Learn how to navigate using natural features such as hills, rivers, valleys, woodland and other landscape clues alongside practical map and compass skills.
When you’re navigating outdoors, you don’t always need to follow an exact bearing from one point to another. Sometimes it is easier and safer to use features that are already in the landscape to guide you. Two particularly useful navigation techniques are handrails and catching features. They are simple ideas, but they can make navigation…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST If you lose your map, don’t simply carry on and hope you recognise the route. Stop and work out what you know before moving. If you don’t know where you are, don’t take unnecessary risks trying to find your way. Stay safe, contact your group or get appropriate help if necessary. What…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Natural navigation can be useful, but it shouldn’t be treated as a replacement for a map, compass, GPS or other appropriate navigation equipment. Natural signs can be difficult to interpret and weather, season, location and local conditions can all affect them. When heading outdoors, especially into unfamiliar or remote areas, carry suitable…
When you’re outdoors, the landscape around you can provide a surprising amount of information. Hills, valleys, streams, ridges, woodland edges and other natural features can all help you understand where you are and which way you’re travelling. Learning to read these features is an excellent way to develop your navigation skills. But there is an…
