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For thousands of years, humans navigated the land without the help of maps, compasses, or smartphones. In the UK, you can still practice these ancient techniques using natural signs in the landscape. Learning to navigate naturally can enhance your hiking experience, connect you more deeply to your surroundings, and provide vital survival skills. One of the most basic techniques is to use the position of the sun. In the UK, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. At midday, it’s generally due south, making it a reliable indicator of direction. A simple shadow stick method—placing a stick in the ground and marking the tip of its shadow at intervals—can show east–west orientation.
Another reliable method is star navigation. The North Star (Polaris) remains almost fixed in the sky and sits roughly above true north. You can find it by locating the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) and following the line created by the two stars at the end of its “bowl.”
Animals and plants can also offer directional clues. Moss tends to grow more thickly on the north side of trees where it's shadier. Tree branches often grow more vigorously on the south side, and spider webs are usually spun on the sheltered side of trees or fences—often the east.
The shape of the land is also useful. In the UK, prevailing winds usually come from the southwest. This affects the growth of trees and the shape of sand dunes and snow drifts, all of which can subtly point you in the right direction.
Want to go deeper? The expert Tristan Gooley is known for teaching natural navigation. His Natural Navigator site is a treasure trove of practical guides. You can also explore detailed Ordnance Survey resources to get started with natural wayfinding.
Learning to read the landscape not only keeps you safe but also turns any walk into a meaningful, mindful journey. Next time you're hiking in the UK countryside, try switching off your GPS and using the world around you to find your way.
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