The world-famous Amalfi coast, Positano, Ravello, the Island of Capri and Sorrento; these are names to conjure with, evoking prospects of hedonistic days by the Mediterranean sea of Ulysses and the Sirens. Lazy time spent exploring the piazzas, piers and bars of the towns and villages is one thing, but there is more. A wonderful network of ancient footpaths connects the towns with each other and the surrounding countryside, letting you saunter among terraced vineyards and lemon groves or out onto wild rugged hillsides, always regaled by the most stunning of views. On these paths you meet people tending vines or gardening or whatever, who will acknowledge you in the friendliest of manners, making you feel a part of the scene.
So how do you enjoy these delights? "Landscapes of Amalfi..." contains over 70 walks to suit all abilities, either starting at your resort or easily reached by one of the frequent local busses. The walks form a network which covers the whole region, so no matter where you are there will be something for you. As you walk, you will bump into fellow walkers perhaps doing the same walk in the reverse direction. And for those too hot, lazy days, there are suggestions for outings to be made by bus or boat.
Already into its second edition, feedback to date suggests that the walk directions are accurate and easy to follow. Each of the six regions has a schematic walk planner to make compiling an itinerary easy, and full bus timetables cut down on research time.

Julian Tippett first came to the area in 1991 after taking retirement, looking for a project. What better than to have to revisit the coast many times researching the many nooks and byways of this delightful region? A first small guide to just Amalfi and Ravello came out in 1991, self-published, to be followed by the first edition of this guide in 1995. He can be reached on ju@tippett.free-online.co.uk

The book is published by Sunflower Books, London, UK cost £9.99. Copies may be ordered from Sunflower Books on their website: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk