WALKING IN NORTHERN SPAIN

In course of Preparation

Galicia (Michelin Maps) Scale 1:400,000

Asturias, Cantabria (Michelin Regional Maps) Scale 1:400,000

Pais Vasco, Navarra, La Rioja (Michelin Regional Maps)

Santiago De Compostela Mini Guide (Michelin Mini Guides) (Paperback)

Northern Spain Rough Guide - This map of Northern Spain is a companion for anyone exploring this fascinating region. From the remote beauty of the Picos de Europa to the bustling port of Santander and cosmopolitan Bilbao, the map provides detailed route information whether you're travelling by car or public transport or out on a day's hiking or biking. Places of interested are highlighted, from museums to viewpoints and cathedrals to football stadiums. The "Rough Guide Map" is printed on rip-proof, waterproof polyart paper for durability. Scale 1:350,000

Northern Spain Insight Travel Map - This is a full-size fold-up route map of Northern Spain, with distance indicators and a complete index. It also contains street maps of the major cities, as well as comprehensive tourist information. Map Scale: 1:800,000

Costa Verde/Picos De Europa Map

The Way of St. James: Camino De Santiago - Pyrenees-Santiago-Finesterre - This is a walker's guide to the 778km Pilgrim Road from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the foothills of the Pyrenees on the French side to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, and finally to the 'end of the earth' at Finisterre on the Galician coast. A companion volume by the same author, "The Way of St James" (Le Puy to the Pyrenees), describes the French section of the route through to the Pyrenees. As well as giving directions for walking the route, the book also provides information on places to visit along the way, the history of the pilgrimage and the availability of practical facilities such as shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation. Unlike existing guides (in any language) this one contains: details of the walker's continuation from Santiago to Finisterre (75km) and a comprehensive listing of St. James' and other pilgrim references along the way (as an Appendix). It also contains a list of suggestions for further reading, a glossary of geographical and other useful terms, and a series of sketch maps covering the entire route to help the user in planning his or her journey.

For Le Puy to the Pyrenees, see Pyrenees Books

Walking the Via De La Plata: Spain - the Camino De Santiago from Sevilla to Santiago De Compostela and on to Finisterre, Benjamin Cole and Bethan Davies - A spectacular 1000km walk, the Via de la Plata is an ancient pilgrimage route from Sevilla in southern Spain to the country's northwest corner. Step by step directions with detailed sketch maps. Description of historical and religious land marks on the route. Practical info including pilgrim hostels.

Walking for Wildlife: El Camino to Santiago De Compostela, Jean Ann Buck - A grandmother of four, dons a 25lb rucksack and treks the 700kms El Camino to Santiago de Compostela in a sponsored quest to protect Manx wildlife. Her diary and notes of the route have been compiled into an inspirational journal of adventures across the vineyards, sierras and cities of northern Spain. Her light-hearted informative approach brings to life all that is to be seen on El Camino and an excellent guide for anyone contemplating walking this ancient and well-trodden path.

Basque Country (Landscapes) - Pocket-sized full-colour motoring and walking guides with fold-out touring maps and large-scale topographical walking maps. Reviewed in the press as the 'walkers' bibles' and 'the hallowed blue books'. 45 titles in print, especially strong on destinations in southern Europe.

The Village to Village Guide to the Camino Santiago, Way of St James: Complete Directional Guide to the Pilgrimage to Santiago with Accommodation, Jaffa Raza - Use this book to walk a medieval path off the beaten track. This Village to Village guide enables the walker to follow the 1,000 year-old pilgrimage footpath to Santiago de Compostela and to re-enact Europe's most historic journey. This guide is recommended by the Catholic Church to those making the pilgrimage to Santiago on foot. It is a detailed directional guide for the 800 km footpath in Spain. The book contains listings of budget accommodation and other practical information. In the middle ages, a network of foot paths carried pilgrims to the shrine at Santiago from every country. The roads went over the Pyrenees and into Spain, either by way of the great monastery at Roncesvalles, or via that of Santa Cristina and the Somport Pass. Santiago, far away under the mists and Atlantic skies of Galicia, all woods and water in a Celtic landscape of menhirs and lost gods, exerted an appeal that was infinitely pre Christian. The route to Santiago was a Roman trade-route. It was nicknamed by travellers la voje ladee, the Milky Way. It was the road under the stars. The pale arm of the Milky Way stretched out and pointed the way to the edge of the known world : to Cape Finisterre The vast majority of those who walk The Way of St James today, are not experienced walkers at all. Many have never done any serious walking in their lives. and many will never do anything like it again. Most long-distance footpaths avoid not only large towns but even quite small villages as well; the Way of Saint James, on the other hand, because of its historic origins and the need for shelter, deliberately seeks them out. It passes through ancient places rich in art and architectural masterpieces.

Off the Road: A Modern Day Walk Down the Pilgrim's Route into Spain, Jack Hitt - A funny, irreverent travelogue through France and Spain describes places considered sacred--fortresses, monasteries, statues, and relics--and features a group of quirky, modern pilgrims seeking knowledge of themselves and each other rather than God. Reprint. 12,500 first printing.

Northern Spain (Tread Your Own Path), Andy Symington - From the green hills of Galicia to the scorched plains of Aragon, this book gets off the beaten track and discovers plenty of untouched places in the heart of one of Europe’s most visited lands. The guide covers the whole of northern Spain comprehensively, including Basque country (San Sebastian and Bilbao), Navarra, Aragon, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. It focuses on the immense cultural and historic differences that characterize the area, with the emphasis on the good life- festivals, restaurants, tapas bars, wine tasting and spectacular sports. It also features the entire pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela and plenty of outdoors- good walks, picnic spots and beaches, exploring the Picos and Pyrenees. The "where-to-stay" section includes hotels, unique mid-range accommodation and those hard-to-find unmarked cheapies. This revised guide also includes an exceptional background section with all you need to know to understand the country’s heritage; from Reconquista castles, Romanesque churches, pilgrims, politics, and anarchic festivals.

Walking the Camino De Santiago: From St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago De Compostela and on to Finisterre, Benjamin Cole and Bethan Davies - This is a guide to walking the Camino de Santiago across the north of Spain. Follow Celts, Romans and pilgrims on a spectacular journey across the north of Spain. "Walking the Camino de Santiago" leads you along an ancient 800km pilgrimage route from St Jean Pied de Port in southwestern France to Spain's northwest corner, where St James is entombed at Santiago de Compostela, smoothing your way with step-by-step instructions, detailed sketch maps and profile charts. This guide lets you into Spain's cultural and culinary secrets, includes a detailed, illustrated wildlife section, and gives you all the practical information you need for a hassle-free pilgrimage.

The Via De La Plata: The Way of St. James from Seville to Santiago, Alison Raju - A walker's guide to the southern pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela. This Camino Mozarabe de Santiago, or Via de la Plata as it is also known, starts in either Seville (1000km) or Granada (1175km) and leads north and northwest along paths and old tracks through Extremadura, Castillle and Galicia. The route is suitable for mountain bikes. It is the only original guide to this route in English, and complements the two new Cicerone guides covering the Way of St James from Le Puy to Santiago by the same author. As well as giving directions for walking the route, with notes for cyclists, the book also provides information on places to visit along the way, the history of the pilgrimage and the availability of practical facilities such as shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation. There is a list of suggestions for further reading and a glossary of geographical and other useful terms. It also contains a series of sketch maps covering the entire route to aid the user in planning his or her journey.

Camino De Santiago: From the Pyrenees to Santiago De Compestela (Rother Walking Guide)

Picos De Europa: Northern Spain, Teresa Farino - Pocket-sized full-colour motoring and walking guides with fold-out touring maps and large-scale topographical walking maps.

Northern Spain: 10 Circular Walks Around the Picos De Europa, Peter Ward, Trish Myers, Terence Keogh.

Walks and Climbs in the Picos De Europa,
Robin Walker - Though relatively modest in terms of altitude and extent, the Picos are, in fact, unique among Europe's mountains in a number of ways: geologically, for being the largest single mass of mountain limestone in the continent; geographically, for being the only true maritime range Europe possesses; and sociologically, for retaining even to this day a large part of the culture that has for centuries been the basis of life in the towns and villages dotted around the area. The first section of the book deals with background information such as geology, flora, fauna and history; and the second half describes the routes, which have been divided into two main groups (valley based routes and mountain routes), and provides sections on multi-day tours and winter mountaineering.

Trekking and Climbing in Northern Spain, Various Authors - Covering 16 treks and 12 climbing peaks, this guidebook is designed for both first-time trekkers and experienced climbers visiting the Pyrenees and Cordillera Cantabrica - northern Spain's "trekking paradise". From the celebrated trails of the Pyrenees to the less visited, but no less spectacular, footpaths of the Picos de Europa in the Cordillera Cantabrica, the book offers clear descriptions of treks and of more aspirational peak climbs. Information on indigenous wildlife and the stunningly varied landscape - snowcapped peaks are never far from dense forests or sun-baked river gorges - is complemented by practical advice on travel, techniques and equipment. Strip maps pinpoint every route and give a reliable idea of distance and timings.

Walking in the Cordillera Cantabrica: A Mountaineering Guide, Robin Walker - "Walking in the Cordillera Cantabrica" is a mountaineering guide to one of Spain's premier ranges, and includes detailed descriptions for 60 routes spread around the whole of this magnificent mountain chain. Based on selected valley bases, the routes are readily accessed, thus minimising travel time. All of the routes can be done in a day and all are circular, whilst in difficulty they vary from straightforward, half-day outings to strenuous, full-day ascents demanding fitness, good overall mountain skills, and the ability to deal with short sections of scrambling. This guide is complemented by articles on four specialist topics of interest to any who wish to know the range in greater depth: place-names, transhumance, the Civil War and alpine flora. The Cordillera Cantabrica is currently home to a total of nine protected areas, including three UN-designated areas.

GUIDE BOOKS

Northern Spain (Footprint Travel Guide), Andy Symington - From the green hills of Galicia to the scorched plains of Aragon, this book gets off the beaten track and discovers plenty of untouched places in the heart of one of Europe's most visited lands. The guide covers the whole of northern Spain comprehensively, including the Basque country (San Sebastian and Bilbao), Navarra, Aragon, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. It focuses on the immense cultural and historic differences that characterize the area, with the emphasis on the good life - festivals, restaurants, tapas bars, wine tasting and spectator sports. It also features the entire pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela and plenty of outdoors - good walks, picnic spots and beaches, exploring the Picos and the Pyrenees. The "where-to-stay" section includes hotels, characterful mid-range accommodation and those hard to find unmarked cheapies.

Northern Spain (Eyewitness Travel Guides)  - Your holiday starts the moment you open the guide..."The best guide available. Packed to the brim with colour photos, maps and essential information" - Reader review. Capture the essence of Northern Spain. From the remote beauty of the Picos de Europa to the busy port of Santander and cosmopolitan Bilbao. Photos, illustrations, unique 3D models and birds-eye-view maps of all the major sites ensure you don't miss a thing. Clue up on the basics, from the most comfortable places to stay (whatever your budget) to the best bars and restaurants. Discover where the locals go, enjoy relaxing entertainment, amazing sites and retail therapy, exciting sports, scenic walks or drives, thematic tours and colourful festivals. All you need for an unforgettable trip. Winner of the "Guardian & Observer" 'Best Guide Books' and "Wanderlust Magazine" Silver Award for 'Top Guidebook'.

GUIDE BOOKS

Bilbao and the Basque Lands (Cadogan Guide) - This title marvels at the titanium wonder that is the Guggenheim museum and takes in its fascinating exhibits. It discovers the unique history behind the Basques, Europe's oldest people. It travels through stunning scenery of velvet green mountains, immaculate villages, vineyards and ancient holy places. It explores both the French and Spanish sides of the Basque country and the dramatic vistas of the Pyrenees. It visits vibrant Vittoria and lives it up in the glittering resort of Biarritz.

Northern Spain Insight Guide  - This 348-page guidebook includes a section detailing Northern Spain's history, 12 features covering aspects of its life and culture, ranging from Santiago de Compostela's pilgrim route to Pamplona's annual wild bull run, a region by region visitor's guide to the sights, and a comprehensive Travel Tips section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. The key features include: Places - region-by-region gazetteer section, with top attractions highlighted and cross-referenced with detailed local maps; Essay Features - incisive essays on the islands' history, people and culture; Photo Features - magazine-style full-colour features on some of the region's most exotic attractions, including Bilbao's spectacular Guggenheim Art Museum and the Picos de Europa; and Travel Tips - practical listings section, including accommodation, restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes, entertainment, nightlife, transport and essential contact addresses and numbers. It also includes hundreds of top-notch photographs and 20 maps.

GUIDE BOOKS

Northern Spain (Cadogan Guides) - Bursting with practical information and in-depth knowledge, Cadogan Guides also make a cracking good read. "The Times"

Bilbao and North West Spain Pocket Guide - This 96-page book offers an experts guide to Bilbao, one of Spain's most exciting cities, and northwest Spain, a region of dramatic mountains, rugged coastline and ancient villages. 12 itineraries and excursions describe the highlights, ranging from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela, covering the Basque Region, Cantabria and Asturias, and Galicia. It also includes a chapter detailing the region's history and culture, as well as leisure-time suggestions and a comprehensive information section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Plus dozens of full-colour photographs and maps, including a detailed pull-out regional map, cross-referenced to the text.

Adventure Guide to Southwestern France and Northern Spain: The Pyrenees, Basque Country, Barcelona, Andorra. Hunter Travel Guide - A warm coastline, outdoor markets, hillside villages, gourmet dining and vineyards dot this region, which extends from Languedoc-Roussillon and Aquitaine in France through the Pyrenees into Spanish Catalonia, Aragon and Navarre. There are medieval villages, Roman ruins and stately cathedrals. This is a uniquely valuable resource; virtually no other guides are available. Limited availability.