I have the best of both worlds. For a few years I’ve been leading a U3A (University of the Third Age) rambling group in Hampshire. I like to spend time on OS Maps planning suitable routes of around 6 miles, then I go out on my own and test one of them, about 2 or 3 weeks before our first Monday routine. I use map and compass and make sure I can follow the route (yesterday was fun, the footpath signs ran out but after chats with a few sheep in various fields I came back on target.) I stop to admire views and look at any wildlife that I haven’t scared away, A few weeks ago i was able to remain absolutely still quite close to a hare as we stared at each other. I also check the smaller scale OS to identify distant points, as I sometimes get questions. Then I lead a group of around 20, we all know each other and it’s very convivial, finally returning to our starting point which is always a pub, just in time for lunch.
Life is good.