This conveniently sized guide is an invaluable point of reference for all walkers. Written by an author with a wealth of experience teaching navigation skills, it provides a clear and comprehensive guide to the key techniques - giving you the confidence to navigate successfully with map and compass and to plan and execute your own routes.

All topics are clearly referenced and easy to find. Chapters cover scales and grids, map symbols and contours, compasses, bearings, navigation on the hill, route planning and night and bad weather navigation. This new edition also incorporates new content on walking with a GPS device, with notes on how technology can complement map and compass. The text is illustrated with explanatory photos and diagrams as well as extracts from real maps and map keys, and - since the best way to learn is through experience - throughout the guide, practical exercises are suggested to help you practise and develop your skills.

Perfect both for novices seeking an introduction to navigation and also those wishing to brush up on old skills, this book is an indispensable companion to mastering the essential techniques. These valuable skills will enhance not only your safety but also your enjoyment of the outdoors.

Pete Hawkins trained as a geography teacher and taught in schools for a year before escaping to the Peak National Parks Environmental Centre for an outdoor job. As a navigation instructor he has taught both beginners how to read a map and compass and the more experienced how to hone their navigation skills. He runs the Silva-sponsored Silva Navigation School from his Peak District home. He has written for a variety of outdoor magazines, has worked for the BBC as a local radio reporter and leads walking holidays both at home and around the world.

Preface by Alan Hinkes OBE Foreword Chapter 1 Why use a map and compass? Chapter 2 Map essentials - scales and grids Chapter 3 Map symbols and contours Chapter 4 Walking with the map Chapter 5 Introducing the compass Chapter 6 Choosing your compass Chapter 7 Taking a bearing from the map Chapter 8 Taking a bearing from the ground Chapter 9 Walking with map and compass Chapter 10 Route planning Chapter 11 Night and bad weather navigation Chapter 12 Technology - GPS and computer mapping Chapter 13 Where now? Appendix A Answers to questions Appendix B Useful contacts and addresses Appendix C Further reading Appendix D Navigational aid