Our books

Our comprehensive and beautiful books offer inspiration for running, walking and outdoor adventures across Britain.

The Path We Run

Publishing 1st August

The longer the distance run, the more women have an edge over their male competitors. Yet, the longer the distance, the less likely women are to start the race.

In this incredible and personal account, established running journalist Jen Benson looks at the science, hidden history, and what it takes to run an ultramarathon – unveiling why women are so well adapted for endurance sports.

Detailing her own account of completing her first 100-mile ultramarathon, Jen brings to the fore the harshness, humour, and personal sacrifice of ultra-running. Interweaved with this are unprecedented interviews with some of the greatest ultra-women of the past 40 years, including Jasmin Paris, who triumphed in a 268-mile winter Spine Race despite stopping to express milk for her baby, and Eleanor Adams, the first woman to complete a 153-mile Spartathon ultramarathon despite opposition from male organisers.

A testament to the feats of women that challenge the very limits of human capability, this is the remarkable sporting history of extreme performance hitherto untold.

The Path We Run

Smart Running

Publishing 18th April

Have you ever wondered about the secret to becoming a better runner? Has your training plateaued and you don’t know why? Do you keep getting injured or are you struggling to get back into running after some time out? Have you done a few shorter races but want to progress up to a marathon? Smart Running by Jen and Sim Benson will cut through the jargon and answer all your running questions, helping you to become a fitter, faster and stronger runner.

The Camping Bible

Publishing 14th March

Slow down. Simplify. Sleep with your ear to the earth. This is the ultimate guide to the art and joy of living outdoors, under canvas.

Whether it’s a fast-and-light backpacking adventure, a sea kayak safari, a family camping trip, or simply living and cooking outside in your garden, camping can do it all. Offering an escape from the stresses of everyday life, the art of camping lies in living simply, well. It’s about paring back our busy, hyperconnected modern lives and embracing the many joys of living more slowly and connecting more meaningfully.

The Camping Bible is the complete reference for newcomers and lifelong campers alike. Discover new adventures and clever hacks for Proper Camping, sleeping close to the earth in a shelter of stretched fabric held taught by pegs and guy lines, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Day Walks in Somerset

Published April 2023

Day Walks in Somerset features 20 routes between 7 and 15 miles (11km and 24km) in length, spread across the county of Somerset, including the Exmoor National Park. Researched and written by experienced and local authors Jen and Sim Benson, the walks range from gentle rambles to more challenging day walks, all through interesting and varied landscapes.

Split into five sections – Exmoor; Quantock Hills & Blackdown Hills; Somerset Levels; Mendip Hills; and Bath & North East Somerset – this guidebook explores the best that Somerset has to offer.

Together with stunning photography, each route features Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps, easy-to-follow directions, details of distance and navigation information, and refreshment stops and local information.

100 Great Walks with Kids

Published 4th March 2021

This book features 100 wonderful walks right across Britain, suitable for families with children from 0 upwards, including carrier- and buggy-friendly routes and themes such as mini mountains, walks with paddles, beaches, woodland, wildlife, circumnavigations of lakes, and walks from child-friendly cafes. The introduction has lots of helpful hints and tips on walking with kids.

Short Runs in Beautiful Places

Published 5th March 2020

Short Runs in Beautiful Places, published by the National Trust, is the ideal guide to staying fit and healthy while enjoying Britain’s most beautiful locations. From the coasts of Cornwall to the summits of Scotland, through leafy woodlands, past meadows studded with wildflowers or across sandy beaches with uninterrupted views of the sea.

Day Walks in Cornwall

Published 2019

Day Walks in Cornwall, from Vertebrate Publishing, features 20 circular routes between 7.2 and 13.7 miles (11.6km and 22km) in length, suitable for hillwalkers of all abilities.

Wild Running (Second Edition)

Published 2019

The fully updated 2019 edition of Wild Running selects Britain’s top 200 trail runs. Chosen for their incredible terrain, sensational beauty and ease of navigation, this is the perfect running guide for beginners and experts alike. From gentle runs to hard-as-nails ascents, discover epic trails through spectacular mountain, forest and coastal scenery. Stunning photography and engaging writing chart the history of each run, route and landscape, making this a must-have guide for runners and explorers. Updated with 150 new runs, including directions, terrain data and safety advice, with Ordnance Survey 1:250,000 route maps and links to 1:25,000 maps and GPX downloads.

The Adventurer's Guide to Britain

Published 2018

The Adventurer’s Guide to Britain, published by Bloomsbury, is a collection of some of our very favourite adventures from right across the country, from surfing off John O’Groats and sea snorkelling on Harris to bikepacking the South Downs Way and a swimrun adventure around the Isles of Scilly. We have included 150 incredible experiences that showcase the best way to explore each area and you’ll find running, scrambling, swimming, kayaking, cycling and wild camping adventures to try. You’ll also find recommendations for places to eat, sleep and explore nearby. We reckon you’ll enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it.

Day Walks in Devon

Published 2017

Day Walks in Devon features 20 circular routes, between 8.8 and 17.6 miles (14.1km and 28.3km), suitable for hillwalkers of all abilities. The routes are split into five geographical areas: North Devon and Exmoor, Torridge and West Devon, Mid and East Devon, Dartmoor, and South Devon and the South Hams.

Amazing Family Adventures

Published 2017

The National Trust’s Amazing Family Adventures book is divided into challenge levels – the earlier chapters are aimed at younger children whilst the end of the book is more adventurous! This book is packed with hints, facts and step-by-step guides to activities such as wild swimming, surfing and wilderness survival. Each activity suggests National Trust places to visit for an adventure with the whole family.

If you'd like to chat to us about a forthcoming project, we'd love to hear from you.