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 

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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.

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Rydal Cave Circular Walk and FAQ's Rydal Cave Circular Walk map and route

Rydal Caves

North West
6.2 km / 4 miles

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

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cycling coast to coast - Gee on her bike cycling uphill cycling coast to coast - Gee on her bike cycling uphill

Coast to Coast – Whitehaven to Sunderland

North West
218.5km

OS Champion Gee Jackson recounts how embracing the Coast to Coast challenge led her to discover the unwavering support of the outdoor community.

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Brockweir Wye Valley Brockweir Wye Valley

River Wye Loop – Cleddon Falls, Bargain Woods, Bigs Weir and BrockWeir

Wales
13km

Inspired by ‘The Salt Path,’ OS Staff member Laura shares how a walk in the Wye Valley became a powerful remedy for overcoming loss.

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.

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Map_Reading_guides_hero4.01cb00adc45b0ff4606cafecfa96a4b7

Beginners guide to using a compass

July 8, 2025
5 min read

Even with a GPS in your phone, it’s important to know how to use a compass just in case technology fails or visibility is poor. Here’s a step-by-step beginner’s guide to using a compass, so you can learn the basics of how to navigate with a map.

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Looking at a map on a mobile phone

Free Map Reading Guides

July 8, 2025
1 min read

Brush up on your map reading skills with these free guides from National Map Reading Week suitable for total beginners, expert navigators and even kids.

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Reading Cycling Guide Book on Bike

City Cycling Guide Books for Families and Tourists

July 4, 2025
5 min read

Explore Edinburgh and London by bike with Richard Peace’s new OS Maps city cycling guide books, created in partnership with Sustrans. Discover safe, family-friendly routes!

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Your starting point for exploring different outdoor activities

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.

Launch OS Maps
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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
buy uk hiking maps and walking guidebooks (2)

Free wallpaper download

Brighten up your desktop, mobile or video call background with free downloads featuring Britain’s amazing landscapes.

Muckle Roe Crystal Silver