Learn with a book that teaches navigation skills fast

Gain confidence on England's wild trails with step-by-step navigation training, compass techniques, and minimalist route planning.

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Find Your Bearings

Untamed Trails is a book that teaches navigation skills specifically for adults who want to explore wild camping and hiking in England with confidence. Clear, practical instruction makes map-and-compass navigation accessible even to beginners.

Written by Steve Barker, a seasoned outdoor leader and UK wilderness guide, the book combines field-tested methods, annotated route examples, and simple practice exercises designed for day hikes through to multi-day trips.

Whether you're progressing from local footpaths to remote moorland or seeking self-reliant weekend escapes, Untamed Trails gives you the techniques, safety checks, and mindset to navigate responsibly and confidently.

What You'll Learn

Map reading made simple

Understand contours, grid references, and map symbols to interpret terrain and plan safe routes across England’s varied landscapes.

Compass fundamentals and bearings

Hands-on guidance to take and follow bearings, correct for magnetic variation, and navigate when visibility is poor.

Route planning and decision-making

Plan multi-day itineraries, estimate timings, select campsites, and adapt routes based on weather and terrain.

Night and low-visibility techniques

Practical strategies for navigating at dusk, dawn, or in fog—plus simple safety checks to reduce risk.

Skills practice and confidence drills

Progressive exercises and real-route case studies you can practice locally to build competence before heading further afield.

Why Untamed Trails Works

  • Tailored to England’s landscapes and footpath network
  • Step-by-step lessons for beginners and advancing hikers
  • Practical, field-tested techniques—no jargon
  • Real route examples with annotated maps
  • Focus on safety, self-reliance, and Leave No Trace
  • Exercises to build confidence before multi-day trips

What People Are Saying

“A clear, no-nonsense guide—my navigation improved after just a weekend of practice exercises.”

— Emma Hughes, Cumbria

“Perfect for anyone moving from day hikes to wild camping. The route planning chapters are brilliant.”

— Liam Carter, Devon

“Practical tips and real-world examples make this my go-to navigation book for UK walks.”

— Nina Patel, Kent

Frequently Asked Questions

Adults aged 25–55 who want to explore wild camping and hiking in England, from beginners to hikers preparing for multi-day trips.

No. The book starts with basics like map symbols and compass use, then builds to route planning and low-visibility navigation.

Yes. Each chapter includes progressive drills and short route examples so you can practice skills on local hikes.

Absolutely. Techniques and examples are tailored to England’s weather, terrain, and common footpath systems.

Purchase it directly at https://author.to/untamed-trails for the latest edition and bonus downloadable route sheets.

Take Your Navigation Further

Gain the map, compass, and planning skills you need for confident wild camping and hiking—buy Untamed Trails at https://author.to/untamed-trails.

Buy Untamed Trails