Hiking

Find all of our top tips and advice for hiking in the UK. From essential hiking gear guides to fitness and safety in the mountains, the OS community is here to share our collective hiking expertise with you.

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Get to the Gym v Get Outside

December 10, 2024
2 min read

Why you should bin the gym and get outside instead if you want to boost your mental and physical wellbeing this winter

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The Benefits of Joining a Group

December 10, 2024
6 min read

Need Motivation to Get Outside? Find out all the amazing benefits of joining a group to help motivate you to get outside more!

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Christmas Walk Ideas & Inspiration!

December 10, 2024
9 min read

Christmas Walk Inspiration! Where will you go on your traditional Christmas or Boxing Day walk this year? We have 12 great ideas and 1000's more on our OS Maps App to try!

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No Excuses: Practical TIPS for Exercising in Winter

December 3, 2024
7 min read

Are you full of excuses when it comes to getting outside in winter? Read our list of top winter exercising tips to keep safe and get energised this winter

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Exploring Waterfalls with the Suunto Race S

November 26, 2024
5 min read

Lisa explores a beautiful waterfall route in North Wales while reviewing the new Suunto Race S GPS watch.

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Holme Chapel Loop – A Rochdale Adventure

November 24, 2024
4 min read

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.

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Walking in Snow

November 21, 2024
1 min read

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.

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Capturing Nature: Felicity Martin on Hiking, Photography and choosing a quieter life

November 6, 2024
10 min read

Felicity Martin, the author of Outstanding Walks in Scotland shares her hiking and photography tips and tells us about her new quieter life

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OS Test The Best Lightweight Head Torch – Silva Smini & Smini Fly

October 30, 2024
24 min read

Our intrepid OS Champions review the NEW Smini Headtorch and Smini Fly Headtorch - take a look at their in depth reviews

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Suunto Race S Review Lake District Molly Veitch

Hiking in the Lake District with the NEW Suunto Race S

October 28, 2024
5 min read

First time user of a GPS watch Molly Veitch reviews this popular new performance watch on her latest hike up Coniston Old Man

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Conwy Circular Walks

Conwy Circular Paths from the Wales Coast Path

October 23, 2024
8 min read

Conwy Circular Routes - Along this stretch of the Wales Coast Path, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the smallest church in Wales, marvel at the World Heritage Site of Conwy Castle.

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Denbighshire Circular Walks on the Wales Coast Path

October 22, 2024
6 min read

Denbighshire Circular Routes from the Wales Coast Path. Denbighshire may be the shortest section of the path but these circulars are packed with interest

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Glyndwr's Way National Trail Short Machynlleth Circuit aerial view

Glyndwr’s Way Circular Walks

October 22, 2024
3 min read

Glyndŵr’s Way is a 135-mile (217 km) long National Trail that meanders through the stunning landscapes of mid-Wales. From historic towns and open moorland to rolling farmland and enchanting woodlands, this trail is perfect for all nature lovers.

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Monday’s are for Mountains – meet Solo Hiker Claire Edwards

October 15, 2024
9 min read

A Life More Adventurous: meet Claire Edwards, a solo hiker who shares her story and some great advice and routes for anyone wanting to go it alone in the mountains

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Offas Dyke - Prestatyn Hillside

Circular Routes from the Offa’s Dyke Path by Rail

October 11, 2024
4 min read

Rail2Trail: Offa's Dyke Circular Walking Routes Accessible by Rail - we have a collection of 7 great short circular walks from Chepstow to Prestatyn!

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Winter Hiking Tips from Mountain Rescue – Staying Safe in the Dark

October 2, 2024
7 min read

As the days get shorter it's important to take extra precautions when getting outside. Mountain Rescue share their expert advice for staying safe in the dark.

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Let’s celebrate hills and mountains named after boobs!

September 26, 2024
6 min read

Hills named after Boobs! A list of hills and mountains in the British Isles that are named after or shaped like breasts...

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Which GPS device do you need?

September 24, 2024
3 min read

If you’re considering buying a GPS device, you’ll be probably be comparing dozens of models with hundreds of features. Here’s our guide to finding the best GPS. We look at handheld and wearable GPS devices for walking, hiking, running, cycling and off-grid adventures.

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How to Avoid Blisters When Hiking

September 20, 2024
6 min read

How to avoid blisters when hiking! Learn how to ensure you don't get a blister on your next hike

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Malham Circular – A Day in’t Dales with the Suunto Race S

September 10, 2024
3 min read

Malham Circular Walk - OS Champion Megan Rose has a day in the Yorkshire Dales testing out her brand new Suunto Race S GPS Watch

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Isle of Wight Coastal Walks: Our Top Picks in partnership with Wightlink

September 2, 2024
4 min read

Isle of Wight coastal walks. We share the route for the 70 mile coastal walk around the Isle of Wight and some great short Isle of Wight Walks

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VP OS Kate working on Crib Goch with Dragon's Back Race runners

Yr Wyddfa – Expert Route Guides

August 30, 2024
5 min read

Meet Kate Worthington, author of a fabulous new Eryri guidebook with 15 fantastic walks on and around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

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The Gritstone Trail – putting the new Suunto Race S to the test!

August 28, 2024
6 min read

OS Champion and runner Emily Thompson puts the new Suunto Race S to the test on the Gritstone Trail.

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Exploring Eryri: My 3-Day Solo Adventure with the Suunto Race S Watch

August 28, 2024
5 min read

With the Suunto Race S strapped to her wrist, Janire Denny-Arzalluz set off on a 3-day expedition over the Glyderau and Carneddau mountains... read her review of this exciting new performance watch.

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Yorkshire Three Peaks Hannah Collingridge - Penyghent

Yorkshire Three Peaks – Expert Route Guides

August 23, 2024
5 min read

Yorkshire Three Peaks Guide Book - 15 great walks in and around the iconic peaks of Pen-Y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside

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Kinder Scout Walks – Expert Route Guides

August 23, 2024
6 min read

Kinder Scout - discover 15 great routes up this iconic Peak District mountain. Meet Sarah Lister, author of this must have guide to Kinder Scout.

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Top Trigs – What’s Your Favourite Trig Point in the UK?

August 16, 2024
2 min read

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!

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Embracing Eco-Adventure: Sustainable Outdoor Pursuits in the UK

August 14, 2024
4 min read

Ordnance Survey Champion Isaac Kenyon will be exploring what an eco-adventure is, share best practices for eco-friendly outings, highlight destinations that prioritise sustainability, and offer tips for reducing your environmental footprint while exploring the great outdoors in the UK.

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Stunning Sunrise Views in Yorkshire

August 1, 2024
5 min read

Yorkshire's best sunrise views and dawn adventures, recommended by Ordnance Survey and Taylors of Harrogate.

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Mac In a Sac Venture Running Jacket

OS Test The Best: Lightweight Running Jacket

July 19, 2024
8 min read

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.

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Is Wild Camping Legal in England & Wales?

July 16, 2024
5 min read

Is wild camping legal in England and Wales and can you get into trouble wild camping? Read our advice and wild camping code

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Hiking Poles LEKI_Trekking_2023_©Adam Raja_11

Hiking Poles Guide – Everything you need to know about choosing the right walking poles!

July 9, 2024
9 min read

Hiking Poles - a complete guide to hiking poles including a look at all the main features and how to use hiking poles when walking

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Hiking Checklist

July 8, 2024
2 min read

There's a fine line between having the right equipment to keep you safe and comfortable on a walk and being so weighed down with unnecessary kit you'll struggle. Our hiking checklist will help you get kitted out with essential gear for a long day on the trail and tell you what to take on a walk.

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Beginners guide to choosing a GPS device

June 26, 2024
17 min read

Would you like to use a walking, running or cycling GPS device to make your outdoor activities easier, safer or more fun but don't know where to start? This GPS guide looks at different features and functions to help you choose a GPS device most suited to you.

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Hiking for Beginners – A Complete Guide

June 18, 2024
13 min read

Hiking for beginners, a complete guide to hiking safety, hiking fitness and the best UK Routes for beginners

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Mountain Safety in the Summer

June 17, 2024
10 min read

Mountain Safety: Ordnance Survey, Mountain Rescue England and Wales and the Met Office join forces to offer some great advice on summer safety in the mountains.

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Two walkers on a hill on an autumn day

Autumn Walking Guide

October 26, 2023
7 min read

As we get into autumn the clothing and equipment you need for walking and hiking changes too. Here's a guide handy guide on autumn walking gear

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Wet weather gear guide

October 20, 2023
8 min read

Don't get caught out by the rain, be prepared for your next walk with this wet weather gear guide.

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Summer gear guide for outdoor adventures

July 31, 2023
17 min read

IIn this summer gear guide, we ask the Ordnance Survey team about their best outdoor product for this summer and how it helps them enjoy their time outside.

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What is a Trig Pillar or Trig Point ?

April 18, 2023
3 min read

The trig pillar was first used in the retriangulation of Great Britain on 18 April 1936. With over 6500 built, they were vital in map making. Here's everything you need to know about trig pillars including 10 great trig point walks.

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Outdoor first aid: the basics

March 23, 2023
7 min read

Whatever adventure you decide to take, a basic knowledge of outdoor first aid will help keep you safe. Alistair Morris, Medical Director at Mountain Rescue England and Wales, explains how to deal with the most common outdoor injuries.

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Mountain Rescue Volunteers

Advice from Mountain Rescue

March 21, 2023
5 min read

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.

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Top urban hills that are worth the climb

Best Food for Hiking and Hill Walking

March 31, 2021
5 min read

Nutrition in the great outdoors: What do you need to know? Bought to you by GetOutside Champion Ben Turner - an MNU certified evidence-based nutritionist, level 4 Personal Trainer and avid adventure enthusiast.