Posts from OS Champions
Here you can find all of the fabulous articles and route guides created by our OS Champions.
If you are interested in writing an article for Get Outside find out how here – write for us.
How to Build Outdoor Confidence: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Outside
GROW YOUR HIKING CONFIDENCE! You don’t need to grow up hiking or arrive with all the gear and knowledge - follow our expert tips
Rydal Caves
A must visit! Sat between Ambleside and Grasmere, Rydal is home to the extensively photographed Rydal Cave
10 Picturesque Paddle Boarding Routes in London and The South East
Paddleboarding expert Lisa Drewe shares 10 Paddleboarding routes in London and the South East from her new book! (all easily accessible by train)
Beginner Hikes: New Forest National Park
Are you looking for beginner hikes in the New Forest National Park? OS Champion Sue Barrett shares 5 great walks to try on your next visit
Bob Graham Round
The Bob Graham Round is an iconic sub-24-hour fell challenge which traverses much of the Lake District.
Route Review: Stanton Moor Circular Walk
Stanton Moor Circular: OS Champion Emily Thompson reviews a fascinating route form The OS Peak District Walking Guide - complete with a stone circle!
Route Review: Nethy Bridge Walk
Nethy Bridge Circular Walk: OS Champion Gee Jackson is reviewing a leisurely river walk from our Aviemore & Cairngorms guide book.
Coast to Coast – Whitehaven to Sunderland
OS Champion Gee Jackson recounts how embracing the Coast to Coast challenge led her to discover the unwavering support of the outdoor community.
Seven Sisters, Coastguard Cottages and Two Lighthouses!
Inspired by 'The Salt Path' OS Champion May Yeung tells us why The seven Sisters are her sanctuary
Moel Siabod from Plas y Brenin – Out and Back
Inspired by 'The Salt Path' OS Champion Liz Asad share the reason she loves this route up Moel Siabod from Plas y Brenin
Cycling The Hebridean Way
Inspired by the life-changing walk in The Salt Path, OS Champion Meg Collington shares her own empowering adventure cycling the Hebridean Way
Vatersay Circular – Outer Hebrides
OS Champion Lisa Drewe talks about her profound connection to this Vatersay Circular Walk in the Outer Hebrides.
Parkend Loop – Forest of Dean Circular
Inspired by 'The Salt Path', OS Champion Samantha Taylor shares one of her most cherished runs and the reasons she loves it
Walking the 41 Yorkshire Dales Mountains with the Kids
Hiking with kids in the Yorkshire Dales - Sam and her kids completed all 41 of the Yorkshire Dales highest peaks in just 1 year!
Route Review: Cheddleton and the Caldon Canal
Looking for walks in Staffordshire - OS Champion Andrea Day takes us on a historical walk to Cheddleton and the Caldon Canal
Route Review: Southwold Circular Walk
Southwold Circular Walk - OS Champion Natasha Somes reviews one of the 28 walks from our Suffolk Outstanding Circular Walks Pathfinder guide book.
Route Review: Tryfan North Ridge – Grade One Scramble
North Ridge of Tryfan Route Review - OS Champion Alex Jackson took our Eryri Pathfinder Guide and put this grade 1 scramble to the test.
The A Team of Positive Male Role Models in the Outdoors
If you are looking for positive male role models to follow on Instagram look no further. Ben Fogle has created the perfect 'A-Team' of men that represent an authentic/vulnerable/relatable masculinity.
Rooley Moore – Mountain Bike Circular
The Rooley Moor climb reveals the most beautiful views which on a clear day, display the beauty of not only the Peak District but also the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain range
Dunwich Hourglass Running Route
This enjoyable running route takes in the best of Dunwich, a small historic village on the Suffolk coast.
Tay Forest Park Mountain Biking & Electric Beaver!
This challenging mountain bike route takes in the iconic ‘Rake and Ruin’ trail and finishes on the fun flowy ‘Electric Beaver’.
Cycling in the Cairngorms – Ballater and Royal Deeside
Starting from the picturesque town of Ballater this route takes in the hidden gems of Royal Deeside with rivers, ruins, lochs and mountain views.
The Dambusters Challenge Hike – Peak District
A route where history, human engineering and nature collide in the most epic fashion. You won’t find a more beautiful challenge route in the Peak District National Park.
Llangynidr Trig and Chartist Cave, Black Mountains
Chartist Cave: The rolling limestone landscape of this walk is vast and exposed, with a sense of remoteness that adds to the adventure.
Victoria Cave, Jubilee Cave and Warrendale Knotts from Settle
This fairly short, but feature-packed circular hike starts and finishes in the lovely market town of Settle in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales
Rosedale Roasting Kilns Walk – North York Moors
Rosedale in the North York Moors holds many secrets of a deep history that are ready to be discovered. We will explore these on this moderately challenging walk that starts and finishes in the village of Rosedale Abbey.
Kinder Plateau Circular Walk- Peak District
Kinder Plateau Circular: A challenging and highly rewarding 19 mile route around the entire Kinder Plateau from Edale.
Isle of Purbeck Cycling Route – Dorset
Isle of Purbeck Cycling - from the stone ruins of Corfe Castle to the Jurassic Coast sea stack and stump of 'Old Harry Rocks’
5 Ilkley Moor Landmarks
15km Ilkley Hike - step back in time and explore some of the key locations that form a significant part of Ilkley’s history
The Cheshire Matterhorn Circular Walk – Tegg’s Nose, Peak District
On the edge of the Peak District National Park in Cheshire this walk includes several landmarks including Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Upper Derwent Valley Mountain Biking Route
This 20KM Upper Derwent Valley MTB Route is perfect for people who want an adrenaline-fueled bike ride in the Peak District National Park.
Hawnby Hill Crag Circular – North York Moors
Hawnby Circular Walk: Seize the day by discovering some of the finest views that the North York Moors has to offer.
Grassington Circular Walk
Starting and finishing in the village of Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales, this walk boasts a vast array of gems ready to discover.
Langstone Harbour Cycle Route – Hampshire
This flat circular cycle route is perfect for friends and families with children who are comfortable riding for a couple of hours.
Old Winchester Hill Nature Reserve Run
An SSSI, a National Nature Reserve and a Dark Sky location, it’s no surprise that Old Winchester Hill is a firm favourite
Three Edges Run – Peak District
Great running on the three Edges, over boulders with views that make the climbs worth the effort!
Padley Gorge Walk – Hope Valley
The whole family will love this circular walk around Padley Gorge in Hope Valley, Peak District
Harting Downs Circular Walk
The views from Beacon Hill and Harting Downs are some of the best on the South Downs Way on this lovely circular walk
Deepdale and Magpie Mine Walk – Derbyshire
Appreciate the beauty of the wildflowers of Deep Dale and explore the buildings and ruins of Magpie mine in the Peak District short walk
Cissbury Ring Circular Walk
This scenic Sussex walk is best done at dawn or dusk - you’ll likely have Cissbury Ring all to yourself with panoramic views of the South Downs
Box Hill Circular Walk – Surrey Hills AONB
Box Hill, part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers a number of walking routes along the North Downs Way, just outside London.
Devils Dyke Walk – South Downs
This circular scenic walk around Devil’s Dyke has plenty of dramatic landscapes of the South Downs, and countryside views.
Cuckmere Haven Sunrise Walk – South Downs
Cuckmere Haven Walk - this cliff walk is the perfect place watch the sunrise. Find out more about this dramatic walk with OS Champion, May!
Birling Gap Walk – Beachy Head
Birling Gap Walk, Beachy head with OS Champion May Cheung - this walk passes two lighthouses and a trig pillar!
Malham Cove Walk
The 70m high, dramatic limestone cliff of Malham Cove is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ top natural wonders and a gentle walk around here is the perfect showcase of the beauty of Yorkshire.
Seven Sisters Cliff Walk
Seven Sisters Walk - South Downs - one of England’s most iconic coastal routes just a short bus ride from Eastbourne Station
Dragon’s Back Walk Chrome Hill – Peak District
Dragon's Back Walk up Chrome Hill in the heart of the Peak District. The scenery is lovely! Just don't wake the dragon!
Flamborough Lighthouse Walk – Yorkshire Coast
Seal spotting on a Flamborough Lighthouse Walk, this headland is known for being one of the most spectacular chalk cliffs in the UK
Chee Dale Stepping Stones Circular Walk
Chee Dale Stepping Stones: Lush, green, rolling countryside, a 200ft craggy limestone gorge, an abandoned quarry & historical lime kilns
Butser Hill Circular Run, South Downs
Butser Hill part of the South Downs Way - this run is undulating with short uphills to push yourself then recover on the downs.
Alport Castles Circular Route – High Peak
A circular walk to the impressive Alport Castles with its towers of rocks almost precariously standing tall in the valley
Blackstone Edge Mountain Bike Circular Route
Perfect for beginners - try this Blackstone Edge Mountain Bike Circular Route, 30 minutes of exhilarating fun!
New Forest Cycling Route from Burley to Bolderwood
New Forest Cycling Route: From Burley up through the wooded enclosures on the permitted gravel tracks to the deer sanctuary at Bolderwood
Paddleboarding the River Ure from Boroughbridge to Linton Lock
The River Ure from Boroughbridge to Linton Lock is the perfect place for a paddleboarding adventure on a warm spring and summer day.
Pen y Crug & Maen-du Well Walk
Take a walk up Pen Y Crug Hillfort - a historical and beautiful area with views of Bannau Brycheiniog
7 of the Best Shetland Walks
When visiting Shetland, you don’t struggle to find beautiful walks. Here are 7 of the Best Shetland Walks chosen by OS Champion Crystal Silver
3 Winter Wainwright Hikes: Lake District North Western Fells
Lake District North Western Fells Walks - a short walk, a medium walk and a long walk - great ideas for a hiking weekend in the Lakes!
Top 10 Injury Prevention Tips for Novice Hikers
Injury prevention for hikers, 10 practical tips from Physio and OS Champion Tom Troughton, for those dusting off their hiking boots or new to hiking
Outdoor Fitness with Purpose – Ditch the Gym and Protect Nature
It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters: moving our bodies, connecting with others, and caring for the world around us. We don't need a gym to do that!
What makes you a runner? My experience with Imposter Syndrome in running
What makes you a runner? OS Champion Crystal Silver talks openly about her imposter syndrome in running despite being an experienced marathon and ultra runner
Holme Chapel Loop – A Rochdale Adventure
Holme Chapel Loop: OS Champion Beth Craigen teamed up with Aspire 2 Inspire Communities for some essential navigation practice so they can help even more people to get outside.
Outdoorsy Christmas Gift Ideas from Ordnance Survey Champions!
Need some Christmas Gift Inspiration? Our OS Champions have picked out some great outdoorsy gift ideas for your adventure loving friends and family
8 Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in England, Scotland and Wales
8 Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in the UK! We share beautiful locations hand picked by SUP Expert Jo Moseley with top launch and safety tips
OS Test The Best Lightweight Head Torch – Silva Smini & Smini Fly
Our intrepid OS Champions review the NEW Smini Headtorch and Smini Fly Headtorch - take a look at their in depth reviews
Wild Swimming Safety – Keep safe whilst wild swimming
Wild Swimming Safety - Are you worried about trying wild swimming? Learn how to keep safe when wild wild swimming with our OS Champions
A ‘Wee Dook’ – Eco Adventuring with OS Champion Gee Jackson
Join OS Champion Gee Jackson as takes this brand new changing robe through it's paces in her Red Equipment Pro Change EVO review
Open Water Swimming in Llyn Padarn with the Suunto S Race Watch
Oen water swimming in Llyn Padarn with the Suunto Race S - OS Champion Liz Asad puts this waterproof smart watch to the test!
Malham Circular – A Day in’t Dales with the Suunto Race S
Malham Circular Walk - OS Champion Megan Rose has a day in the Yorkshire Dales testing out her brand new Suunto Race S GPS Watch
The Gritstone Trail – putting the new Suunto Race S to the test!
OS Champion and runner Emily Thompson puts the new Suunto Race S to the test on the Gritstone Trail.
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!
OS Test The Best: Lightweight Running Jacket
OS TEST THE BEST Lightweight Running Jacket: Mac In A Sac Venture Ultralite Running Jacket Review. Our OS Champions have been putting this new hiking and running jacket through its paces.
Frog Graham Round
The Frog Graham is a swim-run challenge involving over 40 miles of running over Lake District fells and swimming two miles across Bassenthwaite Lake, Crummock Water, Buttermere and Derwentwater. OS Champion Alex Staniforth tells us about the route and his experience of the Frog Graham Round.
Best places to paddleboard in the South West
OS Champion, Lisa Drewe, reveals her favourite wild places to paddleboard in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.
How to get into triathlon
OS Champion Sam Taylor-Frost is part of the GB Triathlon Team. She completed her first triathlon without being super fit or spending a lot of money on kit and you can do the same. Find out how to get into triathlon and give this multi-sport event a go.
10 best lochs in Scotland you must visit
From the island-rich Loch Maree and the secluded beaches of Loch Morar, OS Champion, Lisa Drewe, reveals her 10 best lochs in Scotland you must visit.
Areas of Natural Beauty
OS Champion, Anita Kerwin-Nye, set herself the challenge to visit all areas of natural beauty in England with her family. Here are 10 of her favourite areas including information on where to go and a recommended walk.
The Beacons Way
The Beacons Way is a 100-mile-long distance footpath, that transverses through the centre of the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales. OS Champion Tracy Purnell takes us on a whistle-stop tour of the top spots along the way.
Everything you need to know about Mountain Rescue
OS Champion, Emily Thompson, tells you everything you need to know about Mountain Rescue
Hill walking safety for beginners
OS Champion Phillipa Cherryson spends a day with the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team for some pointers on hill walking safety for beginners.
How to plan a horse riding route near you
OS Champion, Charlotte Ditchburn from the British Horse Society, explains where you can ride a horse and how to plan horse riding routes near you.
Bikepacking on an e-bike
OS Champion, Phillipa Cherryson, shares her newfound love for e-biking and offers some great advice on bikepacking on an electric bike.
Solo adventures
A lack of confidence, the thought of planning or a fear about what may happen, stops many of us from venturing out alone. OS Champion Alex Staniforth explores the benefits of solo adventures and offers his advice on how you can plan your own.
Best places to visit by train in the UK
OS Champion Fi Darby shares her favourite places in the UK to visit by train. From summits up Ben Nevis to wild swimming in Carbis Bay, there are thousands of amazing locations just a short walk from a train station.
The Ten Tors Challenge
The Ten Tors Challenge is an annual challenge organised by the British Army for young people to navigate the wilds of Dartmoor. It's a multi-day adventure that tests stamina, navigation and mental toughness - for both the participants and the volunteer. We speak to OS Champion Fi Darby about her experience.
Walk to School Week
For whatever reason, we have got into the habit of driving our kids to school, even if it is only half a mile away. OS Champion Glyn Dodwell gives us 10 great reasons why we should walk them to school instead. Celebrate Walk to School Week and challenge yourself to leave the car at home.
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.
Life of an OS Surveyor
Ordnance Survey field surveyor and GetOutside Champion David Finlayson reveals what it's like to help map out Great Britain and how this work contributes to much more than OS leisure maps.
Top 10 lost lanes in the West Country
OS #GetOutside Champion and cycling guidebook author, Jack Thurston, takes us on a journey along his ten favourite lost lanes in the West Country.