Learn how to read the clues and signs of nature with this eye-opening and enthralling guide from Sunday Times-bestselling author Tristan Gooley, pioneer in the art of natural navigation
🍂 PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF TRISTAN GOOLEY’S NEW BOOK, ‘THE HIDDEN SEASONS’, NOW! COMING SEPTEMBER 2025 🍂
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Readers LOVE The Natural Explorer:
‘The ideal justification for slowing down, paying attention to what is going on around you, and probably knocking a few miles off any planned walk you choose to do . . . take a snatched 5 minutes waiting in your car at traffic lights to look, smell and listen to what is going on around you. If you do this you might be surprised and this book should be your inspiration to try ‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A gently written and entertainingly informative read for an extended stroll around the secrets of understanding the natural world ‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A wonderful antidote to the pedestrian publications which although fill a small hole, cause one to miss the gaping maw of missed experience one doesn’t even know is there !’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Tristan Gooley demonstrates how it is possible to connect profoundly with the lands we travel through, even from the comfort of your living room. In The Natural Explorer he combines the work of the some of the most insightful travellers of the past two thousand years with his own experience.
The most rewarding travel experiences do not depend on our destination or the length of our journey, but on our levels of awareness. A short walk can compare with an epic journey, when we take the time to focus on the things that dramatically enrich each journey.
Exploration is no longer about hardship, long distances, or even venturing beyond the borders of your own home. It is about celebrating the sense of connection and discovery that is possible in all our travels.
As the author of the international bestsellers The Walker’s Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs and How to Read Water, Tristan Gooley knows how to de-code the phenomena and signs to look for.
As he says, ‘I want you to get to know these signs as I have, as characters. By studying their habits and behaviours, the signs come to life and the meaning reveals itself. From this flows an ability to read what is happening and what is about to happen’.
This is the ultimate guide to exploring an undiscovered world, one that hides in front of our eyes.
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Critical acclaim for The Natural Explorer:
‘Discover a whole new world . . . a journey through the intricate, detailed and often-missed sides of a walk.’ ― Wanderlust
‘The Natural Explorer takes us on a multi-sensory, literary journey intent on heightening awareness of our surroundings. An ambitious combination of Gooley’s own insights and those of countless other writers, explorer and philosophers, this is serious armchair adventuring.’ ― Prospect Magazine
‘Gooley returns with a highly readable and engaging work devoted to the temporarily mislaid art of exploration . . . it’s an inspiring account but also a turning point – perhaps a classic in years to come – because its simple aim is to help you recognise what your senses are telling you. It’s also an object lesson in how to frame a call to action, because this is a book you can’t put down until you absolutely have to get out and start seeing the world as you should. And that’s when the adventure really begins . . .’ ― Countryfile
‘The Natural Explorer by Tristan Gooley is a call to enrich our travel experiences through connecting with nature – essentially a greater awareness of our surroundings . . . Chapters include the sky, the earth and time – and as someone who can get around the Tate in about half an hour, I paid particular attention here.’ ― Evening Standard
‘A charming and intelligent guide to exploring the local landscape.’ ― Financial Times
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Reviews
[THE NATURAL EXPLORER] is an essential part of any outdoor/nature-writing library and it's full of wonderful examples of how to read, understand and connect with the landscape.
Discover a whole new world... a journey through the intricate, detailed and often-missed sides of a walk.
THE NATURAL EXPLORER take us on a multi-sensory, literary journey intent on heightening awareness of our surroundings. An ambitious combination of Gooley's own insights and those of countless other writers, explorer and philosophers, this is serious armchair adventuring.
Gooley returns with a highly readable and engaging work devoted to the temporarily mislaid art of exploration... it's an inspiring account but also a turning point - perhaps a classic in years to come - because its simple aim is to help you recognise what your senses are telling you. It's also an object lesson in how to frame a call to action, because this is a book you can't put down until you absolutely have to get out and start seeing the world as you should. And that's when the adventure really begins...
The Natural Explorer by Tristan Gooley is a call to enrich our travel experiences through connecting with nature - essentially a greater awareness of our surroundings... Chapters include the sky, the earth and time - and as someone who can get around the Tate in about half an hour, I paid particular attention here.
A charming and intelligent guide to exploring the local landscape.
Celebrated explorer Tristan Gooley gives a fascinating insight into how to connect with nature and heighten the enjoyment of outdoor discoveries, be they grandiose or modest...Are you a traveller or an explorer? This account divorces the two and aims to really open our eyes...
The book's key chapter, though, is the first one. Entitled "The Senses", it aims to switch on our powers of perception and, with its thought-provoking discussion of the way we sometimes take touch, taste, smell, hearing and even sight for for granted, it succeeds brilliantly. Did you know, for example, that if you look at a landscape from right to left, rather than from left to right, you will become more observant?
... Tristan Gooley knows a thing or two about adventure... this is in part a history of exploration, but also a practical guide.
The author's experience is to encourage travellers to be inquisitive about where they are in all its aspects, an intention which I happily endorse. Curiosity is an invaluable trait... this book is particularly relevant to walkers. Walking is the right speed to see, contemplate and learn about landscapes. This book will help you do so.