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Height Gain

When reading the walk details look carefully at the altitude gain. Extra altitude equals extra walking time, and steep gradients, whether up or down, can tire you if you are not used to it. Only a few walks in this book have a significant altitude gain; as a guideline, with a light rucksack (6–7kg) you should be able to climb 400m in one hour (250–300m with a weight of 15kg). The descent should be quicker, namely 500m in one hour. When walking, especially in southern climates, the heat and humidity will slow you down (see‘When to Go’).

Maps

Although each walk is accompanied by a sketch map it is recommended that you buy the listed 1:25,000 IGN maps, which are available in local shops. It is easier to buy them when you are in the region than to try to get hold of them in the UK. They cost around 9 euros (exchange rate is about 1.6 euros to £1 at the time of publication). Sometimes the local supermarkets sell them cheaper.

The numbers on each sketch map show key reference points, especially where there are major changes in walk direction, and correspond to a numbered section in the text. However, please read the instructions carefully, as there may be additional turnings that are not numbered but where the path is not clearly indicated, even on the IGN map. Unfortunately many IGN maps are out of date or inaccurate, and the jeep tracks and paths taken on the walks are not always shown.