How to Navigate UK Hills: A Beginner’s Guide to Map and Compass Skills
Whether you're hiking the gentle slopes of the Lake District or the rugged peaks of Snowdonia, learning how to read a map and use a compass is essential for staying safe and confident. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of map reading, compass use, and common navigation mistakes to avoid.
The UK’s Ordnance Survey (OS) maps are the most used maps and a great place to start. We will get into other map types in a future blog.
Key Map Features
Grid System: OS maps use a grid system of lines, both horizontal and vertical, to break down the map into smaller sections. Each square on the map is identified by a grid reference (e.g., SD 123 456). This is important for pinpointing your location. Learn how to use these grid references to identify both your position and your destination.
Contours: Contour lines indicate elevation changes. The closer the lines, the steeper the slope. A series of widely spaced contour lines indicate a gradual incline, while tightly packed lines show a steep ascent or descent. Learning to interpret contours will help you understand the terrain and plan your route accordingly.
Symbols and Markings: OS maps use a variety of symbols to represent features like footpaths, roads, rivers, and fences. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the key that accompanies each map, as this will help you spot important landmarks while navigating.
Orienting the Map
Before you start walking, you need to orient the map to match the landscape around you. This means aligning the map with the direction you're facing so that the features on the map correspond with what’s in front of you.
Hold your compass flat and rotate it until the needle points to magnetic north. Next, rotate the map under the compass so that the features on the map align with the terrain in front of you.
Taking a Bearing
A bearing is a direction you want to follow, measured in degrees from magnetic north. Here’s how to take a bearing:
Identify the destination: Find the point on the map you want to head towards.
Align the compass: Place the compass on the map with the edge of the compass pointing to your destination. Ensure that the compass is parallel to the grid lines on the map.
Adjust the compass: Turn the compass housing until the orienting arrow matches the north-south lines on the map (this is called "placing the compass").
Read the bearing: The number at the top of the compass housing is the bearing in degrees. You’re now ready to walk that bearing.
Following a Bearing
Once you have a bearing, use the compass to guide your steps:
Hold the compass in front of you with the needle aligned to magnetic north.
Follow the direction: As you walk, regularly check the compass to ensure you're staying on course. Keep your compass facing the direction you’re moving.
Using a Compass for Location
If you’re unsure of your position, you can use the compass and map to work out where you are:
Find landmarks: Identify features such as a hilltop, a river, or a path visible from your location.
Take a bearing from the landmark: Point your compass at the landmark and take a bearing.
Transfer the bearing to the map: Rotate the map so that the bearing you took aligns with the grid lines. You should now have a clearer idea of your location.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced navigators make mistakes. As a beginner, being aware of common mistakes can help you avoid costly errors. Here are a few to watch out for:
Misreading the Map Scale
One common mistake is not paying attention to the map’s scale. Make sure you understand the map’s scale before starting. A 1:25,000 map means that 1cm on the map equals 250m on the ground. If you use the wrong scale, you could end up misjudging distances and getting lost.
Tip: Always check the map scale before you start and use a ruler to measure distances accurately.
Forgetting to Adjust for Magnetic Declination
Magnetic declination is the difference between true north (geographical north) and magnetic north (the direction the compass needle points). In the UK, this difference can be a few degrees, and if you don’t account for it, your bearings could be off.
Tip: Learn the magnetic declination for the area you’re walking in and adjust your compass accordingly. Many maps will indicate the local declination value.
Not Checking the Weather
The weather in the hills can change quickly, and poor visibility can make navigation difficult. If you’re relying solely on the compass and map, fog, snow, or heavy rain can easily lead you astray.
Tip: Always check the weather forecast before you head out, and be prepared to turn back if visibility becomes poor. Carrying a GPS or having a backup route can help if conditions deteriorate.
Rushing the Navigation
It’s easy to get impatient and rush through navigation, especially when you’re eager to reach the summit. This can lead to mistakes such as misinterpreting features on the map or skipping vital checks.
Tip: Slow down, take your time, and double-check every step of your navigation. If you’re unsure, it’s better to stop and reassess than to continue and risk getting lost.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to improve your map and compass skills is through regular practice. Start with simple walks in familiar areas and gradually increase the difficulty as you become more confident. Even if you’re using GPS, carry a map and compass as a backup – the more you practice, the more skilled you’ll become at reading the landscape and navigating confidently.
Remember, navigation is a skill that takes time to develop. By learning the basics of map reading, understanding how to use a compass, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to navigating the hills of the UK safely and effectively.
Conclusion
Whether you're exploring the peaceful valleys of the Lake District or tackling the rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands, knowing how to navigate using a map and compass is an essential skill for hikers and runners alike. With practice and patience, you’ll gain the confidence to navigate with ease, allowing you to enjoy the stunning landscapes the UK has to offer, no matter the weather.
If you want to learn more with the comfort of a guide, we offer a navigation for beginners course which you can read about here.