Navigation: Pinpoint your location
Pinpointing your exact location is one of the most basic and important skills when hill walking. This article outlines a number of ways to do just that:
Map & Compass
It’s a fundamental principle of hill walking to carry a map and compass - and know how to use them, since there’s always a risk that electronic devices can fail or run out of battery. Using a series of vertical and horizontal grid lines identified by numbers or letters, national grid references are used to accurately pinpoint your location on an Ordnance Survey map. But how do you convert your location into a string of letters and numbers like 'GR 712164'? Chris Townsend takes us through how to understand them in this BMC TV video: How To Take A Grid Reference.
WATCH: How to take a grid reference
In reality most people use a combination of map and compass, apps and GPS devices. There’s a fair bit of debate about which of these is best to use in an emergency, but they are all useful tools available to hill walkers. It’s important to note Mountain Rescue’s advice that a phone should only be used for the purpose it’s intended for, so that it is available to make calls in an emergency.
Location apps
OS Locate
If you just need to know exactly where you are, OS Locate provides a grid reference which, used alongside an Ordnance Survey map, provides a fast and highly accurate means of pinpointing your exact location on the map, anywhere in Great Britain.
What3Words
Every 3 metre square of the world has been given a unique combination of three words, for example, the summit shelter on Ben Nevis is hairspray.hardening.blazed. Used for e-commerce and delivery, navigation, emergencies and more, the benefit is that these are much easier to say than a grid ref or GPS coordinates, but just as accurate.
Navigation apps
There are a range of route planning apps available, and they change over time. Most allow users to plot a route on a map in advance, providing information about the length of the route, amount of ascent/descent, and estimated time taken. Once on the route, the app will show your location in real time on the map (providing you have enough battery and phone reception). Bear in mind that not all apps work when there is no phone signal/reception, and using an app can quickly drain the phone battery, potentially leaving you with no map to follow. Phone batteries can suddenly die in cold weather, so consider packing a power bank so you can charge it on the move, and remember to always carry a map and compass as a back-up.
BMC members get a discount with OS Maps.
GPS Device & Sports Watches
There are a variety of specialist devices that can show maps and track your location, for example sports watches, or a GPS device. Most allow you to plot your route in advance, so you can upload it and follow in real time while walking the route. Although high end sports watches have an ultra-long battery life and GPS devices use batteries which can be replaced enroute, it’s still vital to carry a map and compass, and know how to use it.
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
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.
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.
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
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Hill walking doesn’t require as much specialist equipment as many other outdoor activities, but is important to have the appropriate equipment for the route and activity you have chosen and the weather forecasted. In this article we outline the basic equipment every hill walker needs:
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
In this article we’ve listed the ideal range of hill walking items so you can head out with everything you might need.
Article
What’s better than a day in the hills? Easy – several days! Here are our tips for walkers looking to take their first steps into walking far and sleeping enroute.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
We take a look at what clothing to wear when hill walking, and how to layer it to stay warm, dry and comfortable in cold and wet conditions.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
This article outlines a few navigation techniques you can practise to stack the odds in your favour in poor visibility and severe weather.
Article
The BMC and Mountain Training have put together resources leaders should take a look at and can use to educate and equip themselves when taking groups out into the outdoors and talking about topics including periods, menopause and nutrition in the outdoors.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
If you’d like to guide people up hills in winter conditions the Winter Mountain Leader qualification could be for you.
Article
Take a look at the Lowland Leader scheme, so you can decide whether it’s the right qualification for you.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Find out more about the Camping Leader qualification, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.