The Best Hiking Guidebook Brands: Which One Fits Your Way of Travelling?

Today you can find thousands of hiking routes online with a single click.
But anyone who’s ever lost the trail in mountain fog or followed a faint footpath that vanished into the forest knows this truth: nothing replaces a good guidebook.

A great guide doesn’t just tell you where to walk — it shows you how to prepare, what to expect, and why each path matters.
Here are five English-language publishers that have earned the trust of hikers around the world, each with its own style and spirit.

1. Cicerone – The benchmark for serious hikers

For over fifty years, Cicerone Press has been the gold standard for long-distance and mountain walking.
Their guides are written by experts who know every climb and contour of their routes — from the Tour du Mont Blanc and West Highland Way to the Coast to Coast Path and Camino de Santiago.

Each book offers clear stage descriptions, altitude profiles, accommodation options, and practical advice on terrain and weather.

Best for: long-distance walkers, mountain trekkers, and detail-oriented planners.
Highlight: unmatched accuracy and depth of information.

2. Rother Walking Guides – German precision, English clarity

Though originally German, the Rother Walking Guides have become a trusted name in English too.

Compact, light, and beautifully organized, these pocket-sized books are packed with practical detail — route variants, walking times, elevation gain, GPS downloads, and difficulty ratings.

Rother excels in the Alps, Dolomites, Pyrenees, and many Mediterranean regions.

Best for: hikers who value structure, clarity, and reliability.
Highlight: concise, highly technical route information in an easy-to-carry format.

3. Lonely Planet – The spirit of adventure

Lonely Planet has long been the companion of independent travellers — and its hiking titles carry the same sense of freedom.
From Walking in Britain and Trekking in the Alps to Hiking & Tramping in New Zealand, these guides combine practical route advice with travel tips, local culture, and inspiration.

They’re less technical than Cicerone, but perfect for travellers who like to improvise and explore without overplanning.

Best for: casual hikers, travel-lovers, and those seeking inspiration.
Highlight: friendly tone and global reach.

4. Trailblazer – For walkers who want to go their own way

Trailblazer Guides are written by hikers for hikers.
They stand out for their hand-drawn maps, in-depth local research, and the sense that every route has been walked, tested, and loved by the authors themselves.

You’ll find detailed coverage of iconic routes like the South West Coast Path, the Hadrian’s Wall Path, and the Inca Trail, with practical advice on accommodation, food, and gear.

Best for: independent walkers who like authenticity and local insight.
Highlight: a personal, field-tested approach to hiking.

5. Bradt Guides – For the curious explorer

Bradt is best known for its travel and nature writing, but its walking and wildlife titles deserve special attention.
Many of their guides focus on off-the-beaten-path regions — think Walking and Trekking in Iceland or Wildlife Walks in Britain.

Bradt’s strength lies in storytelling: these books connect landscapes to culture, ecology, and local life.

Best for: travellers who see hiking as exploration, not just exercise.
Highlight: vivid writing and focus on natural and cultural context.

In the end

Whether you’re crossing the Alps, tracing Britain’s coastal paths, or simply setting out for a weekend in the hills — the right guidebook changes how you travel.
It doesn’t just show you the way; it deepens the journey.

At Anticyclone des Açores, you’ll find a hand-picked selection of English-language hiking guides — for planners, dreamers, and explorers alike.
Choose the one that fits your rhythm… and let the trail take care of the rest.