Reading a Map and Compass on Open Access Land

Why open access land demands more than a phone

Open access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act gives us wonderful freedom to roam across moorland, heath and fell. But that freedom comes with responsibility. Mobile signal can vanish in a valley, batteries die in the cold, and a faint path can disappear under heather or snow. A map and compass never need charging. They reward practice with confidence, letting you enjoy the quiet corners of a countryside property without worrying about where the next waymark is.

Getting to know your map before you leave the kitchen table

Start with a 1:25,000 scale map for detailed navigation, or a 1:50,000 for broader planning. On the 1:25k, 4 cm equals 1 km; every grid square is 1 km. Learn to read a six-figure grid reference: eastings first, then northings. Contour lines show shape and steepness – the closer they are, the steeper the ground. Spend time at home spotting symbols: walls, streams, crags, marshy patches, and the orange shading that marks open access land. Notice how rights of way appear, and where they meet tracks or fences. This quiet study builds a mental library of features you will later recognise on the hill.

Taking a bearing that actually gets you there

Use a baseplate compass. To take a bearing from the map: lay the long edge of the baseplate along your intended line of travel, with the direction of travel arrow pointing towards your destination. Turn the bezel until the orienting lines inside it align with the grid lines on the map, making sure the orienting arrow points to the top of the map. Read the number at the index line – that is your grid bearing. Now account for magnetic variation. The margin of your map gives the local figure, currently a small number of degrees west or east in the UK. Add or subtract it as instructed to convert grid bearing to magnetic bearing. Hold the compass flat in front of you. Rotate your body until the red end of the magnetic needle sits inside the orienting arrow – often remembered as 'red in the shed'. The direction of travel arrow now points along your magnetic bearing. Pick a distant feature on that line, walk to it, then take a new bearing. Repeat as needed.

Reading the landscape as you move

Bearings work best when combined with what you can see. Use handrails – a wall, stream, or path – to guide you. Aim off deliberately: if you want to reach a bridge, aim for a point upstream, then follow the stream down. Identify catching features that will stop you if you overshoot, such as a road or loch. Attack points are obvious features close to your target from which you can navigate precisely. Contours tell you whether you are climbing or descending, and how steeply. Pace and time your legs: on flat ground, most people walk about 4 km per hour, so 1 km takes roughly 15 minutes. Add a minute for every 10 metres of ascent. Count double steps to calibrate your own pace – for many, 60 to 70 double steps equals 100 metres. Practise estimating distance by eye, then check with pacing.

Practising close to home before you go high

You do not need a remote summit to build skills. Start in a local park, on quiet footpaths, or along field edges. Set short legs of 200 to 300 metres. Take a bearing, walk it, and see how close you get to your chosen feature. Try navigating in mist or drizzle, when features are less obvious. Once confident, move to nearby open access land with clear boundaries – a moorland edge or a fell footpath. Always carry your map and compass even if you also use a GPS or phone. Tell someone your route and expected return time. Pack a waterproof map case, a whistle, torch, spare layers, and food. These small habits make the step to remote high ground far less daunting.

Keeping your skills sharp on the moor

Navigation is a perishable skill. Re-check magnetic variation each year, as it changes slowly. On open access land, paths may be faint or absent, so trust your compass and contour reading. When tired, slow down and double-check your grid references. Respect local closures and leave gates as you find them. The more you practise close to home, the more naturally map and compass become an extension of your senses – leaving you free to enjoy the space, quiet, and wildness of our countryside properties.