Travel
In the summer of 2022, feeling disillusioned with working life in London and in search of an outdoor challenge, Matthew Bowmer set off alone to walk the Grande Randonnée 10, a 900-kilometre footpath through the French Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
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In the summer of 2022, feeling disillusioned with working life in London and in search of an outdoor challenge, Matthew Bowmer set off alone to walk the Grande Randonnée 10, a 900-kilometre footpath through the French Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
In the first few days it becomes clear this will be no ordinary walk. Each day he navigates the landscape, unsure of where he would sleep, following the path until he wants to stop. The doubt about exactly what he would be confronted with, and the need to improvise on many occasions, is a source of both excitement and apprehension.
From 40-degree heat and a failing tent, to sleeping out under the stars and learning first-hand about the Basque sport of pelota, the immersion within the surroundings brings a rich combination of gifts and challenges. And this is just a sign of things to come.
Ups and Downs is a humorous, in-depth reflection of Matthew’s expedition where he recounts the geography, people, events, and personal battles he encounters along the way.
"A cornucopia of exhilarating adventures, Ups and Downs quarries a Pyrenean landscape very close to my heart. Having lived there on and off for over 35 years this book is so much more than just a travelogue. Matthew Bowmer has dug into it like a wayward archaeologist, excavating both the mundane and the magnificent; the very bond that holds our lives together." Andrew Kötting
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
I found it hard to put this down. Beautifully written, the reader is pretty much transported to the mountains. An excellent and real guide (describing not just the route but all the everyday stuff that might occur) for anyone who fancies a real or imaginary hike in the area.
Matthew Bowmer's eminently readable account of his journey along the Grande Rondonnee 10 certainly confirms that he found the challenge that he had been seeking. His journey was no mean feat, for in addition to 920 km of the path, he climbed thousands upon thousands of metres up and down the rugged terrain of the Pyrenees. His stamina, courage and determination were sorely tested, and the reader will be impressed with his resourcefulness without loss of humour. Bed bugs, blisters and all, Bowmer's account moves at pace, capturing all the human and not so human episodes that he encountered. Can he better it in his next adventure?!
A turbulent and humorous adventure is penned brilliantly by Bowmer in his debut book retelling his escapades along the GR10. The French Pyrenees have never been explored in such an honest manner as we travel alongside, experiencing the euphoric highs and crushing lows of the epic traipse.
The author provides a raw and honest account of their experiences while travelling along the GR10 and gives you the feeling you are with them on this journey, making this book hard to put down. This book gives you a sense of the different cultures and landscapes in the Pyrenees and has inspired me to go to the Basque region and do a small section of the GR10 myself.
Interesting and amusing read, could have been boring but was very entertaining and finished in 2 sessions! Mathew has a great turn of phrase with anecdotes about the people met, places he stayed, food choices (beer seems to be a good source of carbohydrates) and the accommodation (read and take note of any warnings!) Highly recommended!
