Learn How To Navigate

Do you know how to navigate or do you lose your way in the mist or take the wrong path?

Follow our five point guide below and improve your navigation skills:

1. Always carry in your hand, in a waterproof mapcase, the correct map for the area you are hiking in.

2. Trace your progress on the map as you walk.

3. Relate your position to features shown on the map.

4. Frequently check that you are on the correct compass bearing. This is particularly important when moving off from a summit.

5. Be aware of path junctions shown on the map.

In addition we will show you on the pages below some techniques that will help:

Compass Navigation - How to use a map and compass together

Finding North (Adjusting For Magnetic North)

Taking Grid References

Hiking Safety On Steep Ground

Timing your Hike.

Navigation Training and Courses

• Join a local walking, hiking or orienteering club.
  This is a great way to learn and meet new friends. You will often find club leaders will be happy to help teach you the basics of navigation. They can assist you to navigate on several walks. As a club member it won't cost anything to learn via this route (except a drink or two for the walk leader!). Clubs are often looking for potential walk leaders to develop and so it is of benefit to both you and them.

• Check with your local government for any free or low-cost navigation courses they provide.
  You'd be surprised as to what you can get for free / subsidised and this route is often under-utilised and little known about.

• Many outdoor activity companies and local groups provide courses at a reasonable cost.
  The US Orienteering Federation offers many ways to learn in their 'Education' section and their 'Clubs' section lists US and Canadian clubs nearest to you.
  This page at The UK Ramblers Association has a list of local rambling (walk) clubs and activity companies, as well as suggested reading.