Scout Navigation Guide: Map Reading & Compass Skills

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.

The Natural Navigation Page

A map is simply a drawing or picture (in 2D) of a landscape or area of a country (in 3D).

In the UK, Ordnance Survey (OS) 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.

The two most commonly used OS maps are:

OS Explorer Maps (1:25,000 scale) – 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 and Tracks in Black.

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

See Full Map Key Click Here

Use It To Navigate Eazy 123 - Click Here

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.

1. Keep Your Compass Flat

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.

2. Keep Away from Metal or Mobile Phone

Metal objects and magnets interfere with the compass needle.

3. Trust the Red Needle

Remember:

Red to North

Always line up the red end of the magnetic needle with the orienting arrow inside the compass housing before following a bearing.

4. Orient Your Map First

Before planning your route:

Lay the map on a flat surface.
Place the compass on the map.
Rotate the map and compass together until the compass needle points to north. (The top of the map is North).
The map now matches the ground around you, making features much easier to identify.

Scout Know How

How to Make a Six-Figure Grid Reference

A six-figure grid reference pinpoints an exact location within a 100-metre square on an Ordnance Survey (OS) map.

The Golden Rule:

Along the corridor, then up the stairs.

This simple phrase helps you remember the correct order:

Along the corridor = Read the Eastings (the vertical grid lines) first.
Up the stairs = Read the Northings (the horizontal grid lines) second.

Step-by-Step

Find the grid square containing your feature.
Read the easting number to the left of the feature.
Estimate how many tenths the feature is across the square and add this as the third digit.
Read the northing number below the feature.
Estimate how many tenths the feature is up the square and add this as the sixth digit.

Don't forget to include the two-letter grid square identifier shown in the corners of the map as part of your grid reference. Without these letters, the grid reference is incomplete and could identify the wrong location on a different map.

Example woulkd be TL 123456

Click Here for Six-Figure Grid Reference Guide

Scout Hiking Safety Tips

A successful hike starts with good planning, the right equipment, and sensible decision-making. Follow these safety tips to help keep everyone safe and enjoy the adventure.

Before You Set Off

Plan your route and make sure everyone understands the day's journey.
Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return.
Ensure all participants are wearing suitable clothing and sturdy footwear.
Carry a map, compass, and know how to use them.
Take enough food and water for the whole journey, plus a little extra.
Pack essential safety equipment, including a first aid kit, whistle, torch, spare batteries, and emergency shelter if appropriate.

Stay Together

Never leave anyone behind.
Keep the group together and regularly count everyone.
Use the "buddy system" so everyone looks out for a partner.
Set a comfortable pace that suits the slowest walker.

Navigation

Regularly check your location using your map and compass.
Don't rely solely on a mobile phone or GPS device.
If you become unsure of your location, stop, think, observe, and plan before continuing.
Teach Scouts to recognise landmarks and use grid references.

Walking Safely

Stay on marked paths where possible.
Watch for uneven ground, tree roots, loose rocks, mud, and slippery surfaces.
Take extra care when crossing roads, streams, and stiles.
Keep well away from cliff edges, steep slopes, and unstable ground.

Weather Awareness

Carry waterproof clothing, even if the forecast is good.
Wear layers so clothing can be added or removed as conditions change.
In hot weather, wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and drink water regularly.
In cold or windy weather, protect exposed skin and watch for signs of cold-related injuries.

Respect Wildlife and the Countryside

Leave gates as you find them.
Follow the Countryside Code.
Respect wildlife and avoid disturbing animals.
Take all litter home.
Avoid damaging plants, trees, or habitats.

Emergency Situations

Stay calm if something goes wrong.
Treat injuries promptly using your first aid kit.
If someone is seriously injured, keep them warm and call for emergency assistance.
Use a whistle to attract attention if necessary (six blasts repeated every minute is the recognised distress signal in the mountains).
Never split the group unless absolutely necessary and it is safe to do so.

Remember

The best hike is a safe hike. Good preparation, teamwork, and awareness of your surroundings will help ensure everyone has an enjoyable and memorable adventure outdoors.

Resources

To help scouts master navigation, use the Navigator Staged Activity Badge requirements, which outline skills from basic 4-figure grid references for younger members to bearings and resectioning for older scouts.

Key Navigation Resources

Activity Plans & Games: Explore the Navigation Games and Resources by Aspen Outdoors for practical exercises like "blindfolded slopes" to feel changes in terrain.