07/07/2026
Which map to choose?
🧭Pink Landranger Ordnance Survey (OS), 1:50,000 (1cm on map = 500m on the ground): less detail but good for long distance walks as each map covers twice as much area as the Explorer (below). However, it does not have the same level of detail as the Explorer (but that isn't always needed)
🧭 Orange Explorer OS, 1:25.000 (1cm on map = 250m on the ground): more detail than the Pink OS so can be good in areas where there are lots of fences and walls (which can be really useful navigation aids, as well as a pain to cross). Too much detail can make the map really busy though; and the map covers a smaller area that the Landranger.
🧭 Harvey, 1:25,000, 1:30,000 and 1: 40,000 scales: the connoisseurs' choice! Made by walkers for walkers, they are tough, durable and light. The maps are waterproof and the 1:40,000 version (pictured) fits in a pocket. There is lots of useful detail (e.g. scree and boggy areas) and the unnecessary detail found on the OS maps has been removed. However they don't cover the whole country and the 15m contour lines can take a bit of getting used to (apparently OS have copyrighted the 5m and 10m contour line convention?!)
What do you prefer? Comment below!
Whenever possible I go for a Harvey map, and if it's not, then most likely I'll use the OS Landranger. I recommend trying all of them to see what you prefer.
➡ Learn more about Harvey maps (as well as how to use them to navigate on and off paths) on the next Navigation Level 2 course in the Campsies.
➡ And learn about scales, map symbols, contour lines and how to get started with maps and a compass on a Navigation Level 1 course in Mugdock Park.
All upcoming dates: https://skylarkguiding.co.uk/navigation-course/
