Find your way around walking guidebook publishing

Posted on November 2, 2026 in UK

How do traditional paper guidebooks remain relevant when we can access free maps, suggested routes and inspirational photos for free online? If you’re heading out for an autumnal walk this week, chances are you’ll reach for your phone to plan where to go before books cross your mind.

There’s so much out there at the touch of a button: user-generated content such as social media posts and blogs but also plenty of reputable route-finding websites (eg Walkhighlands in Scotland, which covers the whole country not just hill walks) and mapping apps (eg Ramblers members have access to a database of walks through the app).

By contrast, walking guidebooks typically combine step-by-step route instructions, map extracts with routes clearly marked and high-quality photographs, all in one place. You might also find background information such as history and wildlife and advice about accommodation or transport. There are guidebooks for mountain climbing and long-distance treks as well as gentle Sunday strolls.

It’s a matter of personal preference and both options have their pros and cons, but considering that printed walking guides cost money to buy (unless you borrow them from the library or a friend) it’s remarkable that they’ve stood the test of time, even with printing and distribution costs rising. In fact, not only has this subgenre survived in the digital age, but it includes a lot of independent publishers – even the smallest companies are able to carve out a niche. This spirit of independence is fitting for products that empower people to go out and explore.

Walking guidebook publishers in the UK

This isn’t a completely exhaustive list, but examples include:

• Cicerone Press
• Pocket Mountains
• Rucksack Readers
• Wild Things Publishing
• Vertebrate Publishing
• Carnegie Publishing
• Hallewell Pocket Walks
• Ordnance Survey
• Sparky Books
• Northern Eye
• Drumlin Walks
• Scottish Mountaineering Press 
• Bradt Guides
• Collins

How guidebook publishers overcome the challenges of the digital age

Quality over quantity

One of the problems with online information is the huge volume that exists, of varying accuracy, made worse by the introduction of AI-generated content. How do you decide which routes to use, or know which information to trust? Guidebook publishers pride themselves on producing a curated selection of walks commissioned by editors who understand audience needs and written by expert authors who have meticulously researched the routes.

Yes, printed text can go out of date. While digital sources such as websites can be updated instantly to reflect new developments, physical books have to wait until the next edition or print run. This will need to be taken into account when deciding how many copies to print at once to avoid wastage, and how much specific detail to include. But some publishers get round this problem by including an updates page on their website for each book in their backlist.

Production values and extra features

Printed guidebooks have some intrinsic benefits over similar information available online. They don’t need a charged battery or GPS/phone signal, plus like all books they’re beautiful objects to own and display on our shelves. Although a guidebook is unavoidably an extra weight (let’s face it, you’re probably going to be carrying a smartphone as well regardless, not one or the other) some walking guides are thoughtfully designed with their purpose in mind: to be carried.

They might be small enough to fit in a coat pocket, or concisely written so that they’re light enough not to weigh down a rucksack. Or they might come with a detachable map booklet so that you can leave the rest of the book at home. Some have particularly durable covers so they stand up to the wear and tear of being repeatedly taken out of bags and stuffed back in. Some even have rainproof pages.

Selling ebooks too

Some publishers sell EPUB editions alongside their printed books for those who prefer it. Although these ebooks could be viewed as lacking both the benefits of a printed book (as above) and the benefit of online content (it’s free) it offers the customer more choice and an ebook has much lower production costs. Once you’ve already invested time and money in author royalties, photography, maps, typography and page design, it doesn’t hurt to offer the same product in a digital format.

Free digital content as a marketing tool

Blog posts, podcasts, videos, social media and newsletters help to raise brand awareness and provide a sample of the expertise and inspiration that’s on offer if you buy the guidebooks. There’s no obligation to buy anything but it might help to entice people in, especially if discount codes are included. This type of content can also help to create a loyal community of repeat buyers and make sure they don’t miss new products that are released.

Written by Emily Dunn