What to Do If You Get Lost Outdoors: A Beginner’s Guide

Stop

One of the most useful things you can do when you realise you’re lost is surprisingly simple:

Stop.

Don’t immediately start walking faster.

Don’t randomly choose a direction.

Don’t assume that the next hill, path or woodland clearing will solve the problem.

Take a moment to think.

THE STOP METHOD

S — Stop

T — Think

O — Observe

P — Plan

This gives you a simple framework for dealing with an uncertain situation.

Think

Once you’ve stopped moving, think about how you got there.

Ask yourself:

• Where did I last know exactly where I was?
• What was the last recognisable landmark?
• Which direction was I travelling?
• How long have I been walking since then?
• Did I take an unexpected turning?
• Did I cross a road, stream or bridge?
• Did I pass a distinctive tree, building or hill?
• Did I follow the wrong path?

Don’t rely on memory alone.

If you have a map, compass or phone, use them.

Observe Your Surroundings

Look around carefully.

You may have more information than you initially realise.

Look for:

• Roads
• Buildings
• Footpaths
• Signposts
• Bridges
• Hills
• Rivers
• Fences
• Distinctive trees
• Towers
• Church spires
• Other obvious landmarks

Listen too.

You may hear:

• Traffic
• Trains
• People
• Water
• Machinery
• Aircraft

Don’t automatically move towards a sound, however.

Use it as information rather than assuming you know exactly where it is coming from.

Plan Before Moving

Once you’ve gathered information, decide what you’re going to do.

There are generally two possibilities:

You Know Where You Went Wrong

If you’re confident about your location and the route back is safe, you may be able to retrace your steps.

You Don’t Know Where You Are

If you’re genuinely unsure, staying put may be the safer option.

This is especially important if someone knows your planned route or if you’ve already raised the alarm.

REMEMBER

Moving further away can make you harder to find.

Don’t Wander Aimlessly

This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when lost.

They think:

“I’ll just keep walking until I find something familiar.”

Sometimes that works.

Sometimes it makes the situation considerably worse.

You may:

• Walk further from your route
• Enter more difficult terrain
• Become exhausted
• Lose daylight
• Lose phone signal
• Become colder
• Make yourself harder for rescuers to locate

If you don’t have a clear plan, don’t keep moving simply because standing still feels unproductive.

Use Your Map

A paper map is one of the most valuable pieces of navigation equipment you can carry.

A good outdoor map can show:

• Paths
• Roads
• Rivers
• Buildings
• Contours
• Woodland
• Landmarks
• Other geographical features

If you know roughly where you are, these features can help you establish your position.

Ordnance Survey provides a wide range of maps and navigation resources for exploring the UK.

Ordnance Survey

NAVIGATION TIP

Don’t wait until you’re lost to get your map out.

Use your map throughout the journey.

Learn to Read a Map

You don’t need to be an expert navigator to benefit from a map.

Start by understanding:

Symbols

Maps use symbols to represent features such as roads, buildings, paths and water.

Contours

Contour lines help show the shape and height of the land.

Grid References

Grid references can help you describe a particular location.

Scale

The map’s scale tells you how map distances relate to real-world distances.

These are all useful skills to practise before you need them.

Carry a Compass

A compass is small, lightweight and doesn’t need batteries.

But owning one isn’t enough.

You need to know how to use it.

Learn basic compass skills before heading into unfamiliar countryside.

Practise:

• Finding north
• Taking a bearing
• Following a bearing
• Orientating a map
• Estimating direction

TOP TIP

A compass is an excellent backup for electronic navigation.

But a compass you don’t know how to use isn’t much of a backup at all.

Don’t Rely Entirely on Your Phone

Modern smartphones can be incredibly useful for navigation.

GPS and mapping apps can help you determine your location and find routes.

But your phone has limitations.

You may have:

• No signal
• Low battery
• Poor weather
• A damaged phone
• No offline maps
• Difficulty seeing the screen
• Water damage

Download maps before setting off where appropriate.

Consider carrying a power bank on longer trips.

And still learn traditional navigation skills.

SURVIVAL TIP

Technology should support your navigation skills — not replace them completely.

Save Battery Power

If you’re lost and your phone still works, don’t waste its battery.

Reduce unnecessary use.

You may need your phone for:

• Emergency calls
• Location information
• Messages
• Navigation
• A torch

If you’re in an area with poor signal, repeatedly trying to connect can also consume power.

Use your phone deliberately.

Can You Call for Help?

If you have a phone signal and you’re in a dangerous situation, call for help.

In the UK, call:

999 or 112

Tell the emergency operator:

• What has happened
• Where you think you are
• Who you’re with
• Whether anyone is injured
• What the weather is like
• What equipment you have
• What you can see around you

If you’re in the mountains or another remote outdoor environment, ask for Police and Mountain Rescue.

Mountain Rescue England and Wales provides extensive safety advice for people heading into the UK’s upland and mountainous areas.

Mountain Rescue England and Wales

Share Your Location

If your phone allows it, location information can be extremely useful.

Depending on your device and signal, you may be able to provide:

• GPS coordinates
• A map location
• A location-sharing link
• Your last known position

Don’t assume your phone’s location is perfectly accurate in every environment.

Give rescuers as much useful information as you can.

Tell Someone Before You Go

The best way to deal with getting lost is to make sure someone knows where you’re supposed to be.

Before setting off, tell someone:

• Where you’re going
• Your planned route
• Who you’re with
• When you expect to return
• When they should raise the alarm if you haven’t returned

This is sometimes called a route card or trip plan, depending on the activity.

It means someone can provide useful information if you don’t return as expected.

PREVENTION TIP

Tell someone where you’re going before you leave.

Stay Together

If you’re with a group and become lost, stay together where it is safe to do so.

This is particularly important with children.

Don’t send different people off in different directions to search for the route.

Splitting up can turn one problem into several.

If someone is injured or vulnerable, keeping the group together becomes even more important.

What If You’re With Children?

Children may become frightened when they realise they’re lost.

Your response can make a huge difference.

Stay calm.

Don’t blame anyone.

Don’t turn the situation into an argument about who made the wrong decision.

Instead:

• Keep everyone together
• Reassure them
• Get everyone somewhere sheltered if necessary
• Check for injuries
• Keep people warm and dry
• Explain the plan simply
• Contact help if necessary

SCOUT TIP

If children are involved, calm leadership is a survival skill.

Stay Warm and Dry

Getting lost can become dangerous because of the weather.

If you’re likely to be outside for longer than expected, protect yourself.

Think about:

• Waterproof clothing
• Warm layers
• Wind protection
• Shelter
• Dry clothing
• Food
• Water

This is why carrying suitable outdoor equipment is so important.

For more information, see our guide:

Staying Warm Outdoors: A Beginner’s Guide

Build an Emergency Shelter If Necessary

If you’re going to be waiting for help, or conditions are deteriorating, an emergency shelter can help protect you from the weather.

Look for a safe location away from:

• Falling branches
• Flooding
• Unstable ground
• Cliffs
• Other hazards

A tarp, emergency bivvy or other suitable shelter can be extremely useful.

You can learn more in our guide:

Emergency Shelters: A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Safe Outdoors

IMPORTANT

Don’t spend hours building an elaborate shelter if you’re already in a dangerous location.

Safety and communication come first.

Make Yourself Easy to Find

If you’re waiting for rescuers, don’t make yourself unnecessarily difficult to locate.

Use appropriate signalling methods.

These might include:

• A whistle
• A torch
• Bright clothing
• A signal mirror
• An emergency beacon
• Calling out when appropriate

A whistle is particularly useful because it requires less energy than shouting repeatedly.

Mountain Rescue England and Wales recommends carrying a whistle and torch as part of suitable outdoor emergency equipment. Mountain Rescue England and Wales safety advice

The Whistle Signal

A whistle can carry much further than a human voice.

A commonly taught distress signal is:

Six whistle blasts followed by a pause.

Repeat if necessary.

However, follow the instructions given by emergency services or your activity leader if you’re involved in an organised activity.

SIGNALLING TIP

Keep your whistle somewhere you can reach it easily.

There’s little value in carrying emergency equipment at the bottom of a sealed bag if you can’t reach it when needed.

Use a Torch at Night

A torch can help rescuers identify your position.

If you’re lost after dark, use it carefully rather than leaving it switched on continuously and exhausting the battery.

If you hear rescuers nearby, use your torch to signal your location where appropriate.

A headtorch is particularly useful because it leaves your hands free.

What If You Can See a Road?

A road can be useful if you’re confident about where it is and can reach it safely.

But don’t blindly head towards lights or sounds.

You may be:

• Much further away than you think
• Separated from the road by dangerous terrain
• Near a motorway or other hazardous road
• In an area where crossing would be unsafe

If you’re unsure, don’t take unnecessary risks.

Don’t Climb Just to Get a Better View

When lost, people sometimes climb a hill, rock or tree to try to see where they are.

This can create an entirely new emergency.

Avoid:

• Climbing unstable rocks
• Climbing trees
• Crossing dangerous slopes
• Approaching cliff edges
• Entering unfamiliar water

A better view isn’t worth a serious injury.

Don’t Follow Rivers

There’s a popular survival myth that says you should simply follow a river downhill until you find civilisation.

It isn’t a universal rule.

Following water can lead you into:

• Steep valleys
• Cliffs
• Waterfalls
• Dense vegetation
• Deep water
• Difficult terrain

If you’re lost, use your navigation information rather than blindly following a geographical feature.

Conserve Energy

If you’re lost, you don’t know how long you’ll need to remain outside.

Avoid unnecessary activity.

Keep warm.

Stay hydrated.

Eat if you have food.

Rest when appropriate.

Don’t spend hours wandering around simply because you’re worried about sitting still.

SURVIVAL PRINCIPLE

Energy is a resource. Don’t waste it without a reason.

What If It Gets Dark?

Darkness changes the situation considerably.

Navigation becomes harder.

Terrain becomes more difficult to judge.

Obstacles become harder to see.

Your risk of falling or becoming injured increases.

If night is approaching and you’re uncertain of your location, think carefully before continuing.

It may be safer to stop, shelter and wait for daylight, depending on the circumstances.

If you’re already lost and concerned for your safety, contact emergency services rather than simply hoping the situation will resolve itself.

What If the Weather Gets Worse?

Weather should influence your decision-making.

If heavy rain, snow, strong winds or falling temperatures are approaching, your priorities may change.

You may need to focus on:

Shelter.

Warmth.

Communication.

Staying put.

Don’t continue walking simply because that was your original plan.

Good outdoor navigation includes knowing when to change the plan.

Don’t Hide From Rescuers

If you’ve called for help and have been told to remain in a particular location, stay there unless conditions make doing so unsafe.

Rescuers need to know where to look.

Moving around unnecessarily can make the search much more difficult.

If you do need to move, try to communicate your new location.

What If You Find Your Way Again?

If you’ve contacted someone or the emergency services because you were lost, tell them if your situation changes.

Don’t simply disappear from the search area without communicating.

If you’re safe and no longer require assistance, let the appropriate people know.

Common Mistakes When Lost

Panicking

Fear can lead to poor decisions.

Continuing to Walk Without a Plan

You may simply become more lost.

Splitting Up

You can make the situation much harder to manage.

Ignoring the Weather

Conditions can deteriorate quickly.

Using All Your Phone Battery

You may need it later.

Taking Dangerous Shortcuts

A shortcut isn’t useful if it causes an injury.

Climbing for a Better View

You could create a second emergency.

Following Water

Rivers and streams can lead into dangerous terrain.

Refusing to Ask for Help

There is no prize for struggling unnecessarily.

REMEMBER

Calling for help isn’t failure.

It’s good decision-making.

How to Avoid Getting Lost

Prevention is better than survival.

Before heading outdoors:

• Check the weather
• Plan your route
• Study the map
• Carry a compass
• Learn basic navigation
• Download offline maps where appropriate
• Tell someone your plans
• Carry enough food and water
• Take suitable clothing
• Carry a torch
• Carry a whistle
• Take a charged phone
• Consider a power bank
• Know when to turn around

Mountain Rescue England and Wales strongly promotes preparation, appropriate equipment and knowing when to change your plans when conditions deteriorate. Mountain Rescue England and Wales

Navigation Is a Survival Skill

Navigation isn’t just about knowing where you are.

It’s about knowing where you should be.

Learning to read a map and use a compass gives you the ability to understand the landscape rather than simply following a line on a phone.

It’s a skill worth practising regularly.

The Ordnance Survey provides useful information and resources for learning more about maps and navigation.

Ordnance Survey – Navigation

Getting Lost and Scouts

Navigation and outdoor safety are important parts of Scouting.

Young people can learn how to use maps, follow routes, recognise landmarks and make decisions outdoors.

These skills become particularly valuable when conditions don’t go according to plan.

Scouts also use outdoor activities to develop problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making skills.

SCOUT TIP

Don’t teach navigation as simply:

“Follow the map.”

Teach:

“Understand where you are, where you’re going and what to do when the plan changes.”

Always follow the current Scouts guidance and your leader’s instructions during organised activities.

SurvivalGuidesUK is an independent educational resource and isn’t an official Scouts website.

Getting Lost Challenge

Here’s a useful exercise to practise in a safe, supervised environment.

Choose a familiar outdoor area.

Take a map and compass.

Before setting off, identify:

• Your starting point
• Your destination
• Major landmarks
• Roads
• Rivers
• Hills
• Alternative routes

Then practise stopping at different points and answering:

Where am I?

Which direction am I facing?

What features should I be able to see?

What would I do if I couldn’t find the path?

This turns navigation from something you only think about when things go wrong into a regular outdoor skill.

Getting Lost Checklist

Before heading into unfamiliar countryside:

Final Thoughts

Getting lost doesn’t automatically mean you’re in a survival situation.

Sometimes it’s simply a wrong turning.

The important thing is recognising the difference between being temporarily unsure of your route and being genuinely lost or in danger.

If you realise you’re lost:

Stop.

Think.

Observe.

Plan.

Don’t panic.

Don’t wander aimlessly.

Don’t take unnecessary risks.

Use your map, compass and phone where appropriate.

Protect yourself from the weather.

Stay with your group.

And if the situation becomes dangerous, ask for help.

The best survival skill isn’t finding your way out of every situation yourself.

It’s knowing when staying put and getting help is the safest option.