Travelled Far: A Collection of Hiking Adventures

by Keith Foskett

Adventure addict Keith Foskett adores travel and the outdoors. A veteran of El Camino de Santiago in Spain, the Pacific Crest, Appalachian Trail and more, he follows a different lifestyle. Adventure and chasing dreams come first, convention and acceptance are second. In this book he shares a collection of trips, thoughts and observations from his award-winning blog. From the extremes of the New Mexico wilderness to his beloved South Downs in England, he observes the world with clarity, hope, daydreams and humour. With tales of local history, the changing of the seasons, facing death and pursuing his chosen path, this is a glimpse into one man’s unfaltering passion to follow his dreams. About the author. Keith Foskett has hiked over 10,000 miles in recent years and holds a deep respect for our outdoor spaces. He has written several Amazon best-selling books and contributes to various outdoor publications. Two of his books have been short-listed for outdoor book of the year by The Great Outdoors magazine, and his blog was voted outdoor blog of the year by the Go Outdoors group. Partial to a decent bottle of Rioja, he nurtures an unhealthy interest in down sleeping bags and woollen underwear. He was born and still lives in south-east England.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Nature, Adventure, Memoir, Amazon, Outdoors

135 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2017

About the author

Keith Foskett has hiked over 12,000 miles in the last few years and holds a deep respect for the outdoor spaces of this world. His adventures form the basis of much of his writing.

The Journey in Between, an account of his 1,000 mile journey on El Camino de Santiago in Spain.

The Last Englishman, an epic adventure along the 2,640 mile Pacific Crest Trail in the United States.

Balancing on Blue, the second of his big hikes in America follows his continued addiction to thru-hiking on the Appalachian trail.

Travelled Far is a short read about his many adventures, both at home in England, the abroad.

A Thru-Hiking Trilogy is a collection of his first three books.

His latest book called High and Low, was released in March 2018.

He contributes to various outdoor publications and in 2012 was shortlisted for Outdoor Personality of the Year by The Great Outdoors Magazine. His second book - The Last Englishman, was also nominated for Outdoor Book of the Year. He was shortlisted again for two awards in 2015 and his blog (keithfoskett.com) was voted outdoor blog of the year.
Balancing on Blue was also shortlisted for Outdoor Book of the Year in 2015.

Partial to a decent bottle of Rioja, down sleeping bags and woollen underwear, he was born, and still lives in West Sussex, England.

Reviews

[Jane Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book to whet your appetite about various trails without a lot of personal details and experiences, then you will enjoy Travelled Far by Keith Foskett. Were I so lucky as he to live in a country that abounds with interconnecting local hiking pathways!

Mr. Foskett is a long-distance hiker who averages 30 miles a day. In this book, he describes a few of his long-distance walks as well as his daily and shorter jaunts around England. He details the walk itself without personal commentary. If you are looking for a more in-depth and personal account, you might prefer to read one of his other books.

What I liked, in particular about Travelled Far, was his stressing that one does not need to travel far from home to get out into the wilderness and enjoy the escape. His descriptions of South Downs Way, Wey South Path, the North Downs Way, and other local favorites teased me into planning hikes local to me.

Having traveled the Camino de Santiago, I found his descriptions of the pilgrimage sufficed to entice my memory of the wonderful experience. I also enjoyed his thoughts about getting lost, setting up traditions with hiking friends, and not feeling bad about not completing a trail.

[Adley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed the beginning, the book began to drag and picking the book up became a chore rather than a choice.

[Gift · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a thru-hiker as Keith Foskett but after reading his book I had to diagnose myself as dromomaniac as well. Walking, hiking, and running are playing a big role in my life. I would not describe myself as a chronic dromomaniac. I still have a normal job, friends, family, and other hobbies. What´s more, I hate rucksacks or other heavy baggage which disqualifies me from the “real” thru-hiking. Nevertheless, I wore my hiking shoes for more than 3700 km and my running and cross-country running shoes for another 1000 km this year. Therefore, I understand Keith´s urge for hiking. Hiking is more than just a hobby. It is a part of your lifestyle.

Everyone, who likes hiking/walking, will enjoy this book. Keith knows how to describe the joy and the feeling of freedom while hiking. He is like a good nerdy friend who understands you favourite hobby and is still far nerdier than you are. Some of his short stories are more interesting than others. To be honest, I would cut the half of the stories completely out or give this book another structure. Then again, I got this book for free. I don’t think it would be fair to complain a lot. Especially, when Keith decided to donate all profits from the sale of the paperback to Mountain Rescue UK.

3.5 *

[MF · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a travelogue writer myself, I know the challenge of conveying the physicality and indescribable joy of self-propelled travel, whether that be biking or, in this case, hiking. The writer has managed to that admirably: somewhere in between a poached-egg sandwich and the crest of a hill, the chill of a cool night wrapped in a duvet and the shadow of a Spanish street during a siesta, I peeked the thrill of a hiking experience and I was there. Now, I am wondering when to do the camino. Do you see what good writing does to me?

[Jill's Book Cafe · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have had my more serious walking/hiking achievements in the past, these days I would describe myself as a social rambler ( ie a couple of hours before lunch in the pub). However I'm always partial to a bit of vicarious hiking through reading so I was delighted to read this latest offering from Keith Foskett. While Keith's previous books have concentrated on specific long distance hikes, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachia Trail and El Camino de Santiago, this is a collected miscellany of short hiking and outdoor adventures inspired by his blog.

This selection offers a perfect introduction to Keith's writing and philosophy. By his own admission he comes to life when on the trail and these tales exemplify that. They vary from weekend hikes over the North and South Downs, seeking out new footpaths around his locality and snippets from longer trails including the Camino to name a few. Keith's sense of joy and freedom shines through his writing and it's a joy that is infectious. If you are a walker reading these observances you'll nod your head in recognition at many of those 'at one with the world moments', whether it be the view over the brow of the hill you've just trudged up, or making it to the cafe for that longed for cup if tea before closing time. It also has a chapter on that less than joyful scenario, when the sun starts to sink, the weather changes and you realise you're lost (we've all been there).

So whether you need a bit of encouragement to dust off the boots and rediscover the joys of walking or just enjoy reading about the great outdoors, you could do far worse than dip into these bite sized chapters of one man's delight in doing what he loves best.

I received an ecopy of this book for the purpose of writing this review

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great collection of short chapters recounting tales of Keith Foskett's hiking adventures. I've never been on a long hike myself, bar the occasional day hike, but I love to read these kinds of books and dream of doing something longer, more enduring. This is the perfect book if you, like me, love to dream about all the hiking possibilities!

I really enjoyed this book. Usually I pick up book about fabulous foreign lands that I've never been to, and greedily lap up the wonderful descriptions and anecdotes. Keith Foskett managed to feed me my wanderlust with tales of mishaps and adventures on the El Camino de Santiago and the CDT in Mexico. However some of my favourite stories detailed his hikes on the British Isles. I tend to forget what a beautiful country I'm from, and when I return to Britain I fully plan on getting out and experiencing more of it.

Foskett's writing is wonderful and easy to read, and I'm glad I randomly came across this book! I just wish it was longer! I think I will go and search for some of his other books too. He is a man that knows what it is in life that makes him happy, and strives to do just that, something I find impressive and admirable. We should all follow our passions in life in this way!

[Ann Pratley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm, this is a very interesting book to try and review. It reads partly like a story, partly autobiographical, and partly like a resource book. I am not a hiker but, having passion for travelling, this was interesting in reading about different parts of the world. I think there might be some helpful stuff in the book for people wanting to walk the particular walks that have been detailed, but there is a small amount of storytelling about the experiences too. I, personally, wish these had been expanded on more. If there had been more about the people than the land and trees, it probably would have held my attention a bit more, but it was a pleasant enough read and I suspect hikers will greatly enjoy this.

It is a short read - easily read in one afternoon - but worth it for something different that is also informative.

[Snicketts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got an advance copy of this title. I have read a couple of Foskett's books and I enjoy the way he sees the world. This is a bit like a taster of those longer books. In this one, Foskett talks more about his walking style, his choice of routes and about favourite hikes. It is divided into chapters, each on a different topic or walk. It's a nice insight into what the author does when he's not visiting far-flung places walking long-distance paths. You get the impression that he is a very down-to-earth guy who knows what makes him happy, so he does what he has to to make that happen. I find that admirable and inspirational.

[Rik · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was clear and descriptive, with the occasional anecdote to keep it light. Sometimes it read merely as a list of places he'd eaten at, though there is only so much you can say about walking if the scenery is ordinary. It never felt dull though, as the authors sense of adventure came through, and the pace moved at the writers walking pace (pretty fast), inspiring a desire to get out there and enjoy the places he visited (except perhaps the desert trail starting in Mexico!).
3 stars - I liked it.

[Ranjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I was going through a phase in my life where I was unable to travel for personal reasons. A collection of hiking adventures, this book is an inspiring treat for hiking lovers. The author, Keith, is a keen observer, viewing life through the lens of nature, outdoors and unexpected turns. This book is a respite for people like us who want to feel the leaves strewn across, understand the direction of wind and walking along with friends whom you meet along the lives journey.

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[Phillip Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short and simple stories which on the surface may sound bland, but for me at least were anything but.
I read this book in three days and found from the start that I enjoyed the way the Author described his journeys on foot, both local and faraway.
Some handy advice for thru-hikers (or those who are thinking of getting into it), I felt I thought the same on the majority of the points made.
The last two chapters I found very inspirational and I will be reading more of Keith's books.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these stories and just live that Fozzie has done the Camino multiple times and still gets value from it (although it'd be cool to hear about another course rather than the French Way each time. I was disappointed to hear that the CDT seems to have dropped off the radar. I was looking forward to hearing about his experiences there. Overall, read this book and you'll be ready to strap on some shoes and go for a walk, near or far.

[Carlton Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Not only do you get a very descriptive travels around England you also travel to the United States.
Mr Foskett lives to explore with his feet and every trip, even return trips to several trails, he sees something new. And he sees old friends and makes new ones.
His lifestyle isn't for everyone and he acknowledges this, but it works for him.
Reading his book is a fun way to learn about areas around the world.

[Jey Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of hiking short stories... This book is a great place to start if you're wondering what long distance hiking is like or you're thinking about reading a bigger book. Keith puts you right in the shoes of days in the life of the long distance hiker. He has an eye for the funny side of things as well.

[Liz Ramey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of the worst books on Hiking I have read. There was very little writing about hiking and a majority of the writing was about where the writer got his next meal and what he ate. I would have loved to know more about the actual walking and the sites he saw. The short stories were boring and I had to really convince myself to finish. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can get there from here!

As much as I enjoyed the stories, they came to life when I searched on flicker.com for the forests and towns and pubs mentioned. It was so much more real and alluring, to see these places and then reread the chapter.

I may never make it to Sussex, but there might be a trail or two in the Texas Hill Country I could visit on a weekend.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant hike.

Although not a hiker myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
It took me around the South Downs of England, along the El Camino de Santiago, and across to America to hike the Continental Divide Trail.
The writer 's descriptive prose brought these places alive. I loved his writing and will be seeking more of his wonderful books.

[Terri Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of worthwhile and notable hikes/journeys. This collection reads like a journal which gives it a casual, homey feel, bringing you along on each journey. Quick, fun read that prompts lots of hiking ideas!

[Christine Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this man's experiences with walking, hiking. It was fun to me because I love walking. I used to walk about 3 miles, sometimes more, every day. I had to quit for awhile and it's been so hard to start again. But reading this book really helped to push me back into it.

[emarel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ind that this book is a great place to start if one is wondering what long distance hiking is like or you're thinking about reading a bigger book. The author puts you right in the shoes of days in the life of the long distance hiker.

[Hal Brodsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, entertaining collection of well written pieces by a British fellow who loves to hike and averages over 30 miles per day. It was a free teaser, and it left many questions unanswered, so I guess i will have to read his longer books.... Oh, yeah, it made me want to go for a long walk.

[Janet Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
Poetic Look at Hiking Adventures
This is an interesting memoir. It is more a poetic look at traveling by foot than a travelogue. Most of the book is about traveling the El Camino Del Santiago. This was a pleasant read, but not at all what I was looking to read.

[Megan Hart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Travelled Far

A collection of musings about time on the trail. I wouldn't necessarily call it a collection of stories though. Didn't really hold my interest all that much. It DoD intrigue me with the description of the paths in the UK.

[Suzanne Good · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short stories a bit of a disappointment really.

I read Keith previous book about the Camino Way and really enjoyed it. This book is a bit of a mish mash of several books, perfectly OK for someone who has not read any of his other books.

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just what I needed to read to pick me up. A collection of shorter stories and anecdotes from a variety of adventures. They all spirited me away from where I am to the trail as if I was there. A really uplifting read.

[Jerry D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever been a hiker

You will love this book. The best book by this author I've read. He goes beyond the scenery, friendships made and hardships. Mr Foskett describes the motivation and rewards. Great read

[Peter C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable to read

I like books where people are traveling. I find there's a kindred spirit because I also like to visit new places, sometimes vicariously other times in actuality.

[Bethany Cousins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and beautifully written. This book details a few of Keith Foskett's hiking adventures, and is captivating from beginning to end.

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short read, I look forward to the next book.

[Lynne Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent and also inspiring
now where did i put my pup tent?