Map and Compass

Unlock the freedom of the hills and master the essential skills of navigation with the Cicerone guide to Map and Compass. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, this comprehensive, confidence-building handbook is your go-to resource for exploring the outdoors with independence and assurance.

Designed for both beginners and seasoned navigators, this practical guide takes you step-by-step through every aspect of map and compass work. Clear explanations and hands-on exercises build your confidence as you learn to navigate independently.

• The Cicerone Map and Compass guidebook teaches all the essentials, including map reading, compass use, bearings, timing, pacing, and route planning.
• Build your practical skills with step-by-step explanations of map symbols, grid references, contours, and compass bearings, all clearly illustrated in the guidebook.
• Advanced navigation techniques are covered in detail, with dedicated chapters on navigating in rain, mist, darkness, and challenging conditions, plus expert advice for what to do if you get lost.
• Learn how to adapt your navigation skills for adventures abroad, with international guidance also included in the Cicerone guide.
• Benefit from the guidebook's compact, thoughtfully designed format, perfect for your jacket pocket or rucksack.
• Discover how to use GPS and digital mapping tools alongside traditional methods, with clear advice and comparisons throughout the book.
• Written by expert instructor Pete Hawkins, every section of the guidebook delivers clear, jargon-free explanations designed to build your confidence outdoors.

As you progress, your confidence will grow, symbols and features that once seemed obscure will become familiar, and your ability to plan and execute your own routes will blossom. Map and Compass is an indispensable Cicerone guide for anyone seeking the freedom, safety, and satisfaction of exploring the outdoors, whatever the weather, wherever you roam.

Seasons

Navigation skills will help with adventures all year round, especially with night navigation, navigating in winter conditions or navigating in poor visibility

Centres

Chapters cover understanding a map, features, grid refs, contours; planning walks carefully; taking bearings, walking with a compass; timing, pacing and other techniques; what to do when you get lost and in poor visibility or darkness; navigating abroad and GPS and other digital technology.

Difficulty

Covers everything from how to read a map and understanding grid references to advanced techniques for navigating in bad visibility on tricky terrain

Must See

Learn how to use a map and compass to navigate more confidently; training on how to read a map and how to use a compass as well as advice on digital mapping

Preface to the second edition

Chapter 1: Why Learn to Navigate?

Chapter 2: Introducing the Map

Chapter 3: Map Detail

Chapter 4: Grid Lines and References

Chapter 5: Understanding Contours

Chapter 6: Planning Your Walks

Chapter 7: Introducing the Compass

Chapter 8: What do we Mean by a Bearing?

Chapter 9: Walking with Your Compass

Chapter 10: Timing, Pacing and Other Techniques

Chapter 11: On Getting Lost!

Chapter 12: Rain, Mist and Darkness

Chapter 13: Navigating Abroad

Chapter 14: GPSs and Other Technology

Chapter 15: Further Practice

Appendix A: Useful Addresses

Index