Learn practical route-planning skills for hiking and expeditions, including maps, distances, terrain, navigation, weather, timings and identifying potential hazards.
Activity Overview Difficulty: BeginnerTime: 45–60 minutesLocation: Suitable outdoor training areaBest for: Scouts and ExplorersSkills: Navigation, route planning, situational awareness, map reading, decision-making, group management The best way to deal with becoming lost is to avoid becoming lost in the first place. Good navigation is not simply knowing how to use a compass. It means continually…
Activity Overview Difficulty: AdvancedTime: 45–60 minutesLocation: Indoors for planning, followed by a suitable mountain or hill environmentBest for: Scouts and ExplorersSkills: Weather awareness, route planning, navigation, risk assessment, decision-making Mountain weather can change quickly, so a good plan considers what the forecast says, how conditions may change with height and exposure, and what you will…
Activity Overview Difficulty: EasyTime: 15–30 minutes to learnLocation: Countryside, farmland, woodland, villages and rural areasBest for: Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Patrol Leaders, walkers and outdoor enthusiastsSkills: Navigation, map reading, countryside awareness, route planning and responsible access A public right of way is a route that the public has a legal right to use, subject to the…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST A route that looks easy on a map may be much more difficult on the ground. Before setting out, consider the weather, terrain, distance, daylight, your group’s ability and any specific hazards along the route. If conditions change or the route becomes unsafe, turn back or change your plans. Reaching the end…
A good outdoor adventure doesn’t start when you put your boots on. It starts with a map. Whether you’re planning a short Scout hike, a countryside walk with friends or your first independent day hike, knowing how to plan your route can make the difference between an enjoyable day and a difficult one. Route planning…
