Collins Rambler's Guide - North Wales [Paperback]

I have the experienced Walks 3 before this book arrived. When I was reading through the book, the information (time, distance, scenery description and ascend / descend) are correct to my best knowledge. The pictures shown are taken from very strategic point (based on what I see), the map is much much better as at the courtesy of Ordinance Survey. The altitude, parking, youth hostels are labelled properly. I doubt I would be lost in my future walks. I would like to recommend who plan a trip to North Wales, have a look at this Rambler's guide. It could save you buying many other maps. Language wise, no problem for a Chinese lad to understand.

Of all the walking books i have on the mountains of Snowdonia this is one of my favorites because it contains some of the true classics starting obviously with The Snowdon Horseshoe and finishing remarkably outside my house with the walk around the Great Orme in Llandudno.

My favorites include the traverse of Cwm Eigiau which is really remote and seldom walked by the casual visitor, mainly because of its remoteness and with no public transport, but for solitude and a traverse into the mighty Carneddau it ranks alongside the Snowdon Horseshoe for quality.

The walk to Aber Falls is easy and includes another classic route on to the highest plateau south of the Scottish Highlands the Carneddau.Mr Sale must agree with me because yet another gem of a walk The Cwm Lafar route from Gerlan and Bethesda into those wonderfull Carneddau is included.

No book would be worth a look without the many routes into the Glyderau,Tryfan,Bristly Ridge and the Cwm Idwal routes are all included.

He now ventures southwest to include the easiest way into the toughest walking area anywhere in Wales,The Rhinogs via The Roman Steps.

Mr Sale chooses two different approaches up Cader Idri in this case the Minffordd and Foxes paths are chosen to allow a different approach to this confusing mountain.
I cannot make my mind up which is the most confusing summit in mist Idris or Carnedd Llewellyn.I can remember back in 1996 parking my Escort in the Minffordd carpark and walking up to what i thought was Idri's summit but the mist came down and i thought i was on the Minffordd path but nope i was walking down the Foxes path.The carpark at the bottom is an exact copy of the Minffordd one so after half an hour i thought my car had been stolen until i realised my mistake (RELIEF).I found myself twenty eight miles out of my way and if it hadnot been for a kindly couple who gave me a lift all the way back i would have had to walk it,so be warned.

For the iceing on the cake and for those who want to be alone to contemplate the beauties of Snowdonia The Arans and the even remoter Berwyns are given a mention.

Everyone of these beautifull walks 30 in all are given levels of difficulty and a easy to follow map indicating the intended route and distance but never leave home without a map and compass because if the weather turns nasty especially in the Carneddau you will need them for a safe return to your vehicle because the distances in the Carneddau are great especially if you have to leave the tops from a different direction.Imagine getting back to Cwm Eigiau fron Gerlan without transport.
This Collins guide all in colour has excelled itself in choosing the very best that North Wales has to offer,the Nantlle Ridge should be done in lovely weather to appreciate the stunning views and the same applies to the Best which have to be The Carneddau.
Moel Shabod,Moel Hebog,the heavenly Cwm Pennant which could be linked to the Nantlle Ridge on a longer walk are more of a problem especially out of season with poor bus services,i know because the bus service around Snowdon during Autumn is non existent.

If you must have a look at this delightfull walking companion before you buy do so, but buy it you will because the cream of North Wales has been chosen and they are there for you to discover and cherish.

I'd been looking for a book that gave me some locations in North Wales for different walks, but couldn't find one detailed yet interesting... I can highly recommend it..... It would make an ace present for a prospective yet inexperienced walker.....