On a recent rummage through the attic we came across a very extensive collection on OS maps belonging to the in laws. Thing is they are quite old so do we trust them!? how much are paths likely to change in the last god knoes how many years?! Not sue exactly how old they are, but the price on the cover of one of them was 65p!!! Can I buy a cheap skate and use these or should I continue forking out £7 every time we walk in a new area?!?!

Geographically they'll still be relevant, but roads, boundaries, buildings and forestry will change over time, I've got consecutive editions of maps that have changed substantially.
Sneak a look at the new ones in your local stockist.

If you live near a decent libary there should be a good map section,I use libary maps almost exclusively.

Mmmhh, yes, old maps can differ, footpaths and all manner of different features relevant on an old map can be radically different from a modern one. Been there, done that. As Julian says, check out with your local library. If you have time and patience, get the modern ones from the library and sit down at home and compare them with the old ones. Happy map reading, it is something I enjoy, maps can be fun, enjoy.

If these maps cost 65p it is likely that they are the First Series 1:50000 maps, published in 1972-76, that replaced the old 1:63360 (you should be able to find the copyright date on the key). The First Series was little more than an enlargement of the 1:63360 series with a little tweaking here and there. It was ony partially metric with contours and spot heights shown in imperial measures. When the Second Series was published they were fully metric and were re-named Landrangers.

You must also bear in mind that when the First Series was published many highway authorities had not yet published their Definitive Maps of rights of way. This may not matter too much in upland areas because many ROWs depicted on current maps do not show the routes used by walkers. Follow the black dotted line instead!

But it would be most unwise to rely on these maps in lowland areas.

I suggest hat you keep them for route-planning but use Explorers for navigation.

Hugh Westacott

cheers peeps! had never thought of going to the library for maps... now I just have to remember where the library is....