Mountain Navigation – A Quick Guide
Mountain Navigation – Finding your way safely around the hills, fells and mountains of the Lake District National Park.
During 2024, for the first time, Mountain Rescue teams in England were called out every single day of the year.
The age group requiring the highest percentage of rescue by the volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams was 18-24 years.
This statistic is reflective of the increasing reliance on mapping services such as Google Maps and Apple Maps, which do not yet carry sufficient information for safe navigation in the hills. Lack of preparation and experience, partnered with the increase in visibility of activities such as hill-walking across social media platforms has been cited by rescue teams are one reason for the increase in call outs.
Social media feeds are filled with inspirational images such as wild-swimming in faraway mountain pools or standing arms spread wide on a spectacular mountain summit. However, often absent from these images is the potentially difficult route to get to these beauty spots, or the type of equipment needed to keep safe when accessing them.
Maps with detailed terrain information, such as gradients, including those offered by Ordnance Survey, and being able to read them, are vital for safe navigation in mountainous and remote environments.
As well as paper maps, which can be purchased in advance of your visit to the Lakes or locally at shops including our own Hidden Treasures Gift Shop in Coniston, Ordnance Survey also offer online maps and a mobile app.
While requiring a purchase or subscription, unlike free mapping apps, they carry much more detailed topographical information including contour lines, summit heights and footpaths. Those purchasing a paper map also get a free digital download of their purchased map, offering the best of both worlds. Just make sure your phone is fully charged before heading out. Portable battery recharges are also a great idea if you’re planning on heading out in the mountains.
There are other mapping apps available of course, the key thing is a prepare for your outdoor adventure by gaining as much information as possible. Make sure you know what your exact route will be, what terrain you will face and what difficulties there may be on route. This information is simply not available on most free mapping apps which are primarily designed for more urban environments.
Mountain Rescue Teams are entirely run by dedicated volunteers, so it’s vitally important that all of us who enjoy getting out and about on the fells, do as much as possible to reduce the instances of avoidable call-outs.
Have fun and stay safe out there.
