Get Into Walking & Hiking with OS Maps this month!
National Walking Month takes place every May in the UK. The aim is to encourage people to walk more to improve mental and physical health. The weather is perfect for adventuring in May. Why not use National Walking Month as inspiration to start exploring with the help of OS Maps and Ordnance Survey maps and guidebooks.
If your hiking boots have been gathering dust in the garage for years, it’s time to get them out. Perhaps you’ve lacked the confidence to try hiking or you’re itching to go a bit further afield than your usual local stroll, our inspiring and educational articles can guide you.
Learn how to use the OS Maps App to find the best hiking routes. Read our advice from Mountain Rescue teams on staying safe in the hills and mountains of the British Isles and our essential hiking tips. This way, you and your family and friends can fully enjoy the great outdoors this summer. It’s possible no matter what the weather is like.
How to get involved and walk more in National Walking Month
- Set walking goals: Challenge yourself to walk a certain distance or steps each week. Make walking part of your daily routine.
- Track your progress: Use a fitness tracker or app to monitor your steps and distances. Seeing your progress can be very motivating.
- Set rewards: Treat yourself to something special when you reach your walking goals, like a favorite snack or a new book.
- Try #Try20: Take on the Living Streets challenge to walk or wheel for 20 minutes daily.
- Explore locally: Discover hidden gems and scenic routes in your area during National Walking Month – use our OS Maps app to find routes.
- Mix up your routes: Explore different paths and areas to keep your walks interesting and prevent boredom – you can find 1000’s of walks and filter by length and skill level in our OS Maps App.
- Attend events: Join guided walks, tours, and outdoor fitness classes organised in your town or city.
- Join walking groups: Participate in group walks hosted by local clubs for a social and supportive experience.
- Buy a guidebook for your local area – we have a huge range of walking guidebooks especially for beginners
- Walk with a friend: Having a walking buddy can make the activity more enjoyable and keep you accountable.
- Listen to music or podcasts: Make your walks more entertaining by listening to your favorite tunes or interesting podcasts and audio books.
- Share on social media: Post pics from your walks to inspire others and connect with fellow walkers – why not start with our Instagram page – @ordnancesurvey.
- Join virtual challenges: Participate in online walking challenges or competitions to stay motivated and connect with others.
- Participate in challenges: Join walking challenges to stay motivated.
- Make it a habit: Schedule your walks at the same time each day to build a routine.
- Use walking as a break: Take short walking breaks during work or study sessions to refresh your mind and body.
- Incorporate walking into errands: Walk to the store, post office, or other nearby places instead of driving.
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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 shopShare Your Walking Adventures #ordnancesurvey
Ordnance Survey is Great Britain’s national mapping agency, we are the experts in getting people outside. Join us this summer for an epic adventure in the countryside, hills and mountains of the British Isles! Tag us in your adventures @ordnancesurvey for your chance to be featured.