i was wondering where the cheapest place to buy OS maps from, was? either in the virtual world or in the real world.....im off walking around wales in may and planned on buying the needed maps. if there are any "must do" walks in wales that you nice people know about id also like to hear about them aswell.

WH Smiths often do a three for two offer which is good value. Haven't really found any bargainous places on the internet which is a shame as OH wants the whole set (!).

I would reccomend Cadr Idris (South Snowdonia) for a beautiful walk, and the Mawdacch Estuary from Dolgellau to Abermaw.

They are often on loan from the library. Why not try there - can't get much cheaper than free.

They are often on loan from the library. Why not try there - can't get much cheaper than free.

i like the idea of free :) , but i dont think it would be fair for the next person who borrows the maps, as we have a habit of ripping/dropping them.

i like the idea of free :) , but i dont think it would be fair for the next person who borrows the maps, as we have a habit of ripping/dropping them.

The ones I've borrowed from the library before have been covered/laminated with a waterproof plastic coating - they're pretty difficult to tear or get wet! :)

WHSmith online are selling the pink 'uns for £5.59 at the mo, which is about the cheapest place I've seen them for a while.

Waterstones also sometimes do the 3 for 2, but haven't done for ages :(

Best maps are the larger scale maps, 1:25000, with broad orange stripe on the cover. BUT, they don't cover the whole country, just National Parks and other, well visited areas. Don't forget your compass!!!!!

Hi abagnall
I have 2 outdoor leisure maps of Snowdonia numbers 17 and 18 you can borrow if you want, also if you are going south numbers 11 and 13 covering the central and eastern area's of the Brecon Beacons.

Best maps are the larger scale maps, 1:25000, with broad orange stripe on the cover. BUT, they don't cover the whole country, just National Parks and other, well visited areas. Don't forget your compass!!!!!


They do cover the whole country now....I think it's been in the past couple of years that they've extended the coverage.

mardybum, they could be coated in concrete, locked in the pope mobile and guarded by a spell cast by both Merlin and Dumbledore, but we would still some how find a way to ruin them, we are just lucky like that! Alligin thanks very much for the offer, but id feel even more guilty if a ruined yours than if I ruined the ones in the library, if you don’t mind them coming back as some mushy muddy pulp then id be more than happy to borrow them. I should probably start a new thread for this, but as its sort of on the same lines, would it be worth starting a “sticky thread” where people can post what maps/guides they have that they don’t mind sharing/lending? I have all the ones for the Hadrian’s Wall walk, which aren’t doing much apart from collecting dust now ive done the trail, seem a little silly for everyone to buy the same maps over and over again. Obviously introduce some rules like, if you ruin it, you’ve bought it,(so id be no better off really!!  ) maybe pay a small deposit when you borrow, which you get back when you return the map to the rightful owner…..its just an idea.

Hi Abagnall
the maps I have are not the latest editions but you can sure find your way round with them. If you borrow them and they finnish up like pulp so what things happen, plus I can't see me using them for some time if ever.

i think ill will take you up on your offer then Alligin, as i said we are not going till mid-may, plently of time to organise picking them up from you. i can at least make the promise to try and make sure they come back in one piece! :) ........hopefully our group will make it back in one piece too....

Just bumping this, in case anyone is after new maps! Waterstones have their 3 for 2 offer on again :clap:

Not sure if this is in the shops as well, but it's definitely on the website.