Fed up pounding the streets? Fancy adding some spice – and not to mention a bit of mud – to your training schedule?

If the answer is yes to both those questions then Chris Bloor's new book, Crossing Boundaries: Around Bristol Off-road On Foot, should be on your Christmas list.

When it comes to off-road running there can't be a path or trail around Greater Bristol that Bloor, founder and chairman of Town & Country Harriers, hasn't trod in pursuit of his latest work, the third and final book of his Crossing Boundaries trilogy.

Bloor's mantra is 'running off road for fun' and few can deny that the challenge and satisfaction in getting off the streets, away from urban pollution and taking in the sights, smells and sounds of the ample countryside that surrounds the city are considerable. "What I have done with the latest book, and which is different from its predecessors, is put in some running routes with maps," said Bloor. "Hopefully they will be of use to people whether to run or walk them." The runs are helpfully sub-divided into five sections, commencing with the Tasters, measuring between three and five miles and including a stroll around Bristol City Centre.

The runs then progress through four further groups, from 6-8 miles in the first group, and increasing gradually in length to over 20 miles in the fourth and final group.

"The ultimate run is the Green Man Challenge, which is the 45-mile circuit around Bristol, using paths and trails," added Bloor.

"I wouldn't recommend people doing that straightaway but it is something you can progress towards section by section and it is also possible to walk it."

Bloor and his wife Libby, who live in Horfield, have clearly been busy since taking early retirement from their jobs as teachers and they are also passionate supporters of the Friends of the Community Forest Path, originally set up by the Forest of Avon partnership which has since collapsed.

The new book also has a notable spiritual section as Bloor looks beyond the quest for personal bests or just losing weight.

"Whether you find the Buddha or the Green Man by following the routes in this book is not really relevant," added Bloor.

"The point is not to become burdened by technicalities and always be alert to the possibility of fun in the most unlikely places."

And, if exploring the spiritual side of running isn't your thing, then you can skip that and just use the running guides.

The book, costing £10.50, is available from all good bookshops in Bristol and also Easy Runner.