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| Cicerone Press | |
|---|---|
| Name | Cicerone Press |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Joe Morris |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | Kendal, Cumbria |
| Distribution | Global |
| Topics | Walking guides, mountaineering, climbing, cycling |
Cicerone Press is a British publisher specializing in guidebooks for walking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing, cycling and outdoor recreation. Founded in 1969, the company produces route guides, maps and practical handbooks aimed at walkers, climbers and adventure travellers, serving readers interested in the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, Snowdonia, and international destinations such as the Alps, Pyrenees, and Dolomites. Its titles are used by enthusiasts connected to organisations like the RSPB, The Ramblers, British Mountaineering Council, and clubs such as the Alpine Club and the Scottish Mountaineering Club.
Cicerone Press was established in 1969 by Joe Morris in Kendal, close to the Lake District National Park and the River Kent. Early publications focused on routes around Cumbria, Lancashire, and Yorkshire Dales, linking to traditions represented by the Ordnance Survey and organisations like the Youth Hostels Association. The company expanded through the 1970s and 1980s amid outdoor tourism growth driven by events such as the rise of long-distance trails including the Pennine Way and the West Highland Way. During the 1990s and 2000s Cicerone broadened coverage to international ranges such as the Alps, Carpathians, and Andes, aligning with the interests of readers influenced by figures like Alfred Wainwright and institutions such as the National Trust.
Cicerone’s catalogue includes route guides, day walks, multi-day treks, technical climbing manuals, and travel-oriented handbooks covering areas from the Lake District and Peak District National Park to overseas venues like the Himalayas, Torres del Paine, and Patagonia. Series cover subjects tied to organisations and practices such as the British Mountaineering Council’s training, the Mountain Training syllabus, and navigation methods reflected in Ordnance Survey mapping. Their climbing and mountaineering offerings reference techniques found in works by influential authors and institutions connected to the UIAA, British Mountaineering Council, and expedition histories like the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition.
The publisher has worked with walkers, climbers and writers associated with the outdoor community, including individuals linked to the Alpine Club, the Scottish Mountaineering Club, and the Ramblers. Contributors often have ties to organisations such as the British Mountaineering Council, Mountain Rescue England and Wales, and academic institutions that research outdoor recreation. Many authors have produced regionally focused guides invoking local expertise in areas like the Lake District, Snowdonia National Park, the Cairngorms, Brecon Beacons, and overseas territories such as Madeira and the Azores.
Cicerone’s books are distributed through specialist retailers, outdoor chains, and independent shops allied with brands such as Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need, and tour operators serving markets for the Alps, Pyrenees, and global trekking destinations like Nepal and Peru. The publisher targets recreational audiences familiar with routes such as the Coast to Coast Walk, the South West Coast Path, and the Camino de Santiago, and institutional customers including libraries, visitor centres of the National Trust, and clubs like the Ramblers Association. International distribution reaches travel markets in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia, paralleling trends evident in guides from other regional publishers and mapping services such as the Ordnance Survey and IGN.
Cicerone’s guides are frequently cited by reviewers in outdoor periodicals and by broadcasters connected to programmes referencing the Lake District, the BBC’s nature output, and travel coverage of regions like the Alps and Scotland. The books have influenced walking culture alongside classics by Alfred Wainwright and contemporary guides used by members of the Ramblers and participants in events such as organised long-distance walking festivals and mountain races connected to the Kendal Mountain Festival. Titles are used by amateurs and professionals in Mountain Rescue teams and have been referenced in planning materials for local authorities and conservation bodies including the National Trust and Natural England.
Originally founded by Joe Morris, the company has remained independent and locally based in Kendal, interacting with regional economic networks tied to the Lake District National Park Authority, tourism boards, and outdoor retailers. Its business model balances print publishing with digital-format offerings and partnerships with mapping providers such as the Ordnance Survey and publishers focusing on outdoor recreation. Cicerone’s endurance reflects sustained consumer interest in walking and mountaineering fostered by institutions like the Ramblers, British Mountaineering Council, and outdoor education providers.
Cicerone engages with the outdoor community via author talks, book launches and participation in festivals such as the Kendal Mountain Festival, trade fairs like the Outdoor Trade Show and collaborations with clubs including the Alpine Club and Scottish Mountaineering Club. The publisher supports skills development reflected in programmes from Mountain Training and works with volunteer-led organisations such as Mountain Rescue England and Wales and local walking groups affiliated to the Ramblers. Community engagement includes contributions to local visitor centres in the Lake District, guided-walk partnerships and involvement with conservation stakeholders like the National Trust.
Category:Publishing companies of the United Kingdom Category:Outdoor recreation