First look: Out There, the new book by Chris Townsend

Out There: A voice from the wild
By Chris Townsend

Sandstone Press have sent me an advance copy of the new book by Chris Townsend.  Out There is a collection of his outdoor writings, telling the story of how he grew to love the natural world – as well as some of his greatest adventures.

I’m a great fan of Chris’s writing, having enjoyed Rattlesnakes and Bald Eagles last year, so I have been waiting in eager anticipation of this one! I recently started reading the book and it’s looking good.

As always, I’ll be posting a full review on publication date.

‘Those who decry peak bagging as mere list ticking fail to understand the commitment challenge and pleasure involved. Collecting summits means collecting experiences.’

Drawing from more than forty years’ experience as an outdoorsman, and probably the world’s best known long distance walker who also writes, Chris Townsend describes the landscapes and wildlife, the walkers and climbers, and the authors who have influenced him in this lucid and beautiful book. Writing from his home in the heart of the Cairngorms he discusses the wild, its importance to civilisation and how we cannot do without it.

Critical acclaim for Chris Townsend:

‘This is what Chris’ books do. They shake you out of lethargy and install in you that love of the natural world that keeps us all going.’

Andy Howell, Outdoors Blog

‘In the Scottish outdoor world names occasionally shine like the stars and very quickly fade into the night. Chris Townsend has remained a shining light for well over 35 years, a passionate and inspiring advocate for the wild corners of our land, an enthusiast who literally walks the walk.’

Cameron McNeish

‘I first met Chris Townsend about thirty years ago cross country ski-ing in the Cairngorms. He is someone who practices what he preaches. Since his becoming a JMT Trustee I have much appreciated his insights and knowledge and he is a great voice for our cause.’

Peter Pearson, Chair of the John Muir Trust

‘Chris Townsend is the all-around world champion hiking memoirist, guide, photographer, blogger, and techie.’

Ron Strickland, founder of the Pacific Northwest Trail

About Chris Townsend

Chris Townsend writes regularly for TGO Magazine and has written 22 books on the outdoors, including the award winning The Backpacker’s Handbook; Scotland in Cicerone’s World Mountain Ranges series; Crossing Arizona; the story of an 800 mile walk along the Arizona Trail; Walking the Yukon, the story of 1000 mile walk through the Yukon Territory; The Munros and Tops, the story of his continuous round and A Year In The Life of The Cairngorms, a photographic study.  His recent publications with Sandstone Press feature two long-distance walks he undertook in the USA, Grizzly Bears and Razor Clams (2012) and Rattlesnakes and Bald Eagles (2014)