National Map Reading Week
Outdoor Adventures Await…
Editor’s Choice: Unlock the Outdoors – Expert Hiking, Cycling and Trail Running Advice – Inspiring Stories to Fuel Your UK Adventures
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 training 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.
Sustrans x OS: Edinburgh Cycling Guidebook
Easy City Cycling! OS Product Manager Kris Mackenzie reviews two of the routes from the new Cycling Edinburgh Guidebook
A Perfect Summer Day Out: Strawberry Picking and Country Walks
The perfect recipe for a family day out – a morning at a PYO Strawberry Farm followed by an afternoon walk
Tips for Walking and Running in Hot Weather
Quick tips for running and walking in hot weather by the outdoor experts. We show you how to stay cool and avoid heatstroke
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.
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.
River Wye Loop – Cleddon Falls, Bargain Woods, Bigs Weir and BrockWeir
Inspired by ‘The Salt Path,’ OS Staff member Laura shares how a walk in the Wye Valley became a powerful remedy for overcoming loss.
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.
