Hiking maps of the Cotswolds

OS maps show everything! And if you buy a paper map, you get a download code to download the corresponding map on the OS app for free, which you can then use with GPS. We did this recently in Dartmoor and it worked really well, even in areas with no connectivity (because the map is fully downloaded onto your phone).

Another vote for OS maps. They are the ones used by all serous walkers. They mark all footpaths so you can plan your own routes.

Alternatively look at this website which has lots of ideas for walks . It has good descriptions for each of the walks and also an OS map marking the route. (I don't find the alltrails maps very good )

The best OS maps for hikers are the orange Explorer range. You’ll clearly see all public footpaths and bridleways marked. https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/maps/os-explorer-maps/

You may need to get several to cover the area you need, but they really are the bee’s knees for hikers.

not wishing to pile on - but piling on...

Alltrails has got me lost on several occasions (not seriously lost but certainly off route) so I no longer find the maps reliable.

Wow! Thanks to everyone for problem solved! So technology is not the solution this time (as in Alltrails). Having been an aircraft navigator back in the days before GPS, I have a real affinity for paper maps. (they are so much more reliable - they don't go down for lack of power and you can make notes on them!).

only problem is that they can sometimes tear, usually at just the wrong moment - and the wind can catch them, that's why I carry a small roll of clear tape.

Good suggestion regarding tape Nigel.

Another thought is to review and plot route the night before and snap pics of the route with cell phone.
Did that when I landed at Heathrow and drove 4.5 hours to my Airbnb in Lyme Regis. And yes had the paper map opened to reference.

Paper maps take up little space and in locales where cell service is spotty are very helpful.

Hi -

You might consider Yellow Publications maps. Their ‘Around and About’ maps cover smallish areas, are pocket sized, seemingly OS based, are laminated (so slightly waterproofed) and come in a plastic sleeve. The ‘In and Around’ series are the same format but are street maps to various cities and towns.

If you wanted the whole Cotswold Way, covering that and very close by paths, you’d need their ‘Zigzag’ series which cover long distance trails - the entire Cotswold Way is a series of three separate maps.

The Zigzag series you might have to mail order, but the smaller ones are available from specialist walking shops, and book shops, information centres and the like. Most often they stock the areas local to where they are situated.

Personally I love the little ‘Around and About’ ones and the Rombalds Moor one, although I’m very familiar with the area is the first thing in my pocket or backpack when I head for my local moors.

Check out yellowpublications.co.uk for further info and to see if they have anything that suits your specific requirements!

Ian

I used the Komoot app last time I was in the Cotswolds. Worked great! You just put in the town you want to start from and it shows you all of the possible walking/hiking routes, distances, etc. Very easy to use.