OS Maps

[Anthony Micallef]

I would like to buy an OS map of my area, Barrowford (near Pendle Hill) for when I go walking. I am a little confused at the different types available and what scale is best. Can anyone give me some advice please?

 

[IamSam]

If you go to the link below you can have jour own map printed. For walking you should use the 1:25,000 scale as the level of detail is much better. Hope this is of some use to you.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/mapshop/index.html

Sam

 

[Toddy]

There are waterproof walkers maps available too for certain areas. Like these ones, again at 1:25,000 scale.

http://www.harveymaps.co.uk/acatalog/HARVEY_Superwalker.html

It is possible to get 1:10,000 scale maps too, but they are expensive

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[dommyracer]

"Standard practice" is to use Ordnance Survey Explorer 1:25,000

You can get laminated waterproof ones but I prefer a map case.

 

[woodwalker]

If you want to try out a few different scales or only need a map for a short period of time (i.e on holiday), try your local library. The larger ones especially should have a good selection of maps.

woodwalker

 

[ozymandias]

1:50k is a bit too small scale for most walkers, but good for check nav, and for a wider view of where you are- taking a resection to a distant churchtower etc. 1:25k has fieldboundaries marked and is generally much more useful...in my opinion worth spending a bit extra on the laminated version. will last you longer in the end, as not only do paper maps get wet, they can rip along folds.

 

[Spacemonkey]

By the time the well used map is fit for tinder, it is probably out of date anyway, so a good opportunity to buy a new one. I don't bother with mapcases or 'proofed maps. If it's raining i lean over to protect it, and I have OS maps that go back to my scouting days!!

 

[Toddy]

I've got a stash of old ones too, but I do like the new Walkers maps. The waterproofing is actually good but the physical size of the map is better than the old OS. I know they don't cover as wide an area, but the area that they do cover is generally ample for the day(s) out. I've been buying them as prezzies for HWMBLT for several years now. There wasn't much choice at the start, but he range is growing rapidly

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Spacemonkey]

You can see my 'out of date point' though? I have OS maps from not too long ago that show areas of wilderness that now contain housing estates....

"It were all fields around here when I were a lad, ya' know..."

 

[Adi]

If you go to the link below you can have jour own map printed. For walking you should use the 1:25,000 scale as the level of detail is much better. Hope this is of some use to you.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/mapshop/index.html

Sam

Firstly i would suggest you stay well away from these site centered maps for walking. They are not printed by OS. They are printed on a standard 120 GSM paper using standard inkjet inks. The scale is not guaranteed and many of the individual lines and thinks are printed to large/thick. They are not weather proof or UV stable and are designed to be hung on a wall and not used.

1:25000 mapping is not really needed for navigation in this country. 1:50000 is far more practical, giving excellent information for a large area of land.

 

[Toddy]

You can see my 'out of date point' though? I have OS maps from not too long ago that show areas of wilderness that now contain housing estates....

"It were all fields around here when I were a lad, ya' know..."

Oh definitely. But isn't it scary how your childhood disappears under suburban sprawl Lochans I walked and hunted round with my Dad, that were rich in waterfowl and plants are now under factories.
I'm an archaeologist, old maps are fascinating. They are wonderful social commentaries too and the details that were considered important enough to be measured and drawn tell us so much more than was ever intended.
Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Spacemonkey]

Oh definitely. But isn't it scary how your childhood disappears under suburban sprawl

Indeed, and i'm only 34....

 

[Toddy]

Ach you're just a young thing yet, I've got 14 years on you of watching the world disappear under tarmac, housing and *industrial estates*
I have to say though that as our major industrial base is dismantled the whole thing *seems* to be slowing down recently. Maybe a hopeful sign for the future?
Cheers,
Mary