{"id":909,"date":"2026-07-17T21:36:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T20:36:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scoutsbushcraft.org.uk\/?page_id=909"},"modified":"2026-08-11T13:18:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T12:18:47","slug":"navigation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/scoutsbushcraft.org.uk\/navigation\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Scout Navigation Guide: Map Reading & Compass Skills<\/a><\/h1>

Navigation is one of the most valuable outdoor skills a Scout can learn. Whether hiking through woodland, exploring open countryside, or taking part in an expedition, good navigation keeps you safe, builds confidence, and allows you to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. While GPS devices and smartphones are useful, every Scout should know how to navigate using a traditional map and compass. These skills remain reliable even when batteries fail or there is no mobile signal.<\/p>\n<\/div>

The Natural Navigation Page<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A map is simply a drawing or picture (in 2D) of a landscape or area of a country (in 3D).<\/p>\n

In the UK, <\/span>Ordnance Survey (OS)<\/span><\/strong> maps are the standard maps used for walking, hiking, and Scout expeditions. They contain a wealth of information, including footpaths, roads, rivers, woodland, buildings, contour lines, and other important landmarks.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two most commonly used OS maps are:<\/p>\n

OS Explorer Maps (1:25,000 scale) \u2013 These provide a high level of detail, making them ideal for Scouts, walkers, and outdoor activities. Public rights of way are shown in green. Roads in Yellow <\/span><\/span><\/strong>and Tracks in Black<\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

OS Landranger Maps (1:50,000 scale) \u2013 These cover a larger area with less detail and are useful for planning longer journeys. Public rights of way are shown in magenta (purple).<\/p>\n

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See Full Map Key Click Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Use It To Navigate Eazy 123 - Click Here<\/a><\/div>\n\n

Whether you're on a Scout hike, Duke of Edinburgh expedition, or bushcraft adventure, a compass is only useful if you use it correctly. These tips will help improve your navigation skills and avoid common mistakes.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Keep Your Compass Flat<\/h3>\n

Always hold the compass level in your hand. If it is tilted, the magnetic needle can catch on the housing and give an incorrect bearing.<\/p>\n

2. Keep Away from Metal or Mobile Phone<\/h3>\n

Metal objects and magnets interfere with the compass needle.<\/p>\n

3. Trust the Red Needle<\/span><\/h3>\n

Remember:<\/p>\n

Red<\/span> <\/strong>to North<\/p>\n

Always line up the red end of the magnetic needle with the orienting arrow inside the compass housing before following a bearing.<\/p>\n

4. Orient Your Map First<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before planning your route:<\/p>\n