National Map Reading Week
6th to 12th July 2026
Your Passport to Great Britain
This National Map Reading Week, discover how map reading can help you explore more of Great Britain. Whether you’re planning a family staycation, a countryside walk or a day out somewhere new, understanding a map gives you the confidence to go beyond the obvious and uncover places you might otherwise miss.
With more people choosing to holiday closer to home, there has never been a better time to build your navigation skills. Reading a map helps you find new routes, discover hidden gems and make the most of every adventure, while staying safe and self reliant outdoors.
Start your map reading journey today and gain the confidence to explore further.
Map Reading Guides
Learn to map read for free with these guides from National Map Reading Week, which aims to inspire people of all ages and interests to get outside, find adventure and make memories. Reading a map can take you off the main paths and discover new places – we’re here to help you learn how!
Map reading quiz
Map reading guides
Map reading for beginners
Do you know what contour lines are? Can you use a basic compass? Would you like to know how you can measure distance on a map? Our collection of beginner’s map reading guides will help get you started in no time.
Advanced map reading skills
Already got the basics but want to improve your navigation in difficult situations? Learn how to pinpoint your location when lost and read contours to identify the terrain. Check out our advanced map reading guides.
Remember
It’s recommended you carry a paper map as a back up to any digital mapping on your device.
EXPLORE THE
OS Shop
We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
Go to the shopMap reading for kids
Instil a love of the outdoors that will last a lifetime. From toddlers to teenagers, teaching children about maps at any age will set them up for future adventures and keep them safe. Our extensive range of map reading guides especially for kids will help.
Map reading skills for children
More on map reading
Map symbols
Do you know what every symbol, line and colour means on an OS Map? This guide to map symbols will help you understand a map, where you can go and what you can do there.
Teaching resources
Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, take a look at our Education Resources for project ideas and teaching aids, plus find games to play in our fun MapZone area.
OS Maps how to guides
Check out our 10-part how-to video guides for everything you need to know about using OS Maps.
OS Maps digital
Get on and offline access to all 607 leisure maps in the palm of your hand and choose from hundreds of thousands of routes or create your own.
Map reading fun
Help kids learn more about the outdoors and become a map reading expert the OS Kids Adventure Book.
Packed full of fun puzzles and challenges to keep them entertained for hours. This book is perfect for kids aged eight and older and helps take map reading offline.
