Beginner's guides

A guide to Wild Camping on Dartmoor

For the wild campers of England, Dartmoor has to be a dream location because its bylaws allow wild camping (but not camp fires) in some allocated areas. You’re going to need a rucksack for this one as camping next to the road or in camper vans is not permitted. Find out everything you need to get going with Fi Darby.

Beginners guide to using a compass

Even with a GPS in your phone, knowing how to navigate using a map and a compass is a great life skill. Here's a step-by-step guide to using compass bearings.

A beginners guide to the compass

Improve your map reading skills with this beginner's guide to using a compass. We take a look at the types of compass and how to use one to read a map.

A beginners guide to measuring distance on a map

Measuring distance is a key tool in map reading and is especially useful for hikers and cyclists who want to measure how far they have travelled or how far they wish to go. Learn how to easily measure distance with our quick and simple guide.

A beginners guide to understanding map contour lines

Learn the use and meaning of contour lines on maps and understand how to use them on your map when you're planning routes or out and about.

A beginners guide to understanding map scales

Have you ever got confused about what a map scale is, or wondered what is the difference between our OS Landranger and OS Explorer maps? Our quick guide to understanding map scales will help!

A beginners guide to finding grid references

Improve your map reading skills by learning how to read a 4-figure, 6-figure or 8-figure national grid reference with our quick and easy guide. Perfect for beginner's, it includes a short 'how to' video.

Using maps for photography

Get started with outdoors photography with this simple guide.