Here are a few review comments on the Lightfoot guide (Vol 1) that I promised to post here.
Canterbury to Besancon, Vol 3, Edition 3 (2010), 196 pages, 14cm wide x 22cm tall x 1.5cm thick. 360 gm.
Please note
(1) I have not used the guide in the field yet, so I can't comment on the accuracy of the information or the usability of the guide in the field under practical conditions (eg wet weather). A guide may seem excellent in the comfort of home, but any limitations will quickly show up in the field.
(2) Also, my optimum walking routine is to carry a light load (eg 6kg), only 1 litre of water and top up frequently at water points.
(3) I prefer to walk on average 25 km/day, with some shorter stages and a only few over 30km, but not 40km.
(4) I don't carry camping gear.
(5) I walk alone and I am totally reliant on myself for everything.
Walkers and campers with different preferences will need to interpret my comments accordingly.
I would certainly welcome comments from actual users who might wish to add extra information based on experience.
STAGES
The Canterbury - Besancon route is divided into 30 stages. However, 8 of the stages are 35km or more, with two sections of two stages each over 35km (ie more than 70km walking in two days). I will have to look closely at alternate routes for those stages, if indeed they are practical for me at all. A number of alternative stages are given in some areas, but I have not investigated them yet.
Paul makes the comment that the stages have been chosen based on the best compromises. One can obviously choose shorter stages, but would need to look carefully at what further compromises those choices would involve.
There are not many accommodation options listed in many places, but Paul Chinn told me that the guide shows what is available in most small towns. Larger towns will have more choices, but only a limited number are listed in the guide to avoid having the book become too big. I did a quick Google search for hotels at Tergnier (just as a test for one of the long stages) and the guide pretty much shows all the available accommodation.
No water points are shown, but some cafes are indicated on the maps. Of course, one can always ask for water at houses, farms etc. Many rural churches with cemeteries will also have water points for the gardens.
Each Stage description starts with a map and a tiny altitude profile. Then there is a brief one paragraph route summary, and the total ascents and descents. The ascent data is very useful to calculate walking times.
ROUTE INSTRUCTIONS
The actual route instructions are very detailed, in 7 columns: Way Point Number, Way Point Distance, total Distance (ie the cumulative Stage Distance), Directions, Verification Point, Compass, Altitude. The layout is very clear and easy to follow. I like the layout of the route instructions.
Typically there are about 28 way points for a 26 km stage, roughly one per 900 meters.
Finally there is brief accommodation details and useful contacts (tourist office, doctor, farrier, vet).
MAPS
I like the detailed coverage of the maps for up to 5km from the route. That is really important if one goes astray.
The maps have variable map scales so that they will fit in the space available on a page. But there are no scale bars given, so you can't actually measure distances (eg if you go astray and the detailed navigation instructions don't apply) I don't really like that approach. A few maps are really too small to be practical in the field. Paul explained that his priority was to keep the bulk of the book down. I understand that, but I would much prefer to have a consistent easily readable scale, marked on every map, even if that meant two or more maps per stage.
The detail of the route instructions compensates for the shortcomings of the maps. Providing the instructions are accurate and clear when on the spot, you don't really need to use the maps much at all - provided you don't stray from the route.
The inclusion of verification points is an excellent idea. I have too-often had to backtrack to confirm my route on other walks!
The detailed route instructions (and scarcity of trustworthy route signs) mean that I may have to have the guide constantly ready to hand to avoid getting lost, so I may have to tear out pages for each stage, protect them from rain (if necessary), and stuff them in a pocket. The whole book is just a bit too big to fit in my pockets for instant access.
OTHER COMMENTS
There are very few photos and very little on places interest. The authors have gone to a lot of trouble to prune out all unnecessary information to focus on the essentials for navigation and accommodation. That suits me, but perhaps others may want extra information on places of interest, packing, footwear etc. You can buy a separate volume 4 with cultural information.
There are 13 pages of general information that are not required on the route, but these would have to be torn out of the book.
Regards
Bob M
