Navigation: a few navigation techniques
This article outlines a few navigation techniques you can practise to stack the odds in your favour in poor visibility and severe weather.
Navigation is much easier in good weather with good visibility. Obviously there’s a higher chance of severe weather in winter conditions, and although the navigation skills required don’t really change, it becomes much more important to get it right first time. This article outlines a few navigation techniques you can practise to stack the odds in your favour:
Walking on a Bearing
If you're just starting out in the hills, learning how to take a compass bearing is one of the most important skills to get to grips with. It involves taking a bearing off the map towards a feature you want to get to, so that you can walk to it using the compass even if you can't actually see the feature. Taking a compass bearing can be fiddly at first but it’s easy once you get the hang of it. Chris Townsend explains how to do it in this BMC TV video: How To Take A Compass Bearing.
WATCH: How to take a compass bearing
To build your confidence for times when you need to perform the skill for real, try experimenting with different techniques on days when you’re not under pressure - such as the last kilometre returning to the road at the end of a successful day. To accurately follow the bearing it might help to steady the compass against your body. Next, site a few markers directly in line with the direction of travel arrow, familiarising yourself with the ground between where you are standing and the horizon. Doing this helps you walk longer distances between stopping to check that you really are going in the right direction.
If you know there’s a high risk or tricky area to navigate on your route, you can take a bearing in advance. In winter conditions the descent from the mountain is most likely to create difficulty. Familiarise yourself with the map, plan a variety of options and write down bearings and distances to lead you from a well-defined feature to your line of descent, for example, “from summit cairn; 68 degrees, 350 metres”.
Attack Points
When you’re homing in on a small target you want to maximise your chances of finding it first time. It’s good to identify a well-defined feature near your target and use it as a starting or “attack point” to find your objective. By approaching your destination like this, if you don’t find it first time you can easily return to your known attack point and start again.
Aiming Off
When walking on a bearing in poor visibility it’s highly likely that errors will creep in and you’ll end up to one side or the other of the target. In this case you will not know which side you are on so it will be guess work to locate the objective. “Aiming off” describes the technique of purposefully taking a bearing to one side and is commonly used when the objective is a linear feature such as a stream, path, wall or ridge.
Estimating Distance
As important as the ability to walk on a bearing, is the need to accurately estimate distance travelled. Pacing and timing are techniques that require practice in varied conditions, and you’ll need to be able to estimate distances going up, down and across slopes on grass, rocks or snow. If your effective estimation of distance travelled becomes second nature it helps free your concentration to make other important decisions when visibility is poor. Mountain Training sell handy timing cards for just £1 which can help with timing, measuring distance and slope angle.
Avoiding Hazards in Poor Visibility
Where a hazard exists which presents a real danger - such as a cliff, cornice, avalanche prone slope or snow-covered water for example - you need a foolproof method of walking around it, without losing your overall sense of direction. “Doglegs” or “boxing” are two easy techniques for doing this.
By doing a “dogleg” you simply go along two sides of a triangle rather than along the single long side. This will mean that you have travelled further, but the method will take you clear of the unseen hazard you identified on the map that was presenting a risk.
“Boxing” is used when you have to avoid a hazard when walking on a bearing. Instead of following a straight-line route you walk around three sides of a box as shown in the illustration. By walking to the side at 90 degrees all you have to do is turn the compass until the needle is aligned with east (or west) without changing the important main bearing. Walk for a distance that is easy to remember (say 100m), continue on the main bearing for the desired distance, then turn west (or east) for 100m to be back on line again.
Remember to get the map out before you feel lost. Take advantage of windows of opportunity such as breaks in the cloud, single distinctive features or changes in the aspect of a slope to continually keep updated about your position. Keep a track in your mind about the terrain you have just crossed - this picture will help you confirm where you are in a way that a single “snapshot” observation will not.
Related Content
Hill Walking Events
Join BMC and komoot on a guided hike at Kendal Mountain Festival 2024. If you have a suitable fitness level for the route and value connecting with other outdoor lovers, you’re invited to hike with us!
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a Social Hike in the High Peak delivered by Members of the Rucksack Club on Saturday 30th November 2024
Dringo Dan Do Dysgwch Sgiliau
All the tips on how to move from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing
Mynydda Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here’s your heads-up to some of the most common winter walking mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here's what you need to think about when moving together for scrambling and climbing
Rock Climbing Articles
The BMC Incident and Near Miss reporting system helps to promote reflection and effect behavioural change to reduce the potential for future incidents.
Hillwalking Destinations
It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.
Hill Walking Articles
Chris Townsend's top tips on getting the most out of a long-distance adventure, plus three week-long route ideas for beginners, offering a mix of nature, history, solitude and challenge.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here's a run down of the essentials of using micro gear when climbing
Hill Walking Articles
Snowdonia-based fell running guides Sarah and Ian Ridgway share their top 10 tips for beginner fell runners.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
How to choose an ice axe for your next winter adventure
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A common and false perception of abseiling is that it is an adventure activity that is completely safe. But accidents do occur even in controlled circumstances.
Hill Walking Articles
The health and well being benefits of physical activity are numerous. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, there are many mental health and social perks to hillwalking and climbing too.
Mynydda Dysgwch Sgiliau
Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Rob Johnson explains the essentials of choosing and using your first ice axe and crampons for winter mountaineering.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The know-how, top tips and gear you'll need for scrambling safely.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Here are a handful of helpful tips for exploring the dark side.
Hill Walking Articles
The best way to prepare yourself for the hills is to get out in the hills. But what if you can only get out once a month? Running guide Sarah Ridgway reveals her secrets to staying fast.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
When should you use crampons? Our guide explains the 'when', 'where' and 'how' of deploying your spiky winter gear.
Article
Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.
Hillwalking Destinations
Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Friction blisters on the feet are a common and potentially serious complication of hiking or hillwalking and other outdoor activities. This guide explains how to prevent and treat blisters accordingly.
Article
We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...
Hill Walking Articles
Having a duvet day or a quiet night in? We've got you covered. There's nothing better than a day in the hills - but we think planning a day in the hills comes in pretty close second. If you're looking for inspiration for your next on-foot adventure, check out our lineup of ten of the best mountaineering, hiking and hillwalking films from the BMC TV YouTube channel.
Cerdded Bryniau
Forget ghost stories and horror movies - a simple walk in the story-stuffed British wilds is the best way to get your skin crawling.
Mynydda Dysgwch Gêr
Do you carry a first aid kit in the mountains? We take a look at the essentials for any mountaineering first aid kit and how to use them.
Mountaineering Destinations
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Climb grade 5 outdoor sport routes, but want to progress? How do you start pushing your comfort zone, and what should you focus on?
Cerdded Bryniau Newyddion
Many people will have visited the summit of Great Gable in the Lake District and looked at the bronze plaque close to the summit commemorating FRCC members killed in World War One. This plaque was unveiled 100 years ago this year, on 8 June 1924, so this year, the FRCC held a commemorative meet with members staying at their huts in Wasdale, Borrowdale and Buttermere. This was attended by the BMC’s Hill Walking Rep Steve Charles and Lakes Area Rep Ron Kenyon, who sent this fascinating report of the day’s events and the history of the plaque.
Cerdded Bryniau
It helps you cope at work, 'heals' your brain, makes you more creative and it could even be better for you than running. Here are six ways walking could be more powerful than you realise.
Hill Walking Articles
Diversity conversations in the outdoors can’t leave anyone out. At ESEA Outdoors UK we’re celebrating the fact that East and Southeast Asian people go outdoors too, in spite of historical erasure and lack of representation in outdoors media. Here’s what you need to know:
Hillwalking Destinations
Watch five great walks in the Lake District, including family inspiration, lesser-known routes to popular summits and dog-friendly fell walking.
Hill Walking Articles
Planning outdoor adventures comes with lots of preparation and adding a period into the mix can be one more thing to think about. While not everyone will be up for a hike or a climb on their period, if you are preparing for your next trip in the good company of menstrual blood, here’s what to do.
Hill Walking Articles
When out for the day it is likely you will need to go to the toilet at some point. Whether it be for ones and twos or refreshing period products, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know to be prepared. Things can get tricky out there so we will run through the ideal options through to the less ideal, but sometimes necessary, options when it comes to toileting. Wherever you can try to focus on what will have the least impact and do as much as possible to leave no trace.
Hill Walking Articles
Menopause is a significant and transformative phase of life. It is a natural biological process during which ovulation stops and periods end. The experience of menopause can be different for each individual and often comes with a wave of physical and emotional changes. In this guide, we will explore the different phases of menopause, common symptoms, and the power of regular movement and exercise to manage symptoms and support good health.
Hill Walking Articles
Christine Cornock shares how she managed her period along the South West Coastal Path multi-day hike.
Hill Walking Articles
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Hill walking in winter covers a spectrum of difficulty and technicality, take a look at winter walking options, and what you’ll need to consider when choosing a route.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Whether you want a career in the outdoors, or to improve your own personal skills, there are a number of training providers offering courses and instruction.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
This article helps you decide what sort of crampons are suitable for your winter walk, or whether micro-spikes could be an option, as well as discussing the compatibility of crampons to walking boots.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A look at some of the benefits of poles and how to use them for hill walking.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Walking boots can be expensive and should last a long time, so this article looks at factors to consider before you buy.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Points to consider if you're wondering ‘Do I need crampons for walking in winter?’
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Being able to read a map and find your way around the hills is an essential skill for all hill walkers, and practice is the real key.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
A look at types of small, lightweight stoves suitable for hill walking and backpacking trips.
Article
What should you look for when choosing down products? Some factors to consider when investing in new down gear.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
If you’ve enjoyed walking in summer and want to continue through the winter, here are ten things you need to know before you go.
Hill Walking Articles
Clean out your kit cupboard and put a spring in your step knowing that you’re making greener choices throughout the lifecycle of your outdoor products.