Best Ordnance Survey Landranger map

Published on Tuesday 24 February 2009 18:38

IT'S relatively easy to get around with a road map, but to get the most from an area, get an Ordnance Survey map. The first were created in the early 18th century for military purposes and by 1841, the Ordnance Survey Act gave the surveyors a legal right of entry to all lands for the purpose of mapping.

This means Britain has the finest, most accurate maps in the world, and the Landranger series has long been fondly pored over by cyclists, walkers and visitors looking to explore our country and its heritage. Here are five favourites.

1. OS 59, ST ANDREWS AND KIRKCALDY: Encompassing most of Fife from Tentsmuir Forest and nature reserve in the north- east to Kirkcaldy in the west. This map shows the Fife Coastal Path, including the exciting chain walk from Earlsferry to Elie. Follow the coast round and marvel at the names of offshore features such as: Blind Capul, Pans Goat and Cuttskelly. Head inland for Craigtoun Park – great fun for all the family – or go to grid reference 569 089 to discover Scotland's Secret Bunker.

2. OS 41, BEN NEVIS: Probably the most popular OS map of all time as it covers not only our highest mountain but also Glencoe. Just looking along the line of the Aonach Eagach ridge on the North side of Glencoe makes you realise what a daunting challenge it would be. However, there are some easier walks on this map, notably the best part of the West Highland Way – from the King's House Hotel, via the Mamores, to Fort William. Then at grid reference 021 635 you find the Corran Ferry which takes you over to my next map.

3. OS 40, MALLAIG AND GLENFINNAN: Covering an enormous area – Ardgour, Sunart and the beginnings of Ardnamurchan in the south to Morar and the Rough Bounds of Knoydart in the north – this is another spot where an OS map is essential. Off the beaten track, often with no road access at all, this is Scotland at its best. With relics relating to Prince Charlie, caves and castles, viaducts and Morag the monster of Loch Morar, weeks could be spent exploring this area before dropping down to Arisaig in the west for some of the best beaches and views out to Eigg, Rhum and Skye.

4. OS 15, LOCH ASSYNT: Open this map out and see just how much of this remote land of ours is made up of water, river, lochs and lochans – it also includes Scotland's highest waterfall, Eas a Chual Aluinn (grid reference 281 278) above Loch Glencoul. Then there's Scotland's famous "sugar loaf" mountain, Suilven, and working south from there, Inverpolly nature reserve with its scenic but very winding road, and then on to Achiltibuie with its beaches at Achnahaird, its Hydroponicum and Ben More Coigach. This provides a fitting viewpoint out to the Summer Isles of Tanera More, Tanera Beg and Horse Island – so called because the weather nearly always look better out towards them than it does on the mainland.

5. OS 36, GRANTOWN AND CAIRNGORM: From the River Spey, one of our most famous salmon rivers, to the Cairngorm Mountains, this map has something for everyone: Abernethy and Rothiemurchus forest, teeming with wildlife (and cycle tracks); the RSPB centre at Boat of Garten where you can view the Ospreys on their nest; the steam railway that runs from Aviemore to Boat of Garten for Railway buffs. The there's Loch Morlich with its water sports and forest walks and Loch an Eilen with its castle; a reindeer herd to visit and Landmark centre at Carrbridge to entertain the children (big and small!); the funicular railway at Cairngorm, skiing and endless walking and climbing, I could go on and on – but why not just pick up a map and find out for yourself?