Route Planning Using OS Maps Made Simple

Master map skills, compass use, and safe multi-day route planning to explore England's wild places with confidence and independence.

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Route Planning Using OS Maps

Route planning using OS maps is the essential first step taught in Untamed Trails — clear, step-by-step guidance to help you read contours, set bearings, and plot safe routes across England.

Written for adults aged 25–55 who want confident wild camping and multi-day hikes, Steve Barker combines practical mapwork, real-route examples, and safety-first planning so beginners progress quickly.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a week-long trek, this book breaks complex navigation into repeatable skills so you can explore responsibly and independently.

What You'll Learn

OS Map Fundamentals

Clear explanations of map scales, grid references, symbols and contours so you can interpret any Ordnance Survey map with ease.

Compass and Bearing Techniques

Practical, illustrated steps for taking bearings, navigating in poor visibility, and transferring azimuths between map and ground.

Route Planning for Multi-Day Trips

How to plan daily mileage, campsites, water points and escape routes — includes 12 sample multi-day itineraries across England.

Risk Management and Safety

Pre-trip checks, weather interpretation, and decision-making frameworks to reduce risk while wild camping or hiking in remote terrain.

Responsible Wild Camping

Practical guidance on low-impact camping, route choice to protect habitats, and legal considerations so you travel ethically.

Why Untamed Trails Works

  • Step-by-step map and compass lessons for beginners
  • 12 real routes and case studies across English uplands
  • Practical checklists for safety, gear, and trip planning
  • Techniques for navigating in poor visibility and at night
  • Advice on camp selection, water sourcing, and Leave No Trace
  • Builds confidence for solo and group multi-day trips

What People Are Saying

“Steve's clear approach turned my map anxiety into confidence. I planned and completed my first two-night wild camp using his methods.”

— Emma J., Peak District

“Practical, jargon-free and full of real-life examples. The OS map walkthroughs are exactly what I needed to step up to longer routes.”

— Mark T., Lake District

“Excellent safety focus. The checklists and decision-making tips helped me avoid a bad-weather plan and still enjoy a great trip.”

— Rachael P., Northumberland

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Untamed Trails starts with the basics of OS maps and builds to multi-day route planning with clear, illustrated steps and practice exercises.

Absolutely. The book includes a practical OS map primer covering symbols, contours, scales, and four- and six-figure grid references.

Yes. The book contains 12 sample multi-day itineraries, plus guidance on daily distances, campsite choice, water planning, and contingency routes.

Yes. Detailed compass techniques, bearing transfers, and navigation strategies for mist, low light and feature-poor ground are included.

The book explains legal considerations by region and emphasises Leave No Trace principles, respectful site selection, and low-impact camping practices.

Purchase Untamed Trails directly at https://author.to/untamed-trails for instant access to the guidance you need.

Ready to Plan Your Next Wild Route?

Get Untamed Trails — practical, step-by-step guidance for route planning using OS maps and safe wild camping. Buy now: https://author.to/untamed-trails

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