One only needs to look up “books about walking” to see how much people across the globe revere this activity. I could easily make a list of over 50 titles that have been published in the past century and translated into several languages, but those lists already exist. What I find most interesting is how people are writing about walking in today’s world. So here’s my reading list of favorite books about walking that have been published within the last twenty years.
MODERN BOOKS ABOUT WALKING
The Crossway by Guy Stagg
Edward Stanford Travel Memoir of the Year 2019
Details the true story of Guy Stagg who made a pilgrimage from Canterbury to Jerusalem in 2013. Though a non-believer, he sought this journey as a form of healing, having suffered several years of mental illness. The Crossway follows his ten month trek across 10 countries.
Flâneur: The Art of Wandering the Streets of Paris by Federico Castigliano
Learn the art of aimless strolling, or as the French say, flânerie
This book takes you through the streets of Paris through the eyes of a French professor who studies the relationship between individuals and urban spaces. Combining fiction and nonfiction, Castigliano uses wandering to teach us about this beautiful city and how to be a proper flâneur.
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery
Biography of one of the most famous trailblazers, Emma Gatewood
The story of Emma Gatewood is almost too amazing to believe, but every bit of it is true. At age 67 Gatewood left her family and farm and began walking the arduous 2,050 mile Appalachian Trail. She was the first woman to solo-hike the AT and the first person to walk it 3 times. She became even more famous when at age 71 she completed the 2,000 mile Oregon Trail. Her fame allowed her to push for trail improvements and promote long-distance hiking. She was an indomitable woman and this book is an important read for anyone who thinks they’re too old to hike.
In Praise of Paths: Walking through Time and Nature by Torbjørn Ekelund
Rediscover the pure joy of walking in nature
Torbjørn Ekelund uses his personal experience with epilepsy, which disabled his ability to drive, as a catalyst for rediscovering a love for walking. We follow Ekelund as he begins a new routine of walking to work which opens up new perspectives and an interest in pathways. His fascination becomes a tribute to famous hikers and the volunteers who maintain trails, mixed in with romantic musings on the past and modern society. Meander through this book just as the author calls us to meander the pathways around us.
On Trails: An Exploration by Robert Moore
Award-winning book for those who want to know MORE
Another author fascinated by paths, Robert Moore asks the questions: How do paths form? Why do some improve over time while others fade? What makes us follow or strike off on our own? Moor traveled the globe for seven years, exploring trails and how they are built. He expertly combines adventure stories with well-researched information. Moore’s book will appeal to those who want a little more research and less abstract thinking.
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
A true love story that reaffirms the power of nature and the human spirit
A heart-breaking beginning, with author Raynor learning that her husband of 32 years has a terminal degenerative disease and they have just become homeless. With nothing left, the couple decides to walk 630 miles of England’s South West Coast Path. What follows is a poignant account of living wild amongst an epic landscape and the struggles and healing benefits that ensue. This is by far my favorite on the list and I can’t wait to read her sequel The Wild Silence which was published during the pandemic.
The Trail by Ethan Gallogly
A novel that is “a subtle and vivid tale of finding peace in the great outdoors” ~ Kirkus Reviews
Gallogly’s novel was listed by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Books of 2021 and it’s easy to see why. I won’t be surprised if this novel becomes a film. This is a story about Gil, a young man who hates the outdoors but is asked by his mother to take Syd on a month-long hike on the John Muir Trail. Syd is an old friend of Gil’s father, who died several years back, and Syd is battling leukemia. This book has beautifully written characters and even more beautifully written descriptions of one of the most awe-inspiring hikes in the world. Including beautiful illustrations and maps, The Trail would make an excellent gift for hiking enthusiasts.
The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey by Derick Lugo
A black man’s memoir of thru-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail
A New York comedian with no hiking skills who also happens to be one of the few black men to write about hiking the AT — how could anyone not want to read this? This is a book of positive perseverance that will leave you feeling better about humanity and hopefully give new insight to what it’s like for hikers of color.
Wanderers: a History of Women Walking by Kerri Andrews
Inspirational accounts of 10 women who were writers and walking enthusiasts
This is a great read that covers women from the past 300 years, including Elizabeth Carter, Virginia Woolf, Nan Shepherd and Cheryl Strayed. I know I said this list was “modern books” but some of the authors are contemporary and it’s written from the viewpoint of a modern woman. You’ll have a much longer “want to read” list after finishing this book.
The Wilderness Idiot: Lessons from an Accidental Adventurer by Ted Alvarez
Humorous accounts from an editor for Backpacker magazine
This is a series of hilarious essays, written by a gifted writer and world adventure traveler. Alvarez takes us across the globe to some exotic locations and precarious situations. This is the perfect read for anyone wanting to laugh, feel somewhat horrified and get inspired to push past comfort zones.
Do you know any books about walking that should be on this list?
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There are so many good books out there and we’d love to expand this list.
