25 Powerful, ScienceâBacked Reasons to Start Hiking Today
Outdoor Adventures AwaitâŚ
Editor’s Choice: Unlock the Outdoors – Expert Hiking, Cycling and Trail Running Advice –Â Inspiring Stories to Fuel Your UK AdventuresÂ
The Real Reason Kids Hate Rainy Walks (And What Parents Can Change)
Take a Walk in the Filming Locations of Wuthering Heights (2026)
Fun Outdoor Kids Activities: Route Planning & Navigation Challenge
Mapping Memories: Adventures Among Britainâs Ancient Stones
Inspiration to Get Outside
Here, you will discover inspiration and guidance for all kinds of outdoor adventures, including for those beginning their journey, featuring beginner hiking guides, paddleboarding advice, and a wide array of other outdoor pursuits! We also share expert reviews of outdoor and hiking gear from our OS Champions and industry specialists.
Mountain Rescue Advice: How to Stay Safe in Boggy, Wet and Cold Conditions
Stay safe on your next wet weather hike with mountain rescue advice. Learn how to navigate bogs and conditions effectively.
Ticks on Dogs: What UK Walkers Need to Know About Lyme Disease
Ticks on dogs can lead to serious health issues. Understand their impact and how to keep your dog safe outdoors.
Hiking in Scotland vs Hiking in England & Wales â Key Winter Navigation Differences
Learn about the intricacies of navigation and hiking in Scotland and how it differs from hiking further south – expert advice from Mountain Rescue
We recognise women have different needs when exploring outdoors
Women, especially from low income and diverse backgrounds face unnecessary barriers to getting out into nature and adventuring outside. Weâre tackling that, with expert advice, inspirational stories and practical tips.
Build your confidence with our outdoor knowledge hub
Learning to read a map (paper or on your phone) is a fundemental skill if you want to explore safely and confidently outdoors. In our outdoor training hub we have lots of practical advice and tutorials for building your confidence outside.
Find Your Path: Outdoor Adventure Guides
Discover your next UK hiking guide, trail run, or cycling route with our inspiring route guides. Each route guide includes downloadable GPX files for easy navigation with OS Maps. Youâll find step-by-step instructions, parking tips, and top recommendations to enhance your experience.
Paddleboarding on the River Stour – Cattawade to Dedham
Paddleboarding on the River Stour with OS Champion Natasha Sones. Natasha takes us on a paddle route from Cattawade to Dedham
Rydal Caves
âA must visit! Sat between Ambleside and Grasmere, Rydal is home to the extensively photographed Rydal Cave
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.
EXPLORE THE
OS Shop
We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooksâ¨so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
Go to the shopShop Paper Maps at OS!
Popular categories
Your starting point for exploring different outdoor activities
OS Champions
Insights and stories from our seasoned outdoor champions
British National Parks
Our UK National Parks exist to enable everyone to enjoy getting outside into unspoilt nature and to preserve the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife for future generations.
Choose a National Park from the list below or use the interactive map to start planning a National Park adventure.
EXPLORE WITH
OS Maps
Get more from the outdoors with OS Maps. Whether youâre planning a mountain hike, taking the kids for a woodland bike ride, or looking to discover a new local adventure, OS Maps helps you explore with more confidence.
Discover thousands of ready-made routes from outdoor experts; view & download maps directly to your phone, or print from your computer.
With trusted mapping, route planning tools & features, created by Ordnance Survey; OS Maps helps you make the most of your time outside.
EXPLORE THE
OS Shop
Ordnance Survey are the experts in mapping. Shop our selection of UK Maps for hiking, walking and your next outdoor adventure. Plus don’t miss our selection of essential walking guidebooks.
Whether you’re exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the UK’s National Parks or enjoying a serene coastal getaway, our paper maps are your indispensable travel companion.
Go to the shop
Free wallpaper download
Brighten up your desktop, mobile or video call background with free downloads featuring Britain’s amazing landscapes.
