There has been much debate here at the Cicerone office recently about just old Cicerone is. We think that we are 40 years old next year, but have not yet been able to confirm it. Even Walt Unsworth who founded the company is unsure of the exact date of when Cicerone was founded.

Looking back through our library of Cicerone books here, the earliest guide we came across was published in 1969 – have you got an earlier edition sitting on a shelf? If so let us know, it would be great to hear from you.

With the holiday season well and truly under way, many of the staff here at the Cicerone office have been getting away and experiencing first-hand knowledge of the countries and regions we publish guides to.

Jonathan and Lesley are currently trekking in the Gran Paradiso, Caroline recently returned from Cycle Touring in Switzerland, Sarah is just back from Norway, Sue is climbing on Lundy (weather permitting!) and Lois is cycle touring in Scotland.

Hopefully everyone will return full of energy for the busy autumn publishing schedule that is ahead of us.

A report in ‘The Times’ on 5th August has described how various walkers and holidaymakers are being attacked by Pyrenean mountain dogs used to protect large flocks of sheep. Our recent guide by Paddy Dillon to the GR5, which follows the length of the French Alps, has specific advice regarding these ‘pastous’. Firstly there are usually signs in the areas where these dogs are being used. Being aware is the first important step. If you find your route is approaching an apparently unattended flock, assume they are guarded by the dogs. It is not always easy to spot the dogs as they will be hidden deep within the flock, and are a similar colour to the sheep. If possible pass with as wide a distance as possible, provided the terrain allows. Do not approach the flock, or the dogs. Do nothing to provoke a reaction.

To see Paddy’s full advice, select the GR5 book page, click on the ‘google’ search inside button, and type in ‘dogs’ in the search box. Or click this link