Books on Long-distance Hiking

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When we were on our first long-distance hike, the Baekdu Daegan in South Korea (750 kms), we had no idea that this sense of ‘forever’ walking through nature could be so addictive. Other long-distance hikes followed:

We have others planned, so stay tuned for updates.

No long-distance hiking without some proper inspiration though! As you may know, I love books and I am particularly into books about hiking, overlanding and outdoor adventure (e.g. biking, running, cycling).

So here’s a series of books about long-distance hikes throughout the world, conveniently grouped per continent / region 🙂

Enjoy these reads and do you have a book I should add to the list? Let me know in the comment section below. Thanks!

Read More: Our Long-distance Hiking Gear list

Hiking gear list 4.0 - camping

Long-distance Hiking in Europe

One Woman Walks Wales, by Ursula Martin

A detailed read about one woman who walks all trails – or bushwacks around them – through Wales.

The Earth Beneath My Feet: A 7,000-Mile Walk of Discovery into the Heart of Wild Nature, by Andrew Terrill

Hiking from Italy to Norway, definitely an inspiration for some of our long-distance hiking ambitions.

Clear Waters Rising: A Mountain Walk Across Europe, by Nicholas Crane

And another long-distance hike to add to my bucket list, from west to east Europe.

The Salt Path, by Raynor Winn

A bestseller, a story not just about a long-distance hike but starting such a journey when (and because) life can’t get tougher than it is for a number of reasons.

The Pieterpad, A Long Distance Walk on Dutch Soil: Surviving the Bed and Breakfast, by Christina Wubs

A couple’s journey on foot across the Netherlands, staying in paid accommodations along the way. Coen and I hiked the Pieterpad as well, taking our tent and staying with friends – read about it here.

My Midsummer Morning: Rediscovering a Life of Adventure, by Alastair Humphreys

Following in the footsteps of Laurie Lee (1930) and hiking across Spain, starting without a dime and earning money through busking (having played the violin only a few months).

Long-distance Hiking in New Zealand

Woman In The Wilderness, by Miriam Lancewood

Is it possible to survive in the wild, being entirely self-sufficient? Miriam and Peter find out in New Zealand’s wilderness.

Wild at Heart: The Dangers and Delights of a Nomadic Life, by Miriam Lancewood

Sequel to Miriam’s first book, Woman in de Wilderness, about her and Peter’s hiking adventures in Turkey and Europe, a car-trip gone wrong in Australia and their return to New Zealand.

Tracks, by Robyn Davidson

One of my favorite adventure books ever – Robyn walks across Australia, solo in the company of camels (1970s).

Long-distance Hiking in the United States

Wild: A Journey from Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed

The classic among the long-distance hiking books! (and made into a good movie, too)

The Last Englishman: Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, by Keith Foskett

A solo hike of the Pacific Crest Trail with a unique finish due to snow.

Long-distance Hiking in Asia

Wild by Nature: From Siberia to Australia, Three Years Alone in the Wilderness on Foot, by Sarah Marquis

Sure, she had back-up support but she had to do the walking all by herself, solo across the world through the most desolate landscapes on earth.

Ayse’s Trail: One woman’s hike through Turkey and time, by Atulya K Bingham

The book we carried when hiking our 850-kilometer-long Carian Trail and the 500-kilometer-long Lycian Way in Turkey. We love how the author intertwines the past with today.

There are Other Rivers, by Alastair Humphreys

Just pick a random river in India, and follow it across the country – on foot.

Walking Home From Mongolia: Ten Million Steps Through China, From the Gobi Desert to the South China Sea, by Rob Lilwall

A 6-month hike in Eastern Asia – 5000 kilometers, different seasons, diversity in landscapes and interesting meetings.

On the Narrow Road to the Deep North, by Lesley Downer

Following in the footsteps of Basho (17th century) across Japan.

Long-distance Hiking in the Middle East

My Israel Trail: Finding Peace in the Promised Land, by Aryeh Green

The book we carried when hiking our 1000-kilometer-long Israel Trail. The book gives a good impression of what the hike entails.

The Land Beyond: A Thousand Miles on Foot through the Heart of the Middle East, by Leon McCarron

We carried this book as an inspiration for our 650-kilometer-long hike through Jordan, but Leon describes his hike through Israel before walking across Jordan.

Long-distance Hiking in the World

The Worrier’s Guide to the End of the World: Love, Loss, and Other Catastrophes–through Italy, India, and Beyond, by Torre DeRoche

Life is too tough to deal with properly, so why not go on a hike or two – across Italy & India.

Oh, Did You Know?

Boeken: Van het pad af, Omwegen, en Over bruggen (©Coen Wubbels)

That we published books ourselves? Three of them are in Dutch – find ‘Van het pad af‘, ‘Omwegen’ and ‘Over bruggen’ here.

Forever Off Track, Detours, Bridging the Gaps - books on overlanding

Our first book in English is about to be launched (Jan ’24): Forever Off Track! To be sure to get hold of a color-photo and signed limited edition (and other news about our books in English) sign up for the book-newsletter here.

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