child reading a map emma harrison

Emma Harrison

Meet Emma Harrison, nature lover, hiker and runner with a passion for getting her kids outside

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

I have always loved the outdoors and being active, it just makes you feel you can do so much more and I really appreciate the physical and mental benefits of just being outside.  I love to spend as much time as I can in the outdoors with my husband and two children, whether that be hiking, biking or camping.  I really want the children to truly see the beautiful countryside where we live and to appreciate and respect nature.  I want them to be able to enjoy the freedom, space and time the outdoors gives you, a time to enjoy the simple joys, switch off and recharge. I am also a keen runner, which usually involves loads of mud, as it gives me moments in the outdoors in amongst the busy days of family life. 

Kids on a wall in the mountains - emma harrisson 1

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

We are often found hiking in the Peak District as it is our nearest National Park, we have are on our second OL1 as my first (very) old paper copy wore out!  I also love Northumberland as being from the area I have many happy memories exploring the peace and remoteness of The Cheviots and the beautiful coast line.  We also enjoy the South West Coast path and never tire of the stunning sea views.

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?

We head out whatever the weather and always take a picnic so a picnic blanket is always in the rucksack!  I absolutely love this as while we eat out our picnic we can look to see where we are and all the places we have been!

Ordnance Survey Peak District Picnic Blanket

I also really love to pour over  maps and am trying to share that love and map skills with the children so a compass and map are essentials for a day on the hills.

Silva Expedition 4 Compass

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Our social media shares our little adventures @justanormalmum_
We also have our blog where we share some our favourite hikes and  adventures www.justanormalmum.com

Read more

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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A beginners guide to understanding map contour lines

June 5, 2022
2 min read

Learn the use and meaning of contour lines on a map and understand how to use them to when you’re out and about or planning routes. Understanding contours will improve your map reading skills.

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8 Epic Lake District walks you need to do

July 30, 2017
5 min read

It’s no secret that the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in England with some epic walks to boot. Walker and cyclist Jamie Knop has listed eight of the most epic Lake District walks you need to tick off your bucket list.