Top 10 Walking Memoirs and Tales of Long Walks

1. A Walk in the Woods

Bill Bryson is one of my favorite writers. Laugh out loud funny, very insightful, always a fantastic read. Here he returns to America from years in Britain and sets out to walk the length of the Appalachian Trail. We can all learn much from his mistakes.

2. A Walk Across America

Peter Jenkins was fed up with his life and struck out to walk across America, over 25 years ago now. His journey taught him a lot about walking, a lot about people, and a lot about himself. A classic walking tale.

3. Walking the World

Alan Cook's book, Walking the World, takes us along with him on his travels, which include walking throughout the US as well as walks in Europe and Asia. Alan has shared with us his End-to-End through the United Kingdom. He infects us with his joy of walking.

4. The Thousand Mile Summer

Colin Fletcher is the man who taught a generation to be "The Complete Walker." His trek the length of California is a great walking tale.

5. Sole Mates

Jerry and Cindy Shultz, early retired in their 50's, headed out in Birkenstock sandals to walk the diagonal length of the USA, 3000 miles, for Habitat for Humanity.

6. The Man Who Walked Through Time

Colin Fletcher walks the length of the Grand Canyon in one of my husband's favorite books. It may be because of Fletcher's "first rule of aerobic walking."

7. A Walker's Journal

Robert Sweetgall walked across the USA with a tiny fanny pack, relying on the kindness of strangers, talking in schools to inspire kids to get more physically active. Sweetgall's story is dynamic in person, if you ever get a chance to hear him, do it!

8. The Walk West: A Walk Across America 2

Peter Jenkins once again walks across America, this time with his wife.

9. Granny D: Walking Across America in my Ninetieth Year

Granny D had a cause - campaign finance reform. She set out to walk from LA to DC at age 89, averaging 10 miles a day. She kept "on message," but we can also be inspired by her endurance.

10. The Complete Walker IV

If you are dreaming of or planning a long distance walk, or even a day of hiking, you need to own this book. Colin Fletcher details everything you should know about walking and hiking, exactly what to take with you and what not to take. How to walk and hike and enjoy the experience. Don't even think of leaving home without reading this book!