OS Champion

Ben Beckwith

Meet Ben Beckwith, mountain leader, fell runner and trad-climber

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you like to get outside?

I’m Ben, I’m a mountain leader based in the Lake District and have a passion for sharing adventures in the outdoors.

I enjoy getting outside in all manner of ways but whatever I’m doing I always have my trusty OS map nearby. When I’m not working or out on the fells with clients I enjoy walking new routes, and exploring new places.

I can often be found fell running up in the hills to try an build fitness and cram more of our beautiful landscapes into a day.

At least once a year I do a long distance footpath in a thru-hiking trip, again I like the expeditionary nature of this and visiting new places and exciting trails.

When I’m not running or walking in the hills I can often be found trad-climbing on steep terrain to experience even more views of the landscape below.

No adventure of mine is complete without a wild swim in a nice body of water. I’m often found working with community interest groups to encourage others and particularly underrepresented groups into the great outdoors, and have a passion for sharing my love of the outdoors.

What’s your favourite route or place to go and why?

Ben Beckwith’s Favourite Running Route – The Old County Tops Fell Race Route

I love how the route takes in so many iconic parts of the Lake District and three wainwright summits. The route really demonstrates the diversity of the lakes; starting in Great Langdale and quickly passing through the popular village of Grasmere onto the summit of Helvellyn before ascend onto the fells via the quiet valley of Wytheburn. A swift summit of Scafell Pike then sees the route cross Upper Eskdale, before gaining the Summit of The Old Man of Coniston. A strenuous day out rewards the adventurer with a satisfyingly unique Lakeland experience.

Explore the Old County Tops Route

What’s your fave bit of kit available on the OS Shop?

The Silva Expedition 4 Is a proven classic, a workhorse of the outdoor adventure community. Whether using the roamer scale to take an accurate grid reference, or taking a bearing In poor visibility this piece of kit can always be relied upon to help keep you on course. Silva’s reputation for quality and reliability make them the product of choice for mountain leaders, and adventure athletes, making them a household name In navigational aids.