Prepare for hikes and expeditions with practical guidance on clothing, footwear, packing, route planning, preparation and staying safe while walking outdoors.
A grid reference is a simple way of describing a precise location on a map. Once you understand the basic system, you can use grid references to find features, mark locations, give directions and communicate where you are if you need help. For walkers, Scouts and anyone learning map reading, the most important rule to…
Contour lines can look confusing when you first open a walking map. There may be dozens of thin lines running across the page, sometimes packed closely together and sometimes spread far apart. But contour lines are actually giving you one of the most useful pieces of information on the entire map: They show you the…
Knowing how long a walk will take is an important part of route planning. It affects what time you start, how much food and water you carry, whether you will finish before dark and whether the route is suitable for everyone in your group. The simplest calculation is: Walking time = distance ÷ walking speed…
A short hike does not require a huge backpack full of specialist equipment. But “short” does not necessarily mean “risk-free”. A two-hour walk can still involve rain, cold weather, muddy ground, navigation problems, a twisted ankle or simply taking longer than expected. The right things to take on a short hike depend on the length,…
Wildlife spotting is not just about seeing animals. In fact, most wild animals are much better at avoiding people than people are at finding them. The good news is that animals leave clues behind. Tracks, feathers, chewed nuts, droppings, burrows and disturbed vegetation can all tell you that an animal has been active nearby. Learning…
You have planned your route, checked the weather, packed your bag and set off for a good day’s walking. Then you reach a footpath and discover that you cannot continue. It might be a fallen tree, flooding, a damaged bridge, a locked gate, a landslip, fallen branches or a temporary closure. The important thing is…
Seeing wildlife in the woods can feel like a matter of luck. You walk along a path and see nothing. Someone else visits the same woodland a few hours later and spots a deer, fox, squirrel or dozens of birds. The difference isn’t always luck. Wildlife spotting is a skill. The more you learn to…
Knowing how to retrace your route is an important outdoor skill. You might need to do it if you take the wrong path while hiking, miss a turning while scouting, or become unsure about where you are in the countryside. Retracing your route means going back the way you came until you reach a place…
Not every countryside hazard is obvious. Before an activity, leaders should take time to look beyond the main path and consider what could be hidden by vegetation, darkness, weather or changes in the landscape. Look at the ground, water, surrounding area, weather, access points and anything the group could come into contact with. Then decide…
Why Stream Crossing Requires Care Crossing a shallow stream can be a useful skill for Scouts and anyone exploring the countryside, but even a small stream can present hazards. Water can be surprisingly powerful, particularly after heavy rain. Slippery rocks, uneven ground, hidden holes and cold water can all turn a simple crossing into a…
