Ordnance Survey Apps and Maps: Which Should Walkers Choose?
Whether you’re planning a gentle countryside stroll or a challenging mountain hike, reliable navigation is one of the most important parts of any walk. While smartphone technology has transformed how many people explore the outdoors, traditional paper maps remain an essential tool for walkers across the UK.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between Ordnance Survey maps and the Ordnance Survey app, the advantages of using each, and why many experienced walkers choose to carry both.
Why Ordnance Survey Maps Are Trusted by Walkers
For generations, Ordnance Survey has been the UK’s leading mapping authority. Its detailed maps are used by walkers, hikers, cyclists, mountain rescue teams and outdoor professionals to navigate safely across Britain’s countryside.
Whether you’re exploring well-known National Parks or discovering quieter local footpaths, Ordnance Survey maps provide detailed information that many digital alternatives simply can’t match.
They include:
- Public rights of way
- Footpaths and bridleways
- Contour lines and elevation
- Woodland and open access land
- Rivers, lakes and streams
- Parking areas
- Campsites
- Viewpoints
- Pubs and cafés
- Historic landmarks
Learning to read an OS map is one of the most valuable skills any walker can develop.
What Is the Ordnance Survey App?
The Ordnance Survey app brings official OS mapping to your smartphone or tablet, making it easier to plan routes, follow walks and navigate using GPS.
Key features include:
- Official Ordnance Survey mapping
- GPS location tracking
- Route planning
- Offline map downloads
- Saved favourite routes
- National Trail information
- Printable routes
Downloading maps before leaving home allows you to continue navigating even where mobile signal is limited.
Paper Maps vs the Ordnance Survey App
Many walkers ask whether they still need a paper map if they use the app.
The reality is that both have their strengths.
Advantages of Paper Maps
Paper maps:
- Never run out of battery
- Work without mobile signal
- Show large areas at a glance
- Help develop navigation skills
- Perform reliably in all weather when protected with a map case
Many experienced hill walkers still consider a paper map and compass to be essential equipment.
Advantages of the App
The OS Maps app offers several practical benefits:
- Shows your exact GPS location
- Makes route planning straightforward
- Easy to carry on your phone
- Great for discovering new walking routes
- Offline maps reduce reliance on mobile coverage
For many day walks, the app provides a convenient and reliable navigation tool.
Should You Carry Both?
For most walkers, the answer is yes.
Using the app for convenience while carrying a paper map as a backup gives you extra confidence if your phone battery runs low or poor weather affects your device.
This combination is particularly sensible when walking in remote countryside or on higher ground.
Which Ordnance Survey Map Do You Need?
The two most popular map series for walkers are Explorer and Landranger.
Explorer Maps
Explorer maps are produced at a scale of 1:25,000.
They show excellent detail, including:
- Individual footpaths
- Field boundaries
- Gates and stiles
- Open Access land
- Woodland
- Streams and smaller landscape features
Explorer maps are generally the preferred choice for walking and hiking.
Landranger Maps
Landranger maps use a scale of 1:50,000.
They cover much larger areas, making them ideal for:
- Longer-distance routes
- General trip planning
- Exploring several locations during one visit
Many walkers use Landranger maps when planning a trip and Explorer maps while navigating on the ground.
Using Ordnance Survey Maps in the Lake District
The Lake District offers some of England’s finest walking, but its mountains and valleys can present challenging conditions.
Popular routes such as Catbells are straightforward in good weather, while higher walks like Scafell Pike require careful planning and reliable navigation if cloud or mist reduces visibility.
Carrying accurate mapping helps you stay on your planned route and make better decisions if conditions change.
For more inspiration, see our Walking in the Lake District guide.
Using Ordnance Survey Maps in the Peak District
Although the Peak District is one of Britain’s most accessible National Parks, areas such as Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and the surrounding moorland can become surprisingly difficult to navigate in poor weather.
Open moorland often contains numerous intersecting paths, peat bogs and few obvious landmarks.
Whether you’re enjoying the Monsal Trail or tackling a full-day hike across Kinder Scout, reliable mapping is an important part of staying safe.
You can discover more routes in our Walking in the Peak District guide.
Navigation and Mountain Safety
Good navigation is one of the foundations of mountain safety.
Before setting off, always:
- Check the weather forecast
- Plan your route carefully
- Tell someone where you’re going
- Carry enough food and water
- Wear appropriate clothing
- Pack a fully charged phone
- Carry a paper map and compass
- Download offline maps before you leave
- Be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate
Technology is a fantastic aid, but it should never replace good judgement and proper preparation.
Where to Buy Ordnance Survey Maps and Apps
If you’re building your walking kit, official Ordnance Survey maps, Explorer and Landranger maps, and the OS Maps app are excellent investments for safer and more enjoyable days outdoors.
Whether you’re planning your first countryside walk or preparing for more challenging mountain routes, using official mapping helps you navigate with confidence.
Button: Visit OS to Buy Maps & Apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ordnance Survey maps better than Google Maps for walking?
Yes. Ordnance Survey maps are designed specifically for outdoor navigation and include public footpaths, contour lines, access land and other features that general mapping apps often don’t provide.
Do I need a paper map if I use the OS Maps app?
For shorter, low-level walks many people rely on the app alone. However, carrying a paper map is recommended for longer walks and remote areas in case your phone battery fails or conditions become difficult.
Can I use the Ordnance Survey app without mobile signal?
Yes. If you download your maps before setting off, you can continue using them offline with your phone’s GPS.
Which Ordnance Survey maps are best for walkers?
Explorer maps are generally the best choice for walkers because they offer greater detail, while Landranger maps are ideal for planning longer journeys and exploring wider areas.
Related Articles
If you’re planning your next adventure, these guides may also help:
- Walking in the Lake District
- Walking in the Peak District
- Mountain Safety in the Lake District
- Choosing Walking Boots
- Walking Boots vs Walking Shoes
- Top Winter Walking Tips
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer traditional paper maps, digital navigation or a combination of both, Ordnance Survey remains the gold standard for walking maps in the UK.
Learning to navigate confidently not only helps you discover new places but also makes every walk safer and more enjoyable. For most walkers, carrying both an official OS map and the OS Maps app provides the ideal balance of convenience, reliability and peace of mind.
As you explore destinations such as the Lake District, the Peak District and beyond, reliable navigation should always be an essential part of your walking kit.