A beginner's guide to navigation
Embrace the spirit of adventure with our easy-to-follow video series teaching you everything you need to know about finding your way in the outdoors
Ready to embrace the spirit of adventure? A Beginner’s Guide to Navigation, our comprehensive series of videos, tackles 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.
So whether you’re venturing out to discover remote parts of the countryside or strolling through town, you’ll have everything you need to find your way with ease. And there’s no need to know your tracks from your trails: these user-friendly tutorials are tailored to cater to individuals with little to no prior experience, making them accessible to everyone.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How to measure distance
Measuring distance is essential when planning your walks. Lucy explains three ways you can measure distance on a map.
How to use pacing to measure distance
Learn the skill of pacing, the ability to measure distance just by counting your steps.
How to time your walks
Knowing how long it will take to get from Point A to Point B is a crucial skill when navigating. Join Sam to learn how you can time your own walks.
How to line up your map
By lining up your map with what you can see on the ground, you can find your direction without having to use a compass. Lucy and Sam explain how.
How to use a compass to line up your map
If you do have a compass, you can line up your map by finding north. Watch Lucy walk you through how to do it.
How to use features to stay on track
From rivers to roads, you can use features in the landscape to help you navigate and stay on track.
How to find your destination
Are we there yet? Thinking about what your destination looks like is a great tip to make sure you end up in the right place.
How to find your location
Need to share where you are with someone else? Lucy explains how grid references can help you communicate exactly where you are.
How to find your direction
Lucy walks you through how to take a quick compass bearing and how it helps to find the right direction to head off in.
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.
Find a route
Plan your next walk with our library of tried-and-tested routes, with over 4,000 walks to choose from.