as said at many other
places on this site

navigation practice

is the only way to learn

so get out into the fresh air
and practice

 

 

 

to navigate properly you must be able to do the following

 

Set a map using physical features

Set a map using a compass

Use 6 fig grid refs

Walk to a given point on a bearing

Relate distance from map
to distance on ground

Calculate time for legs
and check walking speed

Measure distances on map
and check by pacing

Recognise and interpret symbols

Interpret physical features
and match to map
e.g. knoll, spur, etc

Interpret contours

understand and be able to use basic aids
e.g. Catching features, handrails, etc

Use safe walking techniques

Plan ahead

Correct route choice

 

 

 

some examples of actual
navigation
 

 

contour features in cloud (Tryfan)

techniques include

Relating distance from map to distance on ground

Interpret physical features and match to map
(knoll, spur, etc)

Interpret contours
 

potentially dangerous drops Carnedau

techniques include

Using catching features, handrails etc

Route choice

Relating distance from map
to distance on ground
 

Foel Goch, Carnedau
as weather worsens

techniques include

Correct route choice

Planning ahead

Setting your map using a compass

Walking to a given point on a bearing

 

The ridge between Buttermere & Stair

probably one of the most important navigation techniques is the ability to navigate in snow in "white out" conditions where there are big drops around.

techniques include

Set a map using a compass

Walk to a given point on a bearing

Relate distance from map
to distance on ground

Measure distances on map
and check by pacing

Interpret contours

Use safe walking techniques

Plan ahead

Correct route choice

 

 

 

below
navigating in Scotland's  Glen Etive
between
Meall A'Bhuiridh  3635 feet
and  Criese 3609 feet

 all of the navigation techniques

require the same logical approach
take your time and get your bearing accurate the first priority is to establish exactly where you are,

establish where you want to go to

and how to get there

it is important to take your time,
 and double check everything
ensure you walk as accurately as you can on your bearing

once you know where you are and where you are going to

execute your journey

it might (as pictured here) include walking on a bearing and pace counting

its here where the accuracy actually counts

having first stopped to put on hat to seek some protection from the weather

 

 

 

schal-1.jpg (16748 bytes)

Schiehallion
3553 feet,
central Scotland		 anyone can navigate
in fine weather
with good visibility

but if the cloud here
had covered the whole area,
can you navigate ??

It could take less than a minute for the visibility on this mountain top to drop to under 5 meters !!