OS Champion

Emily Taylor New

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

I’m Emily and I’m an active mum of two based in Glossop on the edge of the Peak District National Park. I’ve been outdoorsy for as long as I can remember, but in July 2022, I qualified as a Hill and Moorland Leader and have recently set up my own outdoor business. This predominantly involves guiding women-only group hikes and teaching navigation skills but I also supervise and assess DofE.

I’m happy as long as I’m outdoors and I have a slight obsession with trig points. You’ll usually find me hiking, running, camping and wild swimming in the Peaks or adventuring around North Wales where we have our lovely caravan.

Emily Taylor - Credit @anniebmorton — Photo Credit @anniebmorton

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

Emily’s Favourite Hiking Route – Derwent Edge Loop

One of my favourite walks is the Derwent Edge loop from Fairholmes. On a clear day, the views over the Derwent Valley are beautiful and there are some very cool gritstone rock formations such as the Salt Cellar and the Wheel Stones. If you’re a hill-bagger, there are two Peak District Ethels to collect on this route, too; Lost Lad and Back Tor. It’s also a great place to catch a sunset!

Derwent Edge Loop

Want to find out more about how to start hiking?

Read our complete guide to Hiking for Beginners, everything you need to get started from essential equipment to fitness and safety advice – Hiking For Beginners

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

Am I allowed to be a complete map geek here and say my OL1 map is my favourite bit of kit?! This map has given me the best adventures from my doorstep and it has even allowed me to become a HML and start a new career guiding and teaching navigation. Since being a young kid, I’ve always loved to study the map and find out what features we have in the area to explore. Learning to navigate started as a hobby and is now a way of life for me. With my map and compass, I have so much freedom to explore and it brings me so much happiness. I’m now so passionate about sharing these skills with other women so that they too have more confidence to get outside and explore.