Maps

Which maps are best for walkers?
Which Ordnance Survey maps cover our area?
Where can I get discount on maps or obtain a personalised map?
Where can I hire maps?

The best and most comprehensive walkers’ maps of Britain are the 1:25 000 scale Ordnance Survey Explorer series in orange covers published by the national mapping agency,  Ordnance Survey (OS). They include a range of geographical features and landmarks at a high level of detail, including field boundaries, heights shown as contours and “spot heights”, railway stations and tram stops. They also show rights of way (except in Scotland), permissive paths, other footpaths and tracks, many long distance paths, off-road cycle paths, open access land, locations of shorter circular walks and nature trails, information centres, viewpoints, picnic sites, visitor attractions and many other useful features. Explorers have now entirely replaced two previous 1:25 000 series, Pathfinder and Outdoor Leisure maps.

Explorer maps have recently been re-designed to show new access land opening up under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act in England and Wales, and the new design is being introduced region by region, with a yellow top right corner and a brown and white circular Access logo on the cover.

Ordnance Survey Landranger maps (1:50 000) in pink and silver covers also include rights of way and permissive routes, major long distance paths, cycle routes and selected tourist attractions, but show less detail and exclude field boundaries; OS are now marketing them as maps for planning days out rather than navigating on the ground. Many experienced walkers find them adequate, however, especially in more open countryside, and since they cover a larger area long distance walkers may need fewer sheets.

Landranger maps (1:50 000) for our area are listed in the table below:

For more information about maps of adjacent areas including the rest of the North York Moors National Park, visit the Ordnance Survey website.

Personalised maps
 It is possible to order a personalised map from the OS (1:50 000 or 1:25 000), choosing where you wish the centre of the map to be located.

Discount on maps
Maps are widely available from bookshops, websites and local retailers. Earn a 10% discount with free postage and help the Ramblers by buying from Aqua3 maps using this link. We receive a 10% donation for every map sold this way. They stock the full range of Ordnance Survey maps, plus A-Z street maps and some overseas maps, in either standard paper or coated weatherproof versions. 

Click here for more information about printed and digital maps.

Map hire
Ramblers members can hire OS Explorer and Landranger maps, many in weatherproof versions: see the map library order form.

 

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