The sight of the craggy peaks of the High Tatras mountains straddling the Poland-Slovakia border is unforgettable, beautiful and dramatic. With a dusting of snow and a swirl of mist, they assume the ghostly appearance of a phantom army.

As well as the High Tatras, the second edition of this book also covers the neighbouring but contrasting White and Western Tatras ranges. It is currently the only English language guidebook covering this spectacular area in depth.

The two sides of the range, in Slovakia and Poland, offer totally contrasting experiences. In Slovakia, you can walk from several villages strung out along the foot of the range and linked by a tramway. In Poland, there is just one main resort, Zakopane, a delightful small town that retained its traditional atmosphere through the ravages of the Communist era.

The co-authors are Colin Saunders, a member of the Outdoor Writers Guild, who has visited the area many times, and Renáta Nárožná, who was born and bred there. Together they provide a detailed insight into the possibilities for walking at all levels from easy through moderate to strenuous.

The book also includes sections on history, vegetation and wildlife, weather, languages, preparations for your trip, accommodation and local attractions. For anyone wishing to visit the High Tatras, this book is a must.