Which map scale is best for me?

To gain the most from the great outdoors, make sure you get the right map for your activity.

Walking / Hiking: - 1:25,000 scale Explorer map. Especially when hiking it is important to know the terrain you are entering, a 1:25,000 scale allows you to plan your route as safely and accurately as possible.

Mountain Biking: - 1:25,000 scale Explorer map. Although a 1:50,000 should be accurate enough. If you are planning to go on particularly rough

and potentially dangerous terrain, we would recommend you use the 1:25,000 for optimum safety and accuracy.

Family Cycle Riding: - 1:50,000 scale Landranger map would be sufficiently detailed for a family bike ride as it shows all the roads, country lanes and byways that are ideal for family days out.

Map Scale Explained

1:25k scale Explorer Map

These maps are ideal for use by people needing great detail on their maps as they show contours at 5m intervals, field boundaries, good path detail within wooded areas, and detail on building layouts - all of which can make a difference for precision navigation. Typical users might be hikers, mountain bikers and climbers who need this very specific information.

1:50k scale Landranger Map

These maps are designed for people who don't need such specific detail, and who are comfortable with contours at 10m intervals, and don't need to see field boundaries or specific detail on building layouts. Typical users might be cyclists, horse riders, or those simply planning a general path.