Ordnance Survey

Ordnance Survey (OS) is the national mapping agency for Great Britain.

OS founded GetOutside, to help more people to get outside more often. Whether it’s close to home, or exploring part of the UK you haven’t been before, the aim is to inspire people to live an active, outdoor lifestyle which can help you to live longer, stay younger and enjoy life more.

GetOutside is for everyone who wants to be more active, but doesn’t know where to start, or thinks that outdoor activity is just too complicated, expensive or out of reach.

Through the GetOutside Website, GetOutside App and Getoutside Champions, Ordnance Survey are engaging, educating and inspiring people to take that first step towards a more active outdoor lifestyle, shifting perceptions and driving real behavioural change.

Craghoppers is proud to support their OS GetOutside Champions with technical outdoor gear – from BlueSign Approved waterproofs to fleeces made from recycled plastic bottles, our gear ensures you are ready and comfortable for any adventure!

The GetOutside app is a great place to start to give you ideas for activities, destinations and free things to do outside.

To download it and to find out more about the GetOutside initiative, visit https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/

Laura Owen Sanderson

Harrison Ward

David Mellor

What do you enjoy about being an OS GetOutside Champion?

Laura: I enjoy connecting with the other GetOutside champions learning new skills and I love being able to share my passion for conservation and wild swimming with a wider audience to encourage them to get outside.

What’s your favourite piece of Craghoppers kit and why?

Harrison: I would say my Cargo/Kiwi Shorts. I often favour shorts to trousers in most conditions. I like having that extra freedom and opportunity to stretch the legs over obstacles as well as keeping cool on a hike. They are especially great when crouching down so much in front of my camping stove.

What would you say to those who are thinking about getting outside and exploring the great outdoors?

Harrison: Stop thinking and start doing. We spend so much of our lives; wishing, procrastinating and planning. The outdoors should be our fallback not our future proposal. It is available to us all and can be enjoyed with minimal equipment in the early stages. Grab an OS map, look for your nearest green space and have an explore. Walking, running and cooking can be done in all natural areas, use them as an introduction. If they are enjoyed then perhaps try your hand at hiking, swimming, climbing in the outdoors or even something more extreme.

What’s your top tip for reading a map?

David: My top tip for reading a map is to try to remember that a map is a 2D representation of a 3D landscape. As such, try to visualise the shape of the land on your map by studying the contour lines. This will give you a much better idea of what lies ahead. Also, if you have kids, involve them in map reading and route planning. Nothing says adventure like a 6 year old in charge of the family’s navigation!