Keeping On The Right Track

Ordnance Survey Explorer Active Maps: A review By Melanie

There is not a walk I take in the Lakes  (English Lake District) without my older version of these maps. I have one for each of the four areas of the Lakes and also one of the Howgills.

Grid Reference: NW 318202 (OL4 map)

I've had these maps for close to 12 years and I would not be without them. The detail on this larger scale map (1:25 000, or 4cm to 1km) as compared to the Landranger series is outstanding.  They detail visible tracks on the ground and not just footpaths and bridleways, walls are marked making for easier navigation, and little points of interest such as smaller quarries, peaks, cairns and buildings are marked.

A detailed look at these maps may reveal to you a location, not often photographed before Taken from 'the pile of stones' Grid Ref: SD 261833 (OL6 map)

The waterproof covering not only protects the map from the elements it makes them durable adding years to their useful life. You can outline your planned route with a non-permanent marker and wipe it off afterwards. They are more expensive than the non-weatherproof version, but if it's an area you explore often you will save on not having to buy another.
I often sit on mine to protect me from wet ground, have used one to help provide shelter from a blizzard and they work well to shade the lens from the sun.

The only downside to them is the size making them a little unwieldy in windy conditions. My earlier versions from 12 years ago cover a smaller area and are easier to manage.