Navigation : Techniques and skills for walkers

This pocket handbook to navigation will help you master the necessary map and compass skills for mountain walking. Chapters include map scales, symbols and contours, grid references, map reading, bearings, route planning and night and bad-weather navigation, as well as navigating with a GPS.

Master the art of navigation and unlock new adventures with Navigation by Pete Hawkins, the definitive Cicerone guide to using a map and compass with confidence. Whether you’re a complete beginner keen to take your first steps off the beaten track, or an experienced walker looking to hone your skills for challenging conditions, this compact, practical handbook provides everything you need to navigate safely and independently, on any walk, in any weather. Navigation is packed with clear explanations, step-by-step guidance, and hands-on exercises designed to build your confidence on the hill and beyond. The book guides you through every element of map and compass navigation, from understanding scales, grids, symbols, and contours, to taking bearings, planning routes, and navigating in the mountains, at night, or in poor weather. You’ll find practical advice on choosing and using a compass, reading map features in detail, and integrating technology such as GPS to complement your traditional skills. Learn the essentials: chapters cover scales and grids, map symbols and contours, map reading, compass use, bearings, route planning, and advanced techniques for night and bad-weather navigation. Packed with visual aids: illustrative map extracts, diagrams, and graphics help demystify navigation, while practical exercises encourage you to put theory into practice and develop your skills. Embrace technology: advice on using GPS devices and computer mapping is included, offering a balanced view of how digital tools can enhance your understanding of a map and compass. Thoughtfully designed: the compact format slips easily into a jacket pocket or rucksack, making it the perfect companion on any walk. Comprehensive reference: includes a romer, map scales, timing and pacing charts for quick access in the field, with all topics clearly referenced and easy to find. Written by an expert: Pete Hawkins draws on a wealth of experience teaching navigation, delivering clear, jargon-free explanations that make even advanced techniques accessible. As you progress, your confidence will grow, symbols and features that once seemed obscure become familiar, and your ability to plan and execute your own routes will blossom. This comprehensive Cicerone guide is an indispensable companion for anyone seeking the freedom, safety, and satisfaction of exploring the outdoors. Master the skills that keep you safe, enrich your adventures, and open up new horizons with this essential Cicerone guide.