This is a pioneering route and is the latest--and at 722 miles long, one of the longest--footpaths in Britain. The Celtic Way passes through much of Western Britain, and as a lengthy walking holiday presents a great challenge. However, the walk is broken down into 18 sections--each representing from two to five days' walking--and it can be of just as much interest to walk short sections which may be of particular interest.

Someone local and knowledgeable about the area has written the walking notes for each section. Sections are divided into stages which reflect how the route should set out most effectively and walked most naturally. The route starts in Pembrokeshire, at Michael's Isle at the tip of the Strumble Headland, and ends at another island named after St Michael--St Michael's Mount, in Cornwall.

The object of creating the Celtic Way was initially to walk the Arthurian sites in South Wales, but the project quickly moved on to include much of Western Britain and its many prehistoric sites. Highlights include Glastonbury, Exmoor, Dartmoor, Pembrokeshire and St Michael's Mount, with the added fascination of heritage sites such as Avebury, Stonehenge and the major hill fort of Maiden Castle.

While the route directions are quite comprehensive, they need the added security and information of the relevant Ordnance Survey maps. Being a "new" route, it is not way marked and one wonders if it will ever be sufficiently recognised to achieve that status. However, there is no doubt that there is sufficient interest in one section or another to satisfy the needs of the majority of walkers. --Ben Naylor

Book Description
This pioneering 725-mile route through western Britain, including 400 miles of new walking, will challenge and inspire. The illuminating journey takes in Pembroke, Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Exmoor and St Michael's Mount. Tread in the footsteps of early travellers and settlers and visit 100 prehistoric sites including Caerleon, Avebury and Tintagel. Discover ancient barrows, fortifications and sacred stone circles. Detailed walking directions and maps are accompanied by photographs and illustrations, together with a fascinating historical commentary. The book has been written by a team of enthusiasts and co-ordinated by Val Saunders Evans.

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