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A beginners guide to the compass

Improve your map reading skills with this beginner’s guide to the compass. We take a look at the different types of compass, such as a baseplate compass, and explain how to orientate a map with one.

• Climbing and mountaineering
• Walking

A guide to hills and mountains in the UK and Ireland

Do you know your Munros from your Corbetts? The Adventure Patch Company tell us about hill bagging and explain some of the better and lesser known hills and mountain classifications in the UK and Ireland.

• Places to go
• Walking

Most popular walking routes in OS Maps

OS Maps users have been busy over the last six months, following thousands of routes and saving their favourites. To help inspire your next adventure, we’re sharing the top 10 most popular walking route. All these routes are Trusted Routes, so they’ve been tried and tested by our partner experts up and down the nation, guaranteeing a great walk.

• Nature

A guide to British bees

The decline of bees is a world wide problem. We take a look at the different types of bees in Britain, how you can identify them and what you can do to help protect them.

• OS Champions
• Walking

Car-free peaks in the Peak District

Public transport accessible walk taking in two peaks – Lose Hill and Mam Tor. Sweeping views, ig, rocks for fun photos, possible pooh sticks and the option to descend to Edale village for refreshments. With well-marked paths and mostly steady grades this walk shows off the best of the area. Public transport available at both ends, or park in Hope and retrace your steps from the Mam Tor summit.

• Dog friendly
• Walking

10 best dog walks

Walking your dog on the same path each day can get boring, so why not mix things up and plot new routes to enjoy with your four-legged friend. We’ve found some of the best places to walk your dog and picked 10 best dog-friendly routes, tried and tested by our OS Champions and their canine companions.

• Walking

8 of the best spring hiking escapes for Londoners

OS Champion Alex Middleton shows us how accessible outdoor spaces are from London. Here’s 8 of his favourite spots for hiking near London which are all within 90 minutes from the capital city. All these routes make a great spring walk.

• Family activities

Den building: family activity ideas

Den building is a rite of childhood – it’s cheap, you can do it anytime of year, it’s universal and it’s fun for all ages. Heading outside to build a den will keep the kids entertained during the school holidays. The Den Kit Co. explore the art of den building and offer some tips on how to plan a great day out.

• Family activities
• Map Reading

Teaching younger children about maps

Teaching children to map read from a young age will help them understand the world around them and set them up for future adventures. We look at how you can introduce younger children to map reading and teach them to create their own simple maps.