The ancient rite of pilgrimage is a journey entailing great physical and mental effort. And if the pilgrimage is to succeed, there must be a transformation of the spirit'and realisation of new inner strengths by the pilgrim. Along the Templar Trail encompasses these essential qualities-- and a whole raft of others--packaged in a compelling narrative. The book's key theme is a long walk for peace--along an arcane 2,600-mile trail from France to Jerusalem. The author and his companion are dependent on the kindness of strangers for much of the way: relating these encounters is where the book shines. Author Brandon Wilson has set high standards here'the book captured the prestigious gold medal for best travel book at the Lowell Thomas travel journalism awards.

--Michael Buckley, author of Shangri-La, the Bradt guide