In his life, Keith estimates he has hiked nearly 12,000 mile, including one thousand mile hikes, and he shares stories from those walks here.

I can’t fault the presentation, and the writing makes it an interesting book if not a gripping one. Less bears, and more broken maps, pneumonia (in the desert, blisters, and vanishing hostel reservations, this book really is one for hikers and lovers of the great outdoors. There’s a fair bit of hiking philosophy and thoughts on life here too.

While he doesn’t give details or maps of his exact routes, he does name them which is enough for other hikers to look up the trails he has travelled. While he loves the South downs near his home, the trails he walks are international, and there are stories here from Europe and the US among others.

All profits from the paperback edition are being donated to Mountain Rescue, a nice touch.

For hikers, campers, and outdoorsmen, you will find a kindred spirit in these pages. For anyone considering those pursuits, I’d suggest reading this first as it can be eye-opening.