How NOT to get lost in the woods: Navigation 5 Top Tips

• Panicking and running off in any direction can be tempting but it’s a surefire way to being completely lost, rather than only mildly confused. Take your time to work it out using the compass. This is especially important if you’re in a wood and can’t see much of the larger scenery.
• Instead of starting to navigate when it gets tricky, make sure you have the map out early on. Warm up by mentally ticking off easier features as you go.
• Backtrack to the last known feature if you need to.

• If you’re following a bearing through the woods or across a misty hillside, there is a great urge to follow the first path you come across. This happens whether it goes in the direction you want to be heading or not! Surely it’ll lead somewhere safe? Well, it is possible but not a sure thing.
• There are plenty of paths made by sheep and deer. These may either take you round in circles or just disappear in the middle of nowhere. Unless you eat grass and have a body that grows wool over your skin, it is unlikely to be a happy night.

Tricky navigation conditions. Cairngorms.

• If the first time you use a map is up in the clouds on the Cairngorms, you may struggle. The features, scale and symbols will be unfamiliar. It’s wiser to practice at home.
• Get a map of your local area and take it out when you go for a walk, even one you know well. Get used to how long it takes to move over the map and what the area you know well looks like on paper. This will all help later on.
• These maps are also great for finding new public rights of way near where you live. Look for the green dashed lines on the 1:25,000 OS maps. It’s your right to follow these routes, so go exploring.

Wilderness Scotland Guide Tim Francis

Whatever it is you want to do in the outdoors, there will be someone qualified to guide you. They will do a lot more than just teach you to cycle, kayak or camp. They will introduce you to the landscape. They will explain the geology, plant life and local animals. They may even have some tall tales of adventures to regale around the campfire. This is a great start to helping you find your own adventures.

Want to go on a walking holiday, but don’t feel quite like going alone?  All of our Wilderness Walking trips are led by expert guides, check here or check below to see the full range of our walking and hiking adventure holidays.