploration in every season. With clear mapping, expert guidance and enticing local highlights at every turn, 15 Short Walks in the Yorkshire Dales – Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton is your ideal companion for discovering the landscapes, heritage and tranquillity of one of England’s most scenic walking regions.

The King’s Cross scheme is one of the largest and most complex developments taking place in Britain today. Through documenting this seminal case-study, this book sheds light on the complex process through which public realm development proposals are planned and approved: through complex negotiation and deal making, involving many different stakeholders.Unique, insider’s account: draws on first-hand interviews and full access to previously confidential material from primary sources.Comprehensive look at urban planning relevant to both students and practitioners.Currently very little available on the process through which public realm schemes are planned and approved.Kings Cross is now a standing event in the teaching calendars of many planning schools.Huge international market: KX visitor centre receives delegations on study tours from Japan, Taiwan, China, USA, India, Korea, Australia, Malaysia, UAE, Russia, South Africa, Mexico and most the EU.