When it comes to navigating the great outdoors, choosing the right map can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning a scenic countryside walk, a mountain trek, or a long-distance cycling route, Ordnance Survey GB offers a range of maps tailored to different activities. From the highly detailed OS Explorer maps to the broader coverage of OS Landranger and the route-specific Pathfinder guides, each map serves a unique purpose. In this guide, we’ll compare these options to help you choose the best Ordnance Survey GB map for your adventure.

OS Explorer Maps: The Ultimate Choice for Walkers and Hikers

If you’re looking for a map that provides the most detailed information, OS Explorer maps are the ideal choice. These maps are designed for walking, hiking, and off-road cycling, offering an incredible level of detail.

Key Features:

• Scale: 1:25,000 (4 cm = 1 km)
• Details Included: Footpaths, bridleways, open access land, field boundaries, and contour lines
• Best for: Hikers, walkers, trail runners, and mountain bikers exploring remote or intricate landscapes

OS Explorer maps from Ordnance Survey GB show minor paths and small terrain changes, making them perfect for those who love venturing off the beaten track. They also highlight landmarks, campsites, and pubs—handy for planning breaks during your journey.

OS Landranger Maps: Ideal for Longer Distance Travel

For those covering greater distances, whether by car, bike, or on foot, OS Landranger maps provide a broader view of the landscape. These maps are excellent for planning longer hikes, road trips, or cycling tours.

Key Features:

• Scale: 1:50,000 (2 cm = 1 km)
• Details Included: Major roads, railways, long-distance trails, and large geographical features
• Best for: Cyclists, road trippers, and hikers covering large areas

Unlike the Explorer series, OS Landranger maps from Ordnance Survey GB do not include field boundaries or small footpaths, making them less suited for navigating intricate hiking routes. However, their wide coverage means fewer map sheets are needed when traveling long distances.

OS Pathfinder Guides: Pre-Planned Routes for Easy Navigation

If you prefer to follow well-planned routes rather than plot your own, OS Pathfinder guides are an excellent choice. These books contain curated walking routes with step-by-step instructions, making them perfect for beginners or those exploring new areas.

Key Features:

• Scale: Varies, but usually includes detailed maps and descriptions
• Details Included: Pre-planned walking routes, distance, difficulty levels, and key landmarks
• Best for: Casual walkers, families, and those who prefer guided routes

With OS Pathfinder guides from Ordnance Survey GB, you don’t need to spend time researching or planning your own route. These guides include everything from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, ensuring there’s an option for everyone.

How to Choose the Right OS Map for You

Ask Yourself These Questions:

1. What activity am I doing?

   • For detailed hiking trails: OS Explorer
   • For long-distance cycling or road trips: OS Landranger
   • For easy-to-follow pre-planned walks: OS Pathfinder

2. How much detail do I need?

   • If you need to see small footpaths and terrain details, go for OS Explorer.
   • If you need a larger overview without too much detail, OS Landranger is better.

3. Do I want to plan my own route or follow a pre-made one?

   • If you love mapping your own trails, stick with Explorer or Landranger.
   • If you prefer ready-made routes, Pathfinder guides are perfect.

Combining Digital and Paper Maps

Many outdoor enthusiasts use a combination of paper and digital maps for navigation. Ordnance Survey GB offers the OS Maps app, which provides GPS tracking, offline map downloads, and interactive route planning. While the app is a great tool, carrying a paper map is always a smart backup in case of low battery or poor signal.

Final Thoughts

No matter your outdoor activity, Ordnance Survey GB has the right map for your needs. OS Explorer maps are best for detailed hiking adventures, OS Landranger maps are ideal for long-distance travel, and OS Pathfinder guides provide expertly curated walking routes. By selecting the right map, you can explore the outdoors with confidence, knowing you have reliable navigation at your fingertips.

Before setting off on your next adventure, visit Ordnance Survey GB to find the perfect map and make the most of your journey!