Long Way Down

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman travel down through Africa in a fascinating new biking adventure

After their fantastic trip round the world in 2004, fellow actors and bike fanatics Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman couldn't shake the travel bug. And after an inspirational UNICEF visit to Africa, they knew they had to go back and experience this extraordinary continent in more depth. And so they set off on their 15,000-mile journey with two new BMWs loaded up for the trip. Joining up with producer/directors Russ Malkin and David Alexanian and the Long Way Round team, their route took them from John O'Groats at the northernmost tip of Scotland to Cape Agulhas on the southernmost tip of South Africa. Riding through spectacular scenery, often in extreme temperatures, Ewan and Charley faced their hardest challenges yet. With their trademark humour and honesty they tell their story - the drama, the dangers and the sheer exhilaration of riding together again, through a continent filled with magic and wonder.

For LONG WAY DOWN: 'A great book' BELLA Praise for LONG WAY ROUND: 'Both McGregor and Boorman prove themselves to be engaging, articulate and entertaining narrators ... a highly readable and spiritually uplifting book about a dream come true' WANDERLUST 'Touching and memorable... one for armchair travellers and bike freaks' DAILY MAIL

Two best friends set out on a road trip across Africa.British actors and bosom buddies McGregor and Boorman produced a surprise hit in 2004 with the fun-loving travelogue Long Way Round (2004), which chronicled the duo's adventures as they cruised around the globe on their motorcycles, making friends and delivering wisecracks along the way. They get the travel bug again here, but decide this time to point their headlights toward the often-discussed but seldom-experienced continent of Africa. The authors prepare for the trip in the United Kingdom by learning survival tactics: how to sweet-talk hostile army officers carrying AK-47s, etc. Regrettably, this proves to be the most exciting section of the book. Their preparations suggest hair-raising adventures to come, but what we get when they finally hit the road is more akin to a prosaic vacation. The format is familiar: two dudes on cycles overcoming the usual vehicular emergencies and chatting up the locals. But the narrative lacks energy. Libyan sandstorms and herds of indifferent elephants present some minor dangers, but the authors seem satisfied with simply describing the local scenery. Even their visits to AIDS clinics and UNICEF facilities feel like sterile public-service announcements. The book is redeemed somewhat by the sincerity of the authors, who are truly likable guys, even if their shtick has gotten a little old.An amusing, well-intentioned adventure story that forgot to add the adventure. (Kirkus Reviews)

Ewan McGregor first came to notice in Shallow Grave. Since then he has appeared in more than thirty films including Star Wars Episodes I and II and Trainspotting. Charley Boorman has appeared in films such as Excalibur, The Emerald Forest and, more recently, The Bunker.

Winner of British Book Awards: Play.com Popular Non-fiction Award 2008.