Map Reading Course Southwest England — Learn & Navigate

Gain hands-on map skills, compass navigation, and route planning for confident multi-day hiking and wild camping across southwest England.

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Map Reading Course Southwest England — Start Here

Untamed Trails by Steve Barker is presented as a practical map reading course southwest England, combining clear instruction, OS map examples, and route plans for Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Mendips, and the Cornish moors.

Designed for adults aged 25–55, this book suits beginners through to hikers stepping up to multi-day trips — focused on safety, self-reliance, and responsible wild camping.

Get your copy and start learning with step-by-step exercises and 50 mapped routes across southwest England: https://author.to/untamed-trails

What You'll Learn

Compass fundamentals

Clear lessons on bearings, taking and following a bearing, and integrating compass use with map reading for reliable navigation.

OS map symbols & scales

Master Ordnance Survey maps: grid references, scales, map symbols, and how to translate them into real-world routes across varied terrain.

Contour and terrain interpretation

Read contours and landforms to judge slopes, water features, and likely routes — essential for safe navigation in upland and moorland areas.

Route planning for multi-day trips

Plan distance, ascent, water sources, and sensible campsites; includes packing and time estimates tailored to southwest England conditions.

Low-visibility and night navigation

Practical techniques for navigating in fog, rain, or after dark, including backup methods and decision-making under pressure.

Local case studies & mapped routes

50 detailed route examples across Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor and coastal paths, with photos, hazards, and alternative lines.

Why Untamed Trails Works

  • Hands-on exercises you can practice on short day hikes
  • OS map-focused instruction tailored to southwest England terrain
  • Build confidence for solo or group wild camping trips
  • Practical safety checks and decision-making templates
  • Clear illustrations and step-by-step route breakdowns
  • Suitable for beginners and hikers progressing to multi-day trips

What People Are Saying

“A game-changer for my weekend hikes — the route examples for Dartmoor made planning simple and safe.”

— Lucy M., Exeter

“I went from nervous on map work to confident navigating night sections. Practical, clear, and exactly what I needed.”

— Tom H., Penzance

“Excellent mix of skills and local know-how. The multi-day planning chapters saved me hours when preparing for a backcountry trip.”

— Aisha K., Bristol

Frequently Asked Questions

Untamed Trails is a practical, self-study book that functions like a map reading course with exercises, case studies, and step-by-step route plans you can practice in the field.

No. The book starts with compass and OS map basics and builds to multi-day planning, making it suitable for complete beginners and improving hikers.

Yes. It includes 50 mapped routes and case studies across Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor, the Mendips, and coastal sections of Cornwall and Devon.

The book focuses on field exercises and self-practice. Additional downloadable route snapshots and checklists are available via the author's link: https://author.to/untamed-trails.

Yes. Dedicated chapters cover navigating in low light, fog, and poor weather, including safety decision-making and backup techniques.

Order directly at https://author.to/untamed-trails or from major retailers listed on the author page.

Take the Map Reading Course Southwest England Today

Build real navigation skills, practice with 50 mapped routes, and start planning safer, more confident wild camping trips — https://author.to/untamed-trails

Order Untamed Trails