National Map Reading Week: 5 Top Tips for navigating with a map

I recently found out that, here in the UK, National Map Reading Week runs from the 24th to 30th May. It’s no secret that I adore maps, so I couldn’t let a week of celebration go by without marking the occasion!

My love of maps goes right back to childhood. Dad loved them too and would often grab a map (the vintage RAC map, the humble road map we all used before sat nav, or the OS map covering our local area) to check locations and add context to his stories. We had maps from years gone by stuffed into the right hand cupboard of the sideboard. It was one of my favourite places to sit and delve into.

When I discovered Pete’s Eats in Llanberis, my location choice for a brew was the map room upstairs. It was packed full of interesting maps from around the world. Every time I travel somewhere new, I pick up a local map and have some quite obscure ones in my possession. They’re currently stored away in our spare room, so it will come as no surprise to learn that my dream house has a whole room dedicated to maps.

Despite my obvious love of maps, it took many years before I felt comfortable navigating alone with an OS map, even in clear weather. I attempted to remedy it in my 20’s by going on an Outward Bound navigation weekend. It was a great weekend, but I’m not sure that I came away knowing much more!

Finally, after years of relying on other people to map read whenever I ventured into the hills, I booked another navigation course. This one had a 1:2 instructor to student ratio and was a perfect way for me to learn the basics of map reading. Armed with my new knowledge, I started using a map in places I knew well to improve my skills. Something must have clicked as I’ve since had 2 walking guidebooks published and now feel ok about navigating in good conditions.

If you want to learn the art of map reading to navigate in the hills, I highly recommend finding a good practical course. Meanwhile, here are 5 of my top tips for map reading.

1. Know your map
2. Plan your route
3. Learn how to use a compass
4. Practice makes perfect (or at least better)
5. Orientate your map

Read on for more detail…

1. Know your map

If you’re navigating in the mountains, the two main providers you’ll come across will be Ordnance Survey (OS) and Harveys. Neither is better than the other, it all depends on where you’re going and how far. The important thing is to understand the main differences so you’re not caught out when using them.

OS Explorer Maps (1: 25 000 scale)

OS Explorer maps are on 1:25 000 scale meaning they can show more detail of paths and buildings. If you’re walking in an area with lots of features, using one of these maps is a huge help, but bear in mind that you’ll go off the edge of the map quicker than one with a smaller scale!

Many people use the 1: 25 000 scale maps in areas like the Peak District and Lake District - and you can often buy them centralised to the area you visit most to help stop you walking off the edge!

OS Landranger Maps (1:50 000 scale)

These are great for planning as they show a much larger area due to the smaller scale. Having said that, I often find them difficult to use when navigating as there are less features to follow.

Roads, large paths and contour lines are all shown, so they can still be used when navigating in the hills, you just need to be aware of the differences and the lack of features such as barns in fields!

Harveys British Mountain Maps (1: 40 000 scale)

Just to confuse the issue, Harveys British Mountain maps have a 1:40 000 scale. You also need to watch for the contour lines which are 15m apart (this can throw you if you’re used to OS maps being 10m apart).

However, they show different features and are coloured differently to OS maps which people often find easier to read. I have a friend who regularly goes walking in Scotland and he much prefers Harveys maps for this.

Harveys also do Superwalker maps for popular walking areas which have 1:25 000 scale.

2. Plan your route

Before you hit the trails, it’s worth doing some planning in the comfort of your own home. By checking the map, you can work out your route distance and how long you expect to be out for (and then let someone at home know these details so they can alert the emergency services if you’re not back in time).

Using an online system can make planning easier and help you to factor those pesky contour lines into your time on route. I often search online for route ideas and also subscribe to OS Online Maps so I can plan routes.

Even so, for me there’s no substitute for a paper map and knowing how to use a map and compass is an important skill….see below ;)

3. Learn how to use a compass

Even though I love paper maps, I‘ve caught up with the digital age and adopted online mapping when out in the hills. It just makes life easier. You can follow a route on your device, double check where you are and look at alternative routes if you come across a path which looks interesting.

BUT, the downside with relying solely on digital maps is that it can eat up your battery life, or you can lose signal and find yourself without any navigation. Mountain rescue organisations will tell you that your phone is for emergencies only, and a flat battery can make a crisis deadly.

So, it’s worth learning the art of compass and paper map navigation as a back up, especially if you’re in a new area. Then, if the worst should happen and you’re without online navigation, you still have a way of knowing your route and location. I also like using a paper map to look at a larger area than a screen can show, giving me a bigger perspective of where I am.

4. Practice makes perfect (or at least better)

No course will turn you into an overnight navigation whizz. It takes time and practice to develop your skills.

If you’re feeling a bit uncertain, take a map and compass out in an area you know well (even an urban area from your front door) and practice the techniques. It can be a fun way to add interest to somewhere which may have become a little boring with repetition!

Our navigational skills also diminish with lack of practice. So, with Covid meaning a long period of walking in familiar areas, I know that visiting a new area to sharpen my navigation techniques will be useful before taking on any big challenges.

5. Orientate your map

I get really confused if my map is not orientated in the direction I’m walking. Maps are printed with north at the top and south at the bottom. So, if I’m walking south, I’ll have the map upside down.

By doing that, the features I see on the map are in the same alignment as those I’m expecting to see on the ground.

Rather than moving yourself with the map, stand still and move the map around until everything lines up. So I’m not having to do this every time I want to check my route, I tend to keep the map close at hand and check it regularly to make sure I know exactly where I am.

There’s a lot more to map reading and navigation than I’ve covered in this homage to the humble map. OS has a fab Beginners guide to map reading which I urge you to check out. Also take a look at navigation courses - my advice is to find one with smaller instructor to student ratios.

Above all, get out there with your map and have some fun exploring.