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ADVANCE INFORMATION

Ups and Downs

900 Kilometres on Foot Through

the French Pyrenees

Matthew Bowmer

KEY SELLING POINTS
An adventurous, funny, and exciting account of an escapist’s journey through the French Pyrenees.
Covers the author’s view of the landscape, interactions with fellow walkers and the author’s emotional state
during this time.

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.

Matthew Bowmer was born in London. He studied Geography at the University of Bristol with a year in Paris at
Sciences Po. Since graduating in 2019 he has worked in a variety of roles in Bristol, London and Beirut. He is a
keen walker, writer and photographer. Matthew is currently studying a PGCE in Primary Education at UCL. Ups
and Downs is his first book. He lives in London.

Publication Date: 28th March 2024 £11.99 ISBN: 9781805142119
Thema subject category: WTL – Travel writing
paperback 216 x 138 mm 168 pp Portrait Author location: London

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