Outdoor Adventures Await…
Editor’s Choice: Unlock the Outdoors – Expert Hiking, Cycling and Trail Running Advice – Inspiring Stories to Fuel Your UK Adventures

15 Microadventures You Can Try This Weekend Without Taking Time Off

What is Japanese Walking and is it better than 10,000 steps a day?

How joining a women-only group can help you get outside and meet others

15 Must See Places for Jane Austen Fans to Visit in the UK

We recognise women have different needs when exploring outdoors
Women, especially from low income and diverse backgrounds face unnecessary barriers to getting out into nature and adventuring outside. We’re tackling that, with expert advice, inspirational stories and practical tips.

Build your confidence with our outdoor knowledge hub
Learning to read a map (paper or on your phone) is a fundemental skill if you want to explore safely and confidently outdoors. In our outdoor training hub we have lots of practical advice and tutorials for building your confidence outside.
Inspiration to Get Outside
Here, you will discover inspiration and guidance for all kinds of outdoor adventures, including for those beginning their journey, featuring beginner hiking guides, paddleboarding advice, and a wide array of other outdoor pursuits! We also share expert reviews of outdoor and hiking gear from our OS Champions and industry specialists.

How to Manage Your Period When Hiking
Everything you need to know about managing your period on a long hike where you may have to change your period products outdoors

The 16 Lakes of the Lake District – Ranked by Popularity
Discover the 16 stunning lakes of the Lake District ranked by popularity. Explore each lake’s depth, size, hiking routes, OS Maps links, and fascinating facts to plan your next outdoor adventure.

Family-Friendly Historical Days Out
Across Great Britain, there are countless places where families can enjoy fresh air and fascinating history side by side. From ancient stone circles to Roman forts and industrial heritage sites, these locations offer more than just a walk—they’re a chance to step into the past and enjoy a historical day out.
Find Your Path: Outdoor Adventure Guides
Discover your next UK hiking guide, trail run, or cycling route with our inspiring route guides. Each route guide includes downloadable GPX files for easy navigation with OS Maps. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, parking tips, and top recommendations to enhance your experience.


Paddleboarding on the River Stour – Cattawade to Dedham
Paddleboarding on the River Stour with OS Champion Natasha Sones. Natasha takes us on a paddle route from Cattawade to Dedham


Rydal Caves
A must visit! Sat between Ambleside and Grasmere, Rydal is home to the extensively photographed Rydal Cave


Coast to Coast – Whitehaven to Sunderland
OS Champion Gee Jackson recounts how embracing the Coast to Coast challenge led her to discover the unwavering support of the outdoor community.
Popular categories
Your starting point for exploring different outdoor activities
OS Champions
Insights and stories from our seasoned outdoor champions
British National Parks
Our UK National Parks exist to enable everyone to enjoy getting outside into unspoilt nature and to preserve the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife for future generations.
Choose a National Park from the list below or use the interactive map to start planning a National Park adventure.

EXPLORE WITH
OS Maps
Get more from the outdoors with OS Maps. Whether you’re planning a mountain hike, taking the kids for a woodland bike ride, or looking to discover a new local adventure, OS Maps helps you explore with more confidence.
Discover thousands of ready-made routes from outdoor experts; view & download maps directly to your phone, or print from your computer.
With trusted mapping, route planning tools & features, created by Ordnance Survey; OS Maps helps you make the most of your time outside.

EXPLORE THE
OS Shop
Ordnance Survey are the experts in mapping. Shop our selection of UK Maps for hiking, walking and your next outdoor adventure. Plus don’t miss our selection of essential walking guidebooks.
Whether you’re exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the UK’s National Parks or enjoying a serene coastal getaway, our paper maps are your indispensable travel companion.
Go to the shop
Free wallpaper download
Brighten up your desktop, mobile or video call background with free downloads featuring Britain’s amazing landscapes.
