Learn essential outdoor navigation skills for Scouts, hikers and adventurers, including maps, compasses, bearings, GPS, grid references, orienteering and route planning.
⚠️ 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….
⚠️ 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…
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Compass Basics A compass is one of the simplest and most useful navigation tools you can carry outdoors. Unlike a phone, GPS device or electronic navigation system, a traditional…
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…
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…
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Poor visibility can turn a familiar route into a challenging navigation exercise. Fog, heavy rain, snow, darkness and low cloud can make it difficult to see landmarks and follow…
