Ordnance Survey has identified Hampshire as one of the nation’s main cycling hubs and has developed a set of mapping packs containing a range of off-road routes, enabling cyclists to explore Hampshire’s wonderful country lanes, charming villages and rural countryside.
The new activity maps are available in four packs covering Hampshire (North, East, South and West). Each pack contains up to nine maps displaying a range of routes which vary in length, terrain and difficulty. The trails are all clearly plotted on detailed OS Landranger Map 1:50 000 scale mapping providing users with a clear picture of the route and the surrounding area. The individual pocket-sized map sheets come with clear annotations, turn by turn directions and a useful gradient profile. The majority of the routes are circular and follow Rights of Way.
The maps cater for all cycling abilities with routes ranging from 2 to 30 miles. Each route is also graded on its difficulty level, making the packs ideal for families, cycling clubs and people looking to take up cycling.
Nick Giles, Managing Director of Ordnance Survey Ltd, said: “The new Hampshire off-road cycle trail maps are an extension of the work we have been doing with cyclists over the last 18 months. This exciting product has been developed by working with our customer who expressed a strong desire for our maps to focus on specific activities.
“The new trail maps can be used by people of all cycling abilities, including families and are ideal for people who are less experienced with map reading. The easy to use, compact and robust maps deliver 33 exciting routes which cover every corner of the county.”
The launch packs have been produced in partnership with Hampshire County Council and are based on their existing cycle route database.
Each activity map is A4-sized and printed onto water resistant paper. Each map is tri-folded into a plastic wallet, with front and back cover. The packs will be available in a range of retail and leisure outlets across Hampshire and will be available for purchase from the online OS Mapshop and the Hampshire Council online shop, for £12.99. Routes will also be available as an individual download from the OS Mapshop for £1.99 each, which will also include a free GPX route file.
Nick added: “Our long-term plan is to create a nationwide set of maps, which will focus on specific activities including trail running, horse riding, road cycling and road running. I am looking forward to seeing how the new trail maps are received by cyclists across Hampshire.”
Cycle packs can be purchased from the Ordnance Survey website, os.co.uk/am
