Outdoors Training Hub
Get outside more with a massive collection of activities guides, safety tips, map reading skills, gear guides and useful links
Map Reading
Activities
Access
Gear
Places
Planning
Learning
Safety
ClubsWhy the outdoors matters
Regularly enjoying outdoor activities is linked to better physical and mental health. From a few moments contemplation in a green space to an epic trek with friends, we want everyone to be able to get outdoors more easily, more often. This collection of articles, posts and links is here to help you do that.
Use the navigation above to jump to a topic you are interested in, or just scroll down for inspiration.
Robert Louis Stevenson
It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.
Map Reading
Map reading is a fundamental skill for anyone looking to explore the outdoors (although we would say that!) Being able to understand what a map is telling you will allow you to discover new places and new adventures.
Beginners map reading
Learn the basics of map reading with this collection of articles covering scales, grid references, legends, contour lines, symbols.
This collection of articles, posts and links is here to help you do just that.
Advanced map reading
Know your map reading basics, but looking to improve your skills? Calculating relief, using back bearings and much more.
Compass skills
Get started with using a traditional compass. Escape from the tyranny of the GPS arrow!
Map Symbols
Learn to identify a right of way, a picnic spot or an excellent viewpoint with our guide to OS Map symbols and legends.
Grid References
Learn all about grid references, used to identify a specific place even without a name.
Outdoor Activities
Learn new skills or take up a new hobby with our collection of Beginner’s Guides written by experts
Access for all
Accessibility
The outdoors is for everyone.
Women Outdoors
Inspiring women to make the most of the outdoors.
Gear and Clothing
Get kitted up with outdoor gear advice and reviews
Wet weather gear guide
Don’t get caught out by the rain, be prepared for your next walk with this wet weather gear guide.
What to wear walking
You can wear almost anything out walking but having the correct clothes and shoes will keep you comfortable, warm and dry. Here’s a checklist of essential hiking clothes to answer that all important question
Hiking Poles Guide – Everything you need to know about choosing the right walking poles!
Hiking Poles – a complete guide to hiking poles including a look at all the main features and how to use hiking poles when walking
Places to Go
Finding inspiration for your next adventure
National Parks
Britain’s protected landscapes.
Adventures
Be inspired with adventure guides
Finding a route
How to search millions of routes in OS Maps
Creating a route
How to plan your own route in OS Maps
Long Distance Walks
National Trails and Great Trails include breathtaking long-distance paths.
Challenges
Learn about popular 24-hour challenge routes, like The Three Peaks
Planning a trip
How to plan for a day out or a longer break
OS Maps: Route Planning
How to get started using OS Maps to research areas, find routes, plan trips, find places of interest and print maps.
Guidebooks
From short walk to epic trails, guidebooks are a great way to plan a day trip or longer holiday.
Learning
Resources for teaching and outdoor education for children and adults
Mapzone
Mapzone is a learning zone OS has created for younger children. It presents key geography skills in a fun and interactive way.
Digimaps for Schools
Inspire pupils to be curious about the world with Digimap for Schools. Provides digital access to maps and resources for teaching Geography.
Youth Clubs
Learn outdoor skills with local youth clubs.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Aimed at youths from 14 to 24. the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme encourages children to take part in activities, learn new skills and support their local community by volunteering.
Often run through schools and community organisations, participants are challenged to bronze, silver and gold standards, often including navigation challenges and multi-day hikes.
Outdoor Qualifications
- Mountain Leader, for people looking to take groups into the mountains
- Lowland Leader, for those looking to lead walks in lowland areas
- Rock Climbing Instructor, for those looking to lead indoor and outdoor climbing groups
- British Canoeing Coach, for teaching and leading canoe, kayak, paddleboard and related activities
- ITC3 Outdoor First Aid
- NCFE Outdoor Activity Instructor, including bushcraft, cycling, paddlesports and more
- RYA, sailing and powerboating qualifications
Royal Institute of Navigation
The Outdoor Adventure Navigation Group (OAN) aims to bring together people who are interested in a whole range of outdoor adventure activities to share experiences and promote good navigational practices.
Open to individuals or groups who are active in any outdoor activity.
Safety
Your guide to staying safe outdoors
Advice from Mountain Rescue
Mountain Rescue England and Wales share their expert advice to help you stay safe outdoors. Find out how to plan ahead, stay safe on the hills and how to call Mountain Rescue in an emergency.
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.
Walking in Snow
With cold weather expected to hit Britain over the next few days, here’s a quick guide to walking in snow from hiker, snowboarder and OS GetOutside Champion Jonathan Elder.
Weather Safety
Check the weather so you can plan.
Safety Organisations
- Mountain Rescue
Volunteer teams aiding hikers on peaks across the England & Wales - Scottish Mountain Rescue
Mountain rescue with 26 teams across Scotland - Lowland Rescue
Volunteer teams assisting in popular lowland areas
RNLI
Emergency service for sea and coast
Clubs and Groups
Outdoor Organisations and Events
Clubs and Organisations
Find your tribe with these outdoor activity organisations.
- Ramblers – the national walking and advocacy group
- Sustrans – run the National Cycle Network
- Paddle UK – formerly British Canoeing
- Cycling UK – on and off-road cycling
- England Athletics – running clubs
- Parkrun – shorter runs in parks, open to all
- British Mountaineering Council – hiking and climbing
Outdoor Events
Some of the bigger outdoor events.
- Isle of Wight Walking Festival
- Crickhowell Walking Festival, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
- Ride London
- Great North Run, Newcastle
- ArdRock Mountain Biking, North Yorkshire
- Keswick Mountain Festival, Lake District
- National Outdoor Expo, Birmingham