Exmoor and the Quantocks Walks (Pathfinder Guide) [Paperback]

I love these guides and have several for areas in Scotland, England and Wales. It is great to be able to pick a walk with a good idea of what it will be like, rather than pouring over an OS map with endless possibilities. I am aware however that each book has a different author - but I would recommend this Exmoor book as up to (the high) standard of the other books I have used.

- the OS maps are clear and detailed, which enables you to cut out or add in sections of the walk if you wish, or do the walk in reverse! That said, I usually find the walk suggested has been nicer than any deviation I have tried to make myself e.g. I added in walking round a small headland, but this turned out to be quite exposed, narrow and not great for views. Another time it was getting dark so we nipped across a path marked on the map to cut out the second half of the walk.

- the opening instructions on sat nav co-ordinates, where to park, nearest refreshments, etc are very handy.

- the instructions are always clear but be aware than things might have changed since the book was published (as with any book or map) e.g. a post or sign might have fallen over, and I've found the contours on the map to be useful to check how much the path should be climbing, how near the end of the field the stile is meant to be, etc.

- There is a useful mix of walks which pass through quaint villages, or stick purely to the countryside; walks which follow popular/busy coastal paths, or which take routes where you're the only hiker to be seen; easy 2-3hr walks to hard 5-7hr walks. None of the walks are amazingly challenging or long, but then truly intrepid trekkers are likely to have planned their own map-led expenditions anyway.

- The book is made from tough paper - it's not waterproof but survives frequently being taken out and studied in the rain! The pages just dry out a little crumpled.

My only slight gripe is that the shape of it - very long - means it doesn't fit in your pocket so I am usually either carrying it the whole time or stopping to fish it out my bag. The various Pathfinder books of short family walks are a much handier size, albeit very tame walks for anyone without kids.

I have four Pathfinder guides, use them extensvely and find them excellent in detail, local information and with clear route instruction. Some in the Exmoor edition appear to be further than the distance shown but I'm told that this is due to my tiredness or the Somerset mile!

I thoroughly recommend any Pathfinders.

I ordered this book for a walking holiday to North Devon. Unfortunately because I ordered it a bit close to my holiday it didnt come till afterwards. However looking through it, the book covers all the walks we would have done and looks like it would have been ideal. Pathfinder walking books are usually very good so I'm sure this will be great for our next holiday in that area. It was also in great condition for a used book and I would happily reccommend the seller.