A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe on Rivers and Lakes of Europe

In this lively travelogue, a 19th‑century scholar‑lawyer recounts a solitary voyage undertaken in a small, decked canoe he calls the Rob Roy. Over the course of a single autumn he paddles, sails, and hauls his craft along a network of Europe's great rivers—Thames, Rhine, Danube, Meuse, and many others—as well as across the scenic lakes of the Swiss Alps. The narrative follows his progress through mountains, forests and open plains, where the boat must be carried over land or pulled through narrow channels.

What makes the journey distinctive is the canoe’s covered design, which lets the author steer through tight passages, glide past snags, and even haul the vessel over dykes and roadways without sacrificing comfort. Inside the snug cabin he can read, eat, or simply watch the passing landscape, and at night the canvas sail doubles as a shelter for a dry sleep. Illustrated with detailed sketches and a helpful map, the account blends practical advice on this mode of travel with vivid observations of the people and scenery encountered along the way.