This book offers an even number of lowland walks (in the Ovens and Kiewa valleys) and mountain walks spread between Beechworth and the Barry Ranges. The guide follows Thomas’ familiar style with informative commentary and directions but it is burdened with poor design and unattractive maps. Another failing is that unlike other guides, headings for walks only have names and the full text of an entry must be read to discover the precise route of a walk.

The guide is accurate and well written and provides a useful resource for planning short walks in the area. It concentrates on walks near towns and roads with only a few extended or remote trips. Most walks follow familiar routes and there are only a few ideas for non standard walks. While it is still on sale, this book is showing its age and users should be aware that conditions have changed on most of the walks described. --© David Sisson