I don’t know about you but when I’m looking for travel ideas I have a shelf of books at home that I like to flick through for inspiration. Guidebook publisher Cicerone has added to my collection in 2019 by producing a special anthology of adventure to celebrate Fifty Years of Adventure – yes, Cicerone has been publishing outdoor activity guidebooks for 50 years!
The first time I picked up a Cicerone guide was when planning our 2006 trip to Nepal so I have already been using these well-designed guides for 13 years.
You only need to do a quick search on ‘Cicerone’ on my blog to find a myriad of examples where one of these guidebooks has ensured I was able to plan and enjoy an amazing hiking trip in some part of the world. From the West Highland Way in Scotland and the South Downs Way in England to Slovenia and Mallorca, Corsica and the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe and of course wonderful adventures in Asia such as Tajikistan.
There is one story to celebrate each year Cicerone has been publishing and adventures in every shape and form are included. It seems unlikely that I will ever climb the Savage Mountain K2 but I loved reading about Alan Hinkes’ experience and there are also adventures that I can enjoy with Wandering Kiwi Jr.
Reading this book made me itch to return to the Isle of Man and rediscover my family’s roots on the coastal path route. I’m also quite tempted by downhill biking on the Danube Cycleway and climbing Kilimanjaro has long been on my bucket list.
It was also interesting to gain an insight into the task of guidebook writing, with tales of misadventure and how things have changed over the last 50 years.
This is a beautiful coffee table book with outstanding photography that will keep me enchanted, amused and inspired for many years to come. Just as I hope that Cicerone will be bring out new and updated guides to walks, scrambles and climbs around the world for another 50 years!
By Natasha von Geldern
Have you used a Cicerone guidebook?
