Trig Etiquette: Don’t be a Trig Hogger!
It’s high time we put together a definitive guide to enjoying our beloved Trig Pillars. These iconic markers are some of the most visited and photographed spots in the UK, and there’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting one after a lung-busting hike up a hill.
Trig Point Do’s & Don’ts
Here are a few fun do’s and don’ts to practice good Trig etiquette… And if you have any additional Trig Etiquette tips, drop us an email at getoutside@os.uk or let us know through our social channels.
- Don’t be a Trig Hogger: If others are waiting to take photos, try to limit the time you spend right next to the trig point. (it’s fine to be a trig hugger)
- Do Appreciate the View: Spend a few moments soaking in the scenery and the triumph of reaching the trig point, but don’t forget—others want to bask in the glory too!
- Don’t Picnic Right Next to the Trig: While it’s tempting to picnic right next to the lovely trig point, it’s better to choose a spot a little further away. This way, others can enjoy the moment and snap their pics without you photobombing with a mouthful of sandwich.
- Do Leave No Trace: Keep trig points Tidy! Make sure you take all rubbish with you wherever you picnic. (get some feel good ‘trig-points’ if you see rubbish with an impromptu litter pick) Read the Countryside Code
- Do Queue Considerately: If it’s a busy spot, form a polite queue and take turns. Remember, it’s not a race to the top—everyone deserves their moment of trig triumph.
- Do Keep Noise Down: Maintain a quiet atmosphere to let everyone enjoy the peace and quiet. Save the karaoke for the car ride home! No one has walked for hours up a hill to listen to your choice in music, headphones are a great invention.
- Do Offer to Take Pics: If you see a solo hiker or group trying to take selfies, offer to snap a pic for them. It’s a great way to make a new friend and share the trig love!
- Don’t Injure Yourself on the Trig: Make sure it’s safe to climb before you attempt to get a pic of yourself on top of a trig… they feel a lot higher and a lot windier once you’re stood on top of them!
- Do Share Your Pics: Be sure to tag pics of yourself doing your best Trig pose on social media and tag #ordnancesurvey or mention us @ordnancesurvey so we can find your Trig Pics and give them some love. We especially love seeing #dogsontrigs (or next to Trigs!)
Many quieter hills offer the chance to have a Trig Pillar all to yourself (heaven!). It’s worth checking the OS Maps App for some less popular Trig Point walks during the holiday season or on sunny weekends. That way, you can enjoy your Trig experience in peaceful solitude (or however you want to!)
over a Trig!
How to Find Your Nearest Trig Point
Open OS Maps and look for a small blue triangle with a dot in the middle! There are 1000’s of them to find and enjoy all over the UK.
Find out more about Trig Points
Top Trigs – What’s Your Favourite Trig Point in the UK?
What’s Your Favourite Trig Point? Our OS Champions have been sharing their Top Trigs, which is yours and why send in a pic of your favourite Trig!
What is a Trig Pillar or Trig Point ?
The trig pillar was first used in the retriangulation of Great Britain on 18 April 1936. With over 6500 built, they were vital in map making. Here’s everything you need to know about trig pillars including 10 great trig point walks.
Trig Pillar Quiz
How much do you know about trig pillars, those mysterious obelisks dotting the British landscape? Try this tricky trig pillar quiz and prove your triangulation knowledge
By Hilary Pullen
Meet Hilary, Editor of Get Outside – the Ordnance Survey Blog. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram @nearlyuphill and read her guides to walking in North Wales on her blog. Drop her an email hilary.pullen@os.uk if you are interested in posting an article on Get Outside.
