The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word PILOTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
I
L
O
T
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Guides" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case guides = pilots.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PILOTS mean?
PILOTS noun- A person who steers a ship, a helmsman.
- A person who knows well the depths and currents of a harbor or coastal area, who is hired by a vessel to help navigate the harbor or coast.
- A guide book for maritime navigation.
- An instrument for detecting the compass error.
- A pilot vehicle.
- A person authorised to drive such a vehicle during an escort.
- A guide or escort through an unknown or dangerous area.
- Something serving as a test or trial.
- A person who is in charge of the controls of an aircraft.
- A sample episode of a proposed TV series produced to decide if it should be made or not. If approved, typically the first episode of an actual TV series.
- A cowcatcher.
- A pilot light.
- One who flies a kite.
- A short plug, sometimes made interchangeable, at the end of a counterbore to guide the tool.
- To control (an aircraft or watercraft).
- To guide (a vessel) through coastal waters.
- To test or have a preliminary trial of (an idea, a new product, etc.)