Robert Muirhead

Uncertain Steps Robert Muirhead

The book describes the author's uncertain 560-kilometre pilgrimage from Rome to Bari, a continuation of his earlier 2,000-kilometre walk from Canterbury to Rome on the Via Francigena. He walked the Via Francigena of the South that follows the ancient Via Appia and the Via Traiana to the traditional embarkation ports of Bari and Brindisi for onward travel to the Holy Land. He continued by ferry, train, bus and on foot to the Greek Orthodox Monasteries on Mount Athos. From there he travelled by bus to Istanbul and on to Eceabat in Turkey, his base for exploring the Gallipoli battlefields of World War One. Walk with him as he struggles to understand and explain the reasons that drove him to undertake his arduous journey. He says, "Sometimes when a soft breeze tugged gently at my sleeve I felt that an unseen companion was walking with me and giving comfort when I flagged and was full of doubt; reminding me that I need not be anxious, there would always be that unseen arm to lean on when the way ahead seemed dark and uncertain and the trials of life pressed heavily on me." He met some unforgettable people on his memorable journey; who provided the inspiration to continue when fatigue and the pressures of his long walk tempted him to give up. It is a reminder that there is much good in our troubled world, and that there are people who will always extend an unconditional helping hand to strangers who struggle and are in need. The book includes a wealth of practical detail on navigation and the use of smartphone apps; as well as instructions on the Via Francigena of the South itself and choosing accommodation along the way, especially his Via Francigena Angels.