The Bluffer’s Guide To Hiking

The Bluffer's Guide To Hiking

8th February 2012 – One of the Top Ten Books for Walkers – according to i from The Independent – click for article

“Whether you are a seasoned coast-to-coaster or new to hiking, you’ll find lots to interest and amuse in this light-hearted guide to the world of walking. The chapter on how to cope in an outdoor gear shop is hilarious.” i from The Independent

Do you know your Naismith’s Rule from your Tranter’s Variation? Which of the three Norths should you use when out walking? And why is the definitive map called the definitive map, when it isn’t definitive? Whether you’re new to the hiking world, or wearing holes in your crampons, The Bluffer’s Guide to Hiking takes a light-hearted look at the world of walking. Read it, and you’ll never be lost again … merely temporarily misplaced.

Extracts from the book:

Take a hike
 – Mankind has been walking since around 3 million years BC (Before Cars), so understandably human feet are beginning to ache a bit now. However, in today’s congested world, it’s often quicker to leave modern transport methods behind and strike out on Shank’s Pony.

Published by: Oval Books in 2009
Priced: £4.99
ISBN: 9781906042073
Reviews

“A hearty well done on the Bluffer’s Guide to Hiking – a cracking read! Love the tip about saying a cheery Good Morning, to give the impression you’ve totally lost track of time.” – Nick Hallissey, Country Walking magazine.

“a potential comic gift for a fellow walker.” – Emily Rodway, Deputy Editor, TGO magazine.

“A humorous insight into the world of hiking with a rucsac full of gems and handy hints” - Lakeland Walker magazine

“Simon Whaley, who is genuinely knowledgeable about the subject, manfully tries to balance useful information with the ‘funny bits’. Fortunately he has a wry sense of humour and if the combination is a little strained at times (he clearly feels the need to impart proper guidance on being careful and safe) on the whole he brings it off quite well.” – Walkingworld.com

“Not only will this book amuse you, the author’s quips and comments made me laugh out loud, but you will also become very knowledgeable about the finer points of not becoming ‘temporarily misplaced’ and what to do if that happens. A great little book….” Spainrico – BookArmy

“Perfect for slipping into your fleece and referring to quietly behind a hedge before joining the main throng and impressing them with your hiking knowledge.” - Dorset Magazine

“Simon Whaley’s Bluffer’s Guide pokes gentle fun at the hautiness of some walkers, and offers pithy advice on how even the most lax of hikers can hold their own when mixing with those craggy men of the mountains!” – Scotland Outdoors magazine

Review of The Bluffer's Guide To Hiking in the Dorset Magazine

Amazon Review by “Mrchef” (5 star)

Great little book. Very quick and easy to read and parts of it are oh so true.

The chapter about outdoors shops really hit the nail on the head, every time I go to one of those shops I just quietly smile to myself as I look at the shop assistants doing exactly what they book says they do.

Its a quick read but one you may want to pick up again and again.

“The chapter on how to cope in an outdoor gear shop is hilarious.” – Samuel Muston – The i from The Independent – 8th February 2012

(c) Simon Whaley