As we’ve said before, the most fun we have here at ATGB is connecting with so many talented and interesting people in the adventure travel world. We just had that opportunity with Leigh McAdam, who is the researcher, traveler and writer behind one of our favorite adventure sites, www.hikebiketravel.com.

While being an accomplished participant in hiking, biking and travel adventures, she has also written some incredible guides for biking and hiking trips in Canada, the US, Ireland and Scotland that are on her website and are available for free – an incredible value in itself!

You can follow Leigh’s adventures on Twitter at hikebiketravel and on Facebook at HikeBikeTravel. When she is not having fun with her blog and travel, she is keenly interested in gardening, wine, photography and reading.

Leigh, how did you get started in the travel guide business? Was it a passion or did you just fall into it?

I fell into the business. My husband and I had recently sold a company and I was after something completely different. I also wanted something where I, and I alone, would be responsible for its success. I didn’t want to be in anyone’s shadow.

Since you write your own guides, how often do you travel?

It depends on the year but in 2011 I have four major trips planned. A few months ago I was in Chile and Argentina with friends for 2 1/2 weeks; July will be spent hiking around Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland with my daughter, followed immediately by a one week kayaking trip with my husband around Mitchipicoten Island in Lake Superior (with absolutely no phones or computers). Now I’m in the process of researching a two week trip to Spain in November – with plans to visit Barcelona and Grenada. We’d also like to spend a week biking through the white villages of Andalucia.

I try and do something out of the ordinary on 6- 8 weekends of the year – backpacking in the Rockies, sea kayaking in BC or hiking in nearby Whistler. Plus, I perhaps foolishly signed up again for the Gran Fondo bike ride from Vancouver to Whistler in September so I need to put some miles on my bike. For training I pick out a coffee shop and make that my destination – eating away all those calories I just burned off.

When preparing for an article or a guide, how do you determine what information to include? Is there a favorite formula or outline that you follow, or is it different for each assignment?

I decided early on that I would include all the information that you, as an individual needs to know to plan your own self guided trip. After the first few guides I found myself working off of a template. Most of the guides include information on getting to the start point, an itinerary overview, a day to day itinerary with accommodation ideas, route notes and notable restaurants or places to see. I also include useful links, a packing list and a link to tour operators in case you aren’t interested in doing the self guided option.

What was the most fun article or guide you’ve ever written? What made this one stand out?

I honestly can’t say that I find the writing fun. The trips are always interesting but the writing is tough work for me, especially since I need to be so detail oriented.

Are there 2 or 3 memorable adventures that you can recommend to our followers?

This is a tough question because all the trips I’ve done, even the so-so ones have some redeeming features.

I’d say to people that if you haven’t been to the Grand Canyon and if you enjoy hiking you must go. The Rim to Rim to Rim trail is hard – but can be broken up into two days; if you’re organized you can arrange to sleep in the bottom at Phantom Ranch. There is not one second on that trail that isn’t stunningly beautiful. If that sounds like too much work, do any of the day hikes – preferably in the shoulder seasons when its not too hot.

Hiking the Kerry Way by myself was tough but rewarding. There are some truly outstanding and very scenic hiking days plus the possibility of a side trip to the Skellig Islands – a UNESCO world heritage site and a trip that is very worthwhile.

If you like cycling then you can’t go wrong with the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia – though mentally prepare for some serious hills in the National Park.

What has been your most favorite travel “adventure” you’ve had that you haven’t written about?

I’ve given considerable thought to that question and I’d have to say Namibia – on the southwest coast of Africa. My husband and I rented a car for about two weeks and drove mostly excellent roads from the dunes of Soussusvlei to the Skeleton Coast to Etosha National Park where wild animals wandered the roads to camps that specialized in cheetahs to the capital of Windhoek. It was memorable because it was the first time I’d set foot on the continent (which always excites me) and I was mightily impressed with the closeup encounters we had with animals that I’d only ever seen on TV or in a zoo before. As a bonus the roads were in amazing shape, food was great, wine was plentiful and cheap from South Africa and the scenery was stunning. Plus it didn’t cost much – once we got down there.

Leigh, this has been great.  And as a bonus question for us, I’m just curious:  Of the three “Bike – Hike – Travel”, which one do you enjoy the most?

I’d have to say that I prefer biking to hiking – mainly because I find it easier on my body. Plus I like how much more you can see in one day. I love biking in foreign countries and have had very good luck bringing panniers with me and renting a bike for a week or two. I also find bikes are like animals. Strangers feel comfortable approaching you on a bike so you end up with all sorts of lovely local interactions. Plus they want to hear your stories.

Leigh, thank you for sharing with our readers!

Remember, if you want to learn about and see more of her fantastic stories and guides, you can follow Leigh’s adventures at her site www.hikebiketravel.com, or on Twitter at hikebiketravel and on Facebook at HikeBikeTravel.