Overview

The inspiring true story of a 7,000-mile wilderness walk. If you enjoy books about mountains, solo hikes, outdoor adventures, and 'off-the-beaten-path' travel, then you've just found your next must-read. Andrew Terrill was in his mid-twenties when he decided to do what many people only dream about. He turned his back on suburban life and walked alone into the wild. In May 1997, he set out to hike from Calabria in southern Italy to the top of Norway. And he chose to do it along the highest, wildest, and remotest route he could find. Seeking freedom and adventure, and a life of meaning and purpose, Terrill went in search of Europe's hidden wild side, never guessing just how wild it would turn out to be. Hiking from the forests and mountains of the Apennines-an unrecognisable side of Italy few outsiders ever know-into the deep snow of an Alpine winter, Terrill chose the trail less-travelled... often ending up on no trail at all. The 18-month journey became a voyage of discovery, unveiling the secrets and treasures of Europe's least-visited landscapes. The miles brought hardships and struggles, but also the kind of life-enhancing revelations and rewards only an extended stay in nature can bring. The Earth Beneath My Feet covers the journey's first eight months; the concluding part is told in On Sacred Ground. Written with humility, humour and honesty, and with a contagious love for nature, this book transports the reader into a simpler existence where every dawn comes bright with possibility. It is a compelling tale of youthful optimism, an old-fashioned adventure yarn from a time before smartphones and social media, and an inspiring story of insight, connection and growth. Above all, it is a celebration of the natural world-and of a young man's quest to find his true place within it. This hardcover edition features 8 maps and 110 black and white photographs (30 more than appear in the paperback), plus a foreword by award-winning author and renowned backpacker Chris Townsend. This captivating multi-layered narrative is far more than the story of a long walk. Anyone who has experienced the powerful pull of wanderlust, felt the urge to lose themselves in nature, or yearned for travel and adventure, will find a great deal to relate to and enjoy.

Full Product Details

9781737068648

Table of Contents

Reviews

There's a classic of outdoor literature in the making here... If this and its not-yet-published sequel (On Sacred Ground) don't cream off every outdoor writing award going, then there's no justice. -Jim Perrin, Two-time winner of The Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature, winner of the Mountaineering History Prize at Banff Mountain Book Festival. Twenty years ago when I published some of Andrew's early articles in The Great Outdoors magazine I said he was going to become one of the truly great outdoor writers. The Earth Beneath My Feet has proved me correct. -Cameron McNeish, Author and television presenter. The writing is direct, descriptive, and subtle. There's a great deal of depth to the words and many passages repay rereading. This is far more than the account of a long walk. -Chris Townsend, Author of The Backpacker's Handbook and many other hiking books. It bursts onto the page with the freshness of youth, full of energy, excitement, anticipation and innocence. -Ian R. Mitchell, Winner of The Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature, and author of Mountain Days and Bothy Nights and other titles. The grinding lows and euphoric highs are recounted in an engaging and conversational style that puts the reader in the heart of the narrative. Anyone who recalls the wanderings of their own youth, the sense of limitless possibility, that glorious detachment, will find something to relate to here. The Earth Beneath My Feet is an engaging and inspiring read. -Dan Bailey, UKHillwalking.com. The more you read the more you don't want it to end. It's the first book in years that I've set 30 - 45 minutes aside for each evening, knowing that within a paragraph the worries of the everyday world would fadeaway. -Dave Mycroft, MyOutdoors.co.uk.

Author Information

Andrew Terrill grew up in Pinner, suburban London, far removed from mountains and wild places. He didn't step onto a mountain until he was fifteen, but after that there was no going back. In the three and a half decades since, travelling on foot into wild nature has been a central part of his life. After completing several ultra-long walks, he settled in Colorado, where he now lives with his wife and two children. Open country lies just steps from his front door, and rarely a day passes without him visiting it. A regular contributor to The Great Outdoors magazine over the past two decades, The Earth Beneath His Feet is his debut book. He has plans for further long walks. Learn more at andrewterrill.com.

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