Cicerone Press

Cicerone Press is a British publisher specializing in guidebooks for walking, trekking, mountaineering, and other outdoor recreation activities. Founded in 1969, the company has established itself as a leading authority in the field, producing detailed guides to routes across the United Kingdom, Europe, and worldwide. Its catalog encompasses a wide range of titles, from gentle low-level walks to challenging alpine climbing expeditions and long-distance trails like the Pennine Way. Based in Kendal within the Lake District National Park, Cicerone Press is known for its practical, authoritative, and meticulously researched content, authored by experienced outdoorspeople.

History

The company was founded in 1969 by Brian Evans, a teacher and outdoor enthusiast, with the initial publication of a guide to the Munros of Scotland. The press took its name from the historical term "Cicerone", meaning a knowledgeable guide. Early operations were run from Evans's home in Milnthorpe, Cumbria, focusing primarily on guides to the British hills. In 1985, ownership transferred to Walt Unsworth, the founder of the climbing magazine *Climber*, who expanded the list with more international titles. A significant transition occurred in 1999 when the business was purchased by its longtime managing director, Jonathan Williams, who relocated the headquarters to its current base in Kendal. Under this leadership, Cicerone Press has substantially grown its catalog and international reach, while maintaining its core ethos of producing reliable guides written by experts with firsthand experience of the terrain.

Publications and series

Cicerone Press publishes an extensive range of guidebook series tailored to different activities and regions. Its flagship walking guides cover renowned national trails such as the Coast to Coast Walk, the West Highland Way, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain. For more technical pursuits, the press offers definitive guides to classic climbing areas like Snowdonia, the Alps, and the Dolomites. Notable series include the "Trailblazer" guides for long-distance paths, "British Mountaineering Council" endorsed climbing guides, and collections focused on cycling routes and ski touring. Beyond route descriptions, many titles delve into the natural history, geology, and cultural heritage of areas like the Yorkshire Dales or the Pyrenees. The press also publishes instructional handbooks on skills such as navigation and mountain weather.

Business model and distribution

Operating as an independent publisher, Cicerone Press employs a direct-to-consumer sales model through its website alongside traditional wholesale distribution to bookshops and outdoor retailers worldwide. Key retail partners include major UK chains like Waterstones and WHSmith, as well as specialist outdoor stores such as Ellis Brigham and Cotswold Outdoor. The company has a significant presence in international markets, particularly in North America, Europe, and Australasia, often through distribution agreements with publishers like Mountaineers Books in the United States. Cicerone Press actively engages with the outdoor community through partnerships with organizations like the Ramblers Association and by sponsoring events such as the Kendal Mountain Festival.

Influence and recognition

Cicerone Press guidebooks are widely regarded as essential resources by the global outdoor community, influencing route development and promoting responsible access to mountainous regions. The press has received numerous awards, including accolades from the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild and the Banff Mountain Book Festival. Its authors are often leading figures in their fields, such as renowned walker Alfred Wainwright (though not a direct author, his legacy influences the genre), climber Chris Bonington, and long-distance trail expert Paddy Dillon. By providing meticulously verified information, Cicerone publications have played a role in supporting the economies of rural areas in national parks and have contributed to the safety and enjoyment of countless hikers and climbers on iconic routes from the Tour du Mont Blanc to the Inca Trail.

See also

* Rough Guides * Lonely Planet * Bradt Travel Guides * Trailblazer Publications * Ordnance Survey * National Trails * Alpine Club * Outdoor literature

Category:Book publishing companies of the United Kingdom Category:Guide book publishers Category:Companies based in Cumbria Category:Outdoor recreation organizations