Pete Hawkins - Map and Compass

There are literally hundreds of people who have helped me write this book. Nearly thirty years of novice navigators who have given me the opportunity to learn the art of navigation and who constantly question me. There is always something new to stretch the grey cells and keep me on my toes. The stories and anecdotes are but a mere fraction of the ones I could have included. I thank every one of you for the fun youve given me and the many hours of laughter and interesting conversations in between the teaching.

Id also like to thank the many colleagues Ive had the privilege of working with over the years. Your influence has been immense and your commitment appreciated. Thanks to the folk at Silva UK for their support, encouragement and sponsorship over the years.

Front cover : Navigation away from Derwent Edge in the Peak District

Back cover : Remote Western Greenland a place where good navigational skills are as essential as good equipment

I t would have been inconceivable back in the heady days of 1984, as I ran my very first map and compass course, that nearly thirty years later I would still be running them and have even earned a living doing so. My first book came out in 2003 and was a distillation of two decades of teaching navigation. In the intervening ten years, much has changed not the actual navigation skills, of course, which are timeless, although I have honed both my skills and my teaching methods. The two key factors relevant to this book are the increased opportunities for walkers, with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 coming into force in the autumn of 2005, and the growing influence of technology on outdoor activities.

The CROW Act has given us vast areas of land to explore, no longer restricted to rights of way. New routes have since developed but many areas remain largely unexplored. Most outdoor enthusiasts still cling to the security blanket offered by footpaths and bridleways. Having map and compass skills and the confidence to use them will give you the freedom to step off the paths and avoid the crowds.

Ten years ago GPSs were being used in the outdoors but only in a limited way. The units were expensive and of limited accuracy. Now not only do we have more accurate GPS receivers but many come with the ability to install Ordnance Survey or other digital mapping. GPS technology is built into many smartphones, too, so the ability to walk with the aid of a pretty accurate digital locator is available to millions more who would never buy a separate GPS device.

Since 2004 I have been sponsored by Silva Ltd UK to run the Silva Navigation School. This has allowed me to immerse myself in the subject even more than I did before and this book is one result of that immersion. It takes you in a clear and practical way through the art of navigation, with a few anecdotes along the way.

Its not just aimed at walkers but relevant to any outdoor enthusiasts who want the confidence to navigate effectively and safely. Over the years I have taught horse riders, mountain bikers, mountaineers and mountain rescue personnel. This book is relevant to you all.

Writing a book is a personal odyssey an opportunity for an author to offer his thoughts, ideas and reflections without interruption. From conversations with hundreds of readers of my previous books, I know that that journey has not been in vain, and many people are now discovering the freedom of the hills for themselves for the first time. I hope this latest book will inspire many more.

Happy reading and discovering.

Pete Hawkins, 2012

If all is not lost, where is it?
Anon

Why learn to navigate? Are you new to walking and want to put the fundamentals of navigation in place before you try anything adventurous? Alternatively, have you been walking for a while but rely on guidebooks too much and want do your own walks? Or maybe youve been navigating for years and just want to brush up your skills. Whatever route you have followed to this book, Im confident that your navigation skills can be revitalised and improved.

The ability to use a map and compass correctly is an important skill for all walkers but sadly many dont realise this until they need it! The usual excuse for not learning seems to be that there are plenty of guidebooks around that provide a route and a simple sketch map. One of the principal reasons for walkers signing onto my navigation courses is because they regularly get lost, despite, or maybe because, they have used a guidebook.

Practising map and compass skills in a group

This book is designed to give you the skills necessary to head to the hills independently and with confidence. It will introduce the necessary skills to take you from a novice navigator to one able to cope with severe weather and tricky terrain. The first part of the book looks in detail at the map, what you need to know and what you dont, before it moves on to considering the compass. It concludes by taking a close look at the world of GPS and digital mapping and considering the best way to incorporate these into your walking or other outdoor sport.