One of the few things we can say with certainty in this most unusual, unpredictable and tumultuous year is that it is better – and even more healthy than ever – to spend more time outside than in. Happily, then, we can report that, whatever else might be cancelled, National GetOutside Day will be happening once again this year, on Sunday 27 September 2020.
The annual event – now part of the Great British Week of Sport, launched this year – is a concept driven by the UK’s mapping agency, Ordnance Survey. The idea is simple: seize the day, as summer segues into autumn, and get outside for a walk, a ride, a run, a paddle, a skip… whatever you want to do. But do it outside.
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If you need some inspiration, Ordnance Survey’s free GetOutside app is full of ideas and suggested routes, arranged and searchable by location and by activity type. The OS Maps app is another great place to head in order to start planning an outdoor adventure in the great British outdoors, where you can breathe freely and there’s unlimited space to keep socially distant.
For more information about what the day entails, check out some of the GetOutside action from last year.
“Obviously it’s going to be a little different to previous years, but the one thing that hasn’t changed, is the importance of being outside for our own physical, social and mental wellbeing,” says Ordnance Survey’s Liz Beverly. “The outdoors is a safe a place as any right now, so we’re making it our mission to encourage everyone to get outside safely…following government guidelines of course."
“Celebrating National GetOutside Day is an ideal opportunity for us all to reassess our lifestyles and think about whether we have got the balance right," Beverly adds. "With government guidance changing all the time, this year is not about organising big events or encouraging others to join group gatherings. It’s about staying safe, having fun, getting a good dose of fresh air and perhaps finding some of the paths less trodden.
“For some of us we may feel safer doing this on our own, for others this may be in a family bubble or inviting a friend to join us. The Great British outdoors has so much to offer, so let’s make sure that everyone knows there’s something and somewhere out there for us all to enjoy."
To get involved, visit the Ordnance Survey website, sign up and let them know what you have planned (which means you can also enter into a draw to win the ‘Ultimate Adventure Bundle’ from OS, which features a set of family jackets from Craghoppers, a brand new Land Rover Explore R phone, a 12-month OS Maps subscription, a GB picnic blanket, a Great British Adventure Map, a Badminton, Tennis and Volleyball set for the whole family to enjoy, plus GetOutside camping mugs and GetOutside t-shirts.
