LightFoot Guides to the VF 2009
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Extracts of the guides book are available
from the link on this page.
LightFoot guides to the via Francigena can be bought from any bookshop , either on order or directly off the shelf.
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The complete 2009 LightFoot Guide to the via Francigena consists of three books:
Vol. One Canterbury to Besançon
Vol. Two Besançon to Vercelli
Vol. Three Vercelli to Rome
The decision to divide the Italian section over two books (as opposed to the single 2008 edition) has been taken for the following reasons:
1. In this 2009 edition the authors have exclusively adopted the official route, as approved and signed by the Italian Minister of Culture, where there is clear advantage for all groups (hikers, bikers and horse-riders). But where the official route is too challenging for one or more group, alternatives are offered. This density of information has increased the number of instruction sheets provided for certain sections and makes a single book large and unwieldy for travelling pilgrims.
2. The authors have taken into account the increasing number of pilgrims choosing to return from Santiago de Compostela and proceed onto Rome, via Arles. This route crosses the Italian border at Montgenèvre and ultimately joins the via Francigena in Vercelli.
3. The authors have divided the books on the basis of evidence gathered with regard to the most popular starting points along the via Francigena.
The entire distance is divided into manageable sections of approximately 25 km. In most cases this distance amounts to a comfortable walk for the majority of people, though of course it will also depend on the terrain. For the cyclist, 2, 3 or maybe even 4 stages will represent a day's travel, while for the horse rider a great deal will depend on fitness and the route itself, but accommodation is listed along the length of the route and it is entirely up to you and your body where you decide to stop.
Information provided in each section
Instruction sheet/s comprising:
Detailed directions corresponding to GPS way point numbers on the maps
Distance (in metres) between each way point
Verification Point - additional verification of current position
Compass direction
Maps comprising:
A visual representation of the route with way point numbers and adjacent details
Altitude Profile for the section
Icons indicating places to stay, monuments etc
Relevant signs to look out for along the route
Map reference number/s for the section
Note: The inclusion of the new route, with alternatives, has increased the total number of pages and thus the potential size and weight of the books. To compensate for this increase, we have reduced the number of pages devoted to background historical and cultural interest, with the view to incorporating them in a new LightFoot Guide Companion to the Via Francigena, which we hope to publish later this year.
