This weekend sees National GetOutside Day happening, and I’m very excited about it!
For those who don’t know, National GetOutside Day is the brainchild of Ordnance Survey and the aim is to get 1,000,000 people in to the great British outdoors on Sept 30th to have fun, make memories and enjoy everything this beautiful place has to offer!
There are loads of activities going on around the country for you to get involved with, if you want some inspiration! If you visit the OS website you can search in your area, or even head out and discover a new one. There are events being run by OS GetOutside Champions or supporters too, so make sure you check those out!
You could look on the OS website for a walk near you or create your own, you could go swimming, you could go to the park for a picnic… It doesn’t matter what you do, just GetOutside and have fun!
If you download a GetOutside day Welcome Pack you can even get your hands on a month free one month OS Maps subscription. With all the new features added recently it’s well worth looking into!
Have fun but be sensible…
The outdoors is beautiful, but the weather can change quickly, navigation is important and so is looking after yourself and the environment that you’re enjoying.
Here are a few top tips to make your GetOutside Day the best ever!
- Don’t litter.
If you carried it on your walk with you, make sure you carry it home, or to a bin/recycling spot. - Check the weather & wear sensible clothing for your activity.
Layers are key in the outdoors, especially at this time of the year. Make sure you have waterproofs, warm clothing and sensible footwear. Snowdon in your flip flops is a no. Stay safe, warm and dry! - Take food and water
If you’re heading out in to the middle of nowhere, or even if you’re not, it’s a good idea to ensure you have food and water with you. - Know when and who to call for help
Hopefully you won’t need to, but if you find yourself in an emergency situation, badly injured etc… then Mountain Rescue/Lowland Rescue are the people to call. Call the police and ask for Mountain Rescue. At the coast and running into problems? It’s the Coastguard, accessed the same way via the Police. This ties in to the next point… - Know where you are.
This one goes without saying, but know where you are. If you’re heading out unguided, make sure you have a map and compass (and the knowledge on to use them) or the OS Maps app, phone battery and a spare charger, if required. - Don’t be that person
Know your countryside code, which side of the road to walk on and general outdoor etiquette! - Have fun!
This one goes without saying, enjoy National GetOutside Day and have a great time!
Let me know what you get up to!