Trekking the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail

Bol

Follow in the footsteps of one of literature’s great wanderers on the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail (GR70), a classic long-distance walk through the Cévennes and Massif Central of southern France. Stretching approximately 272 km (169 miles) from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Alès, this route takes around two weeks to complete and offers a unique blend of cultural history, rural charm and enduring landscapes that engage walkers from start to finish. Whether you are new to multi-day trekking or an experienced hiker looking for a journey rich in narrative and scenery, this route delivers. The guidebook features clear, stage-by-stage route descriptions from north to south, bringing together the practical essentials and the stories that make this walk so special. Each stage includes a brief account of Robert Louis Stevenson's experiences with his donkey,Modestine, allowing you to connect with the original journey that inspired one of the great travel classics, Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes. Route guidance is presented for the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail in 12 stages, each between 16 km and 30 km (10–17 miles) in length, with clear mapping, elevation profiles and walking notes so you can plan each day’s walk with confidence Practical advice on planning, preparation, when to walk and what to take ensures you’re ready for the French terrain ranging from gently undulating farmland and chestnut woods to wildflower meadows and limestone gorges GPX files are available to download, and 1:50,000 maps are included for every stage, supporting both traditional and digital navigation on this literary long-distance trail Comprehensive facilities, accommodation and campsite listings help you find welcoming places to stay each night of your journey from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Alès, including village inns to rural gîtes Insight into local culture, history and points of interest enriches your journey, from rivers and high ridges to traditional villages where French rural life continues much as it did in Stevenson’s day From the volcanic landscapes above Le-Puy to the rolling hills and rivers of the Cévennes, the GR70 reveals a lesser-known corner of France that is as captivating as any of its more famous trails. With its blend of literary heritage, welcoming communities and scenic diversity, the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail offers hikers a long-distance walking adventure. This guidebook gives you all the tools you need to walk the route confidently, enjoy the journey and discover the enduring appeal of a trail walked by one of the world’s great storytellers.

Bol Partner

Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Travels with a donkey in the Cevennes' is a classic of travel literature. The GR70 long-distance trail is based on the author's route, allowing walkers to follow in the footsteps of Stevenson and his four-legged companion Modestine through the beautiful Cevennes region on the edge of France's Massif Central. The route is ideal for both first-time trekkers and more experienced hikers, covering around 272km of gently undulating countryside from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Ales. It can be completed in under a fortnight. The trail is presented in 12 stages of 16 to 30km, each with clear route description and mapping, an elevation profile, notes on local points of interest and a brief account of Robert Louis Stevenson's experiences on that section of the route. There is useful advice for planning your trip - including when to go, what to take and how to get there - and accommodation listings. Following drove roads, bridleways and footpaths, the GR70 showcases the landscapes of the Cevennes: wildflower meadows, rolling hills, chestnut woods, limestone gorges and meandering rivers. Characterful villages provide accommodation and other services and offer an opportunity to sample the delicious local produce. There are also glimpses into the region's fascinating history, from pre-historic burial sites to locations associated with the eighteenth-century Protestant Camisards who resisted religious persecution. While many things have undoubtedly changed since Stevenson's visit, the area retains its authentic rural charm and you will soon discover just why Stevenson found it so appealing.

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Pages: 192, Edition: Third Edition, Paperback, Cicerone Press