Learn essential map reading skills for hiking and Scouts, including understanding contours, scale, grid references, terrain, routes and landscape features.
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…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Navigation activities should take place in an area appropriate for the age and experience of the group. Set clear boundaries and make sure leaders know where participants are at all times. Start with simple, controlled exercises before allowing children to navigate independently. For activities away from your meeting location, use appropriate supervision,…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Modern navigation tools are extremely useful, but they should not be your only navigation method in the outdoors. Phones can lose battery, GPS devices can fail, signals can be unavailable and digital maps can contain errors or outdated information. For walks where getting lost could have serious consequences, carry an appropriate map…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST If you lose your compass, don’t panic and don’t immediately try to navigate using guesses. If you aren’t certain of your location or direction, stop and reassess rather than continuing deeper into unfamiliar terrain. If you’re with a Scout group, tell your leader. If you’re alone and the situation is becoming unsafe,…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST A compass bearing is a useful navigation tool, but a bearing on its own doesn’t tell you exactly where you are. When navigating outdoors, use a suitable map and compass together, consider the terrain and weather, and regularly check that your route still makes sense. Don’t deliberately practise navigation by getting lost….
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…
