The author, who has written several Landscapes guides, found the Corsicans to be the friendliest people he encountered throughout his travels. But the landscapes enchanted him as well: 'No other Mediterranean island can boast such a wealth of natural beauty. Beaches to suit every taste: from long stretches of glaring white sand to pink rocky coves. Real mountains ­ climbers' terrain ­ that reach almost 3000m/9000ft. In these mountains you stumble upon a magnificent mixture of pine forests, beech woods, chestnut groves, and coppices of evergreen oaks. Streams bound down the mountainsides; rivers cascade through awe-inspiring gorges, leaving behind blue-green pools as clear as crystal. The pink granite hills and cliffs, normally conjured up only for an artist's canvas, are real indeed on Corsica.' Best months for walking. In May and June the countryside is enlivened with a tapestry of wild flowers and maquis in bloom. The hills are ablaze with colour and the air is intoxicatingly-scented by the maquis. This is possibly the best time to walk on Corsica, although September and October are also good choices. Incidentally, the island also rewards the walker with fine cuisine at the end of a long day's hiking! Where to Stay. Walks in the book have been written up from four bases: Ajaccio/Porto, Calvi, Bastia and Porto-Vecchio. All are quite well served by public transport. Note: in the peak months of July and August it is essential to have accommodation booked in advance. 10 car tours, 45 long and short walks, 14 picnic suggestions Plans of Ajaccio, Calvi, Bastia 136 pages + touring map, IGN walking maps (scale 1:50,000)