ADVENTURE BOOKS TO INSPIRE

Gift giving shouldn’t be all about things. I mean, things are great, they can be very handy, and can certainly bring joy (you’ll not have me telling you otherwise). But there are definitely other ways to also share love and kindness – and books is one of those.

In this post, a follow up to my gift ideas for outdoor lovers post, I am sharing a selection of adventure books I’ve read recently that I hope will inspire your gift giving this season. Or, you know, provide great fodder for your own to-read list.

I’ve not included long form reviews of each title (if you’re looking for in depth book reviews this isn’t the place, sorry), just a short snippet to hopefully inspire you to check out the title for yourself. I’ve included links to Amazon, Waterstones and Hive – the latter of which is an online retailer supporting local booksellers on the high street. Of course, you’ll be able to get these books in your favourite book shop – wherever you prefer.

Oh, and a quick note on the category of each. I’ve included the primary adventure type (in my opinion) for each book in case you’re looking for a quick suggestion to start right now. Hope it helps!

Some Words on Audio Books

This list of adventure-themed books I’ve put together are all titles I’ve listened to. Of course, you’ll also be able to buy the physical book, if you prefer, but it’s audio books all the way for me these days.

I just generally don’t “read” books, I listen to them. I discovered Audible (not an ad but that is an affiliate link) a few years ago, and it opened up the door to fiction and nonfiction to me like never before.

While I absolutely love stories and storytelling, reading itself has never been something I’ve enjoyed. I’ve tried, but I just can’t make it fun. But listening to someone else read to me while I am on my lunchtime walks, driving the car, or doing my chores at home, is just the best thing.

I’ve upped my consumption of books so much since I realised audiobooks were accessible to the masses, and I now always have something on the go.

I both subscribe to Audible, and get free audiobooks from my local library. Gloucestershire Library Service use BorrowBox, which has a reasonable selection of titles to choose from. Naturally, if I can get a book I want for free on the Library app I do so, saving my Audible credits for new titles or adventure books (the latter which never seem to make it into the free collections).

Adventure Books to Inspire

The Farthest Shore, Alex Roddie (Hiking)

A well written tale about the mental and physical challenges of hiking the Cape Wrath Trail in winter, with the added bonus of Alex’s insight into the meaning of life. First in this list because it is quite simply one of the best adventure books I’ve read recently.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Coasting, Elise Downing (Running)

What I most enjoyed most about this story was the absolute realness of it. It was like I was hearing a friend tell me everything – the highs, lows and in-betweens. Elise definitely made me crave a really (really) big adventure.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Dare to Do, Sara Outen (Rowing)

What a lady! The story of a big fat primarily water-based adventure with all the twists and turns you can imagine. But also one about Sarah’s humanness as an adventurer – how she coped, even when the odds were stacked against her. Great listen.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Wild Winter, John D Burns (Hiking)

Good mixture of wildlife bucket list, hiking and bothy adventures, stories of interesting people, and thoughts about the land. Light enough for a long car journey, but thought-provoking enough to make me sit up and take note.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Adventure Revolution, Belinda Kirk (Adventure)

Should be on everyone’s to-read list. Important insights into the power of adventure, and why it should be something we all do regularly. Good advice for a great life from a lady who knows what she’s talking about.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Failure is an Option, Matt Whyman (Running)

Full of Matt’s honest and amusing anecdotes of running adventures, some successful, some not so much. Well worth a listen if you like stories about ordinary people who find a passion and just keep taking it further.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Pants of Perspective, Anna McNuff (Running)

The next three are all by Anna McNuff – and would make a great trio to gift (or receive).

Pants of Perspective is the adventure book that got me into adventure books and is a must read, especially for women who need a bit of a pep talk. Anna writes with such raw feeling that it’s hard not to be inspired. You’ll be adding a pair of unicorn leggings to your wardrobe for sure!

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

The United States of Adventure, Anna McNuff (Cycling)

Engaging, inspiring, and a real positivity boost. Anna’s bubbly personality strikes again, seeping through every sentence in this second big adventure book. Really made me want to ride my bike. For anyone with a shred of adventure wanderlust inside.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Llama Drama, Anna McNuff (Cycling)

The third of Anna’s adventure memoirs, this time on cycling 5,500 miles with 100,000m of ascent through the Andes with friend Faye. There is real freedom in this tale, which is its own emotioinal roller coaster. I am once again inspired to plan a big adventure.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Lone Rider, Elspeth Beard (Motorcycling)

Elspeth is one of the original motorcycle word travellers, and probably the first woman to do something like this. I admit I struggled with parts of her story, but it certainly proves you can achieve what you want if you try hard enough – and that you’ll learn some massive life lessons along the way.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Adventureman, Jamie McDonald (Running)

Jamie, a normal bloke from Gloucester, discovers that the world is full of superheroes during a massive running adventure. Running 5,000 miles coast to coast across Canada to raise money for children’s hospitals, this is as much a story of those who helped him as it is about the 200 marathons he ran.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Wanderers: A History of Women Walking, Kerri Andrews (Hiking)

A compendium of stories featuring ten women from the last 300 years who have found walking essential to their sense of themselves, as people and as writers. Maybe I’ll feature in the next edition?! (Audio book not available.)

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

The Salt Path, Raynor Winn (Hiking)

A truly inspiring story of how walking – a very long way – can save your life. With no home, no money, and close to no food, Raynor and Moth set out to walk the South West Coast Path. Resilience doesn’t even come close.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

The Wild Silence, Raynor Winn (Hiking)

Very different to The Salt Path, but still a very enjoyable listen – reminding me how getting outside and moving in nature has a genuine and positive impact on health and wellness. And now I REALLY want to hike in Iceland!

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Walking: One Step at a Time, Erling Kagge (Hiking)

“He who walks lives longer – and better.” I’ve now read (listened to) this three times because it completely captivates me with the simplicity of the incredibly important message. All about the virtues of walking for pleasure and necessity. The perfect short (2.5 hours) outdoorsy listen.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

Thinking on My Feet, Kate Humble (Hiking)

A walking journal, considering how in everything that goes on in a year, walking is the constant that allows you to take time, be yourself, and meet others. An ode to the magical and soothing act of going for a walk.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

The Wild Year, Jen Benson (Adventure)

The idea of living in a tent year-round in Britain is terrifying. But also intriguing. Imagine being outside in nature, every day, in all weathers – with no screens for entertainment. A tale of a different kind of adventure.

Audible | Amazon | Waterstones | Hive

There will be other amazing adventure books you’ve read you feel should be on this list...

For example, I’ve got Landlines by Raynor Winn, and Solo by Jenny tough, in my to-be-read pile at the moment – but I only wanted to include books I’ve actually read and recommend in this list.

Please do add your suggestions in the comments below, and help provide even more adventure books to inspire you this month and into 2023. Enjoy!