There are thousands of walking books out there—many of them filled with routes you’ll never use, or directions you’ll second-guess halfway through the trail. But Ordnance Survey doesn’t just publish guidebooks. They craft walking companions with actual clarity, top-tier mapping, and routes worth repeating.
From gentle strolls to rewarding hill climbs, the OS walking guidebook range covers a huge variety of UK landscapes—without overwhelming you with filler. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just stretching your legs for the first time this season, there’s a perfect book for how (and where) you want to walk.
Summary
- OS Pathfinder Walking Guidebooks: Classic full-length walks with detailed maps
- OS Short Walks Made Easy: Simple routes under 5 miles for beginners and families
- OS Pathfinder Short Walks: 20+ circular routes, usually 2–6 miles, per book
- OS Outstanding Walks: Handpicked, scenic trails across the UK
- OS Accessible Walking Routes: Inclusive paths suitable for all abilities
→ Explore the full OS guidebook collection here
OS Pathfinder Walking Guidebooks: The Trusty Classic
If you’ve ever bought a walking book that left you confused mid-hike, this is the antidote. OS Pathfinder Walking Guidebooks offer 28 carefully planned routes per book—each with full-colour OS mapping and local insight.
What it is: A collection of regional guidebooks featuring longer, circular walks from 4 to 10 miles.
Why it works: These are designed for proper walkers. The directions are clear, the terrain is varied, and the maps are exactly what you’d expect from Ordnance Survey.
Pros:
- Includes elevation profiles
- Waterproof cover options available
- Great for discovering new parts of the UK
Cons:
- Not ideal for very short or easy walks
OS Short Walks Made Easy: Beginner-Friendly and Scenic
Not every adventure needs to involve scaling peaks. The Short Walks Made Easy series is built for gentle days out.
What it is: A guidebook range focused on routes under 5 miles, designed for beginners, families, or those returning to walking.
Why we like it: You still get proper OS-quality mapping and scenery—but without strenuous climbs or confusing terrain.
Pros:
- Routes under 5 miles
- Easy terrain, minimal navigation stress
- Perfect for weekend strolls or short getaways
Cons:
- Might not challenge experienced hikers
OS Pathfinder Short Walks: Sweet Spot for Casual Ramblers
This series takes the full-size Pathfinder experience and trims it down. OS Pathfinder Short Walks are ideal for those who want variety without committing to a full-day trek.
What it is: Each book contains around 20 circular walks between 2 and 6 miles.
Why it works: It’s a balance of effort and reward. Enough to feel accomplished, but still leaves you time for lunch and a pub stop.
Pros:
- Perfect half-day options
- Circular routes with reliable signage
- Good mix of country lanes, fields, and woodlands
Cons:
- Some regions may be more scenic than others
OS Outstanding Walks: Handpicked Highlights
Looking for routes with that extra bit of magic? The Outstanding Walks series is where OS gets a little bit picky—in a good way.
What it is: A curated collection of the UK’s most visually striking and satisfying walks.
Why we recommend it: These aren’t just functional. They’re memorable. From dramatic cliffs to quiet valleys, every walk earns its spot.
Pros:
- Photo-worthy views guaranteed
- Ideal for weekend trips
- Great for gifting
Cons:
- Fewer total routes per book compared to Pathfinder
OS Accessible Walking Routes: For Everyone, Everywhere
Mobility limitations shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying nature. OS Accessible Walking Routes makes sure they don’t.
What it is: Guidebooks with carefully researched routes that avoid steps, stiles, and rough paths—suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, or limited mobility.
Why we love it: These routes are thoughtfully designed and inclusively written. OS makes sure no one is left behind.
Pros:
- Clearly marked accessibility features
- Suitable for mixed-ability groups
- Includes surface type and facilities
Cons:
- Limited availability by region
Where These Fit in Real Life
The OS walking guides aren’t designed to sit unused on a shelf. They’re made for wet backpacks, glove compartments, and impromptu weekend plans. Whether you’re tackling a coastal trail, wandering a national park, or just looking for a manageable local loop, each book comes ready to support your pace—not dictate it.
Ordnance Survey builds these with clarity in mind. You get the right walk, the right map, and just enough context to feel prepared, not overloaded.
Why OS Stands Out
Ordnance Survey has been mapping the UK since the 18th century—but they haven’t stopped evolving. These guidebooks reflect that expertise, offering topographical accuracy, local knowledge, and designs meant for actual use. The branding is clean, the layouts are intuitive, and most importantly—every book feels trustworthy.
→ Shop the full Ordnance Survey guidebook range here
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right walking book can feel harder than choosing the route itself. OS solves that with a suite of well-organized, dependable, and beautifully produced guidebooks for every kind of walker. Whether you’re stepping back into walking or planning your next long-distance challenge, there’s an OS guide that fits like a well-worn boot.
FAQs
Are OS guidebooks suitable for solo walkers?
Yes. They’re clearly mapped and easy to follow—perfect for solo explorers.
Which guidebook is best for families?
Start with Short Walks Made Easy or Pathfinder Short Walks for lower distances and easier terrain.
Do these include elevation and difficulty levels?
Yes. Most OS guidebooks include gradient profiles and walk ratings.
Are the books waterproof?
Some editions come with splashproof covers, or you can use a map case for added protection.