Full tilt: Ireland to India with a bicycle

by Dervla Murphy
Full tilt: Ireland to India with a bicycle cover
Good Books rating 4.56
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  • ID: 3992
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
facebook.com · Unknown · 2025-11-25
inspiring 4.50

The reviewer shares their personal journey of cycling from Ireland to India, highlighting the challenges and rewards of long-distance cycling. They emphasize the importance of preparation, perseverance, and the transformative power of such an adventure.

The reviewer recounts their epic journey of cycling from Ireland to India, detailing the physical and mental challenges they faced along the way. They discuss the importance of proper preparation, including route planning and equipment selection, and how these factors contributed to their success. The reviewer also reflects on the personal growth and sense of accomplishment that came from completing such a demanding journey. They encourage others to consider similar adventures, emphasizing the transformative power of long-distance cycling and the unique perspectives it offers.

Quick quotes

    The journey was as much about the destination as it was about the personal growth and self-discovery.

    Proper preparation and perseverance are key to overcoming the challenges of long-distance cycling.

    The sense of accomplishment and the memories made along the way are truly priceless.

travelbooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-11-14
inspiring 4.50

Dervla Murphy's 'Full Tilt' recounts her 1963 cycling journey from Ireland to India, offering timeless insights and exceptional resilience. The reviewer praises her hospitality experiences, love for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and her profound observations on travel and people.

Dervla Murphy's 'Full Tilt' is a captivating account of her 1963 cycling journey from Ireland to India, a journey that showcases her exceptional resilience and timeless insights. The reviewer highlights Murphy's ability to travel light, her experiences with hospitality, and her love for countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. Her observations on travel and people are profound, making the book both inspiring and enlightening. The reviewer also notes the unique perspective of traveling on an Irish passport, which is well-received globally. The book is praised for its inspiring narrative and the reviewer cannot recommend it enough, stating it has earned a special place in their library.

Quick quotes

    Murphy’s insights remain acutely accurate to this day.

    She speaks of Persia, which you better know as Iran today, and she absolutely fell in love with Afghanistan, to the point that she considered staying there.

    I dare you to read this book and not feel inspired, and amazed by Murphy and I have no doubt that you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did.

Cycling Scot · 2025-11-01
gripping 4.75

The book is a beautifully written and gripping account of a cycling adventure that paints a gorgeous portrait of the landscapes and peoples of these regions.

The reviewer praises the book as a beautifully written and gripping account of a cycling adventure. They highlight how Murphy's descriptions of the landscapes and peoples encountered along the way are vivid and captivating, making the reader feel as if they are part of the journey. The reviewer also appreciates the cultural insights provided by Murphy, which add depth and richness to the story.

Quick quotes

    This book is a beautifully written and gripping account of a cycling adventure.

    It paints a gorgeous portrait of the landscapes and peoples of these regions.

    Murphy's descriptions are vivid and captivating.

foxedquarterly.com · Unknown · 2025-10-31
captivating 4.50

Full Tilt is a captivating travelogue that chronicles Dervla Murphy's daring journey from Ireland to India by bicycle. The narrative is both adventurous and introspective, offering a unique perspective on the landscapes and cultures encountered along the way.

Dervla Murphy's Full Tilt is an extraordinary account of her solo bicycle journey from Ireland to India. The book is not just a travelogue but also a deeply personal reflection on the challenges and triumphs of such an ambitious endeavor. Murphy's vivid descriptions of the diverse landscapes and cultures she encounters make the journey come alive, while her introspective musings add depth to the narrative. The book is both an adventure story and a meditation on the human spirit, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in travel and personal exploration.

Quick quotes

    The journey is as much about the inner landscape as it is about the outer one.

    Her descriptions of the landscapes are so vivid that you can almost feel the dust and hear the sounds of the places she visits.

    The book is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit.

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