A beginner's guide to navigation

Embrace the spirit of adventure with our easy-to-follow video series

Ready to embrace the spirit of adventure? Our beginner’s guide to navigation videos tackle one of the biggest barriers to getting out into nature: the fear of getting lost. Packed full of tips, tricks and tactics, the videos cover some fundamental techniques, from map reading to compass basics, as well as practical advice for finding your way in different surroundings.

These user-friendly tutorials are tailored to cater to individuals with little to no prior experience, making them accessible to everyone. So whether you’re venturing out to discover remote parts of the countryside or taking a stroll nearer to home, you’ll have everything you need to find your way with ease.

Section 1: The basics

What is navigation?

Whether heading to the shops or setting out to explore the countryside, we use navigation skills every day. Find out why they’re so important and what key techniques you need to master.

5 easy tricks for navigation

Navigating can seem very complicated – but with these 5 easy tricks, you’ll be well on your way in no time.

Section 2: Picking the right tools

What navigation tools should I use?

From maps to compasses, we use a lot of helpful tools when we navigate. In this video, you’ll learn the most useful tools for every situation.

Which map should I use?

Maps are one of the most useful navigation tools we have. But with different maps for different situations, which one should you use?

How to use your phone to navigate

For many of us, using our phone is the main way we navigate. Learn how to make the most of its features and how to keep it safe when you’re out and about.

Section 3: A crash course in reading a map

How to read map symbols

Map symbols are really useful for finding out where you’re going to go and what you’re going to see. Find out how to use them and how to find out what they mean.

What are map contours?

Contours are used to show hills on maps. Sam and Lucy explain how to read them and how they can help you avoid really steep climbs.

The best map features for navigation

Features we see around us are reflected on the maps we use. But some features are more reliable to navigate with than others – find out which ones are the best to use.