Navigating in Dangerous Terrain

Navigating in dangerous terrain with a map and compass, maybe in total darkness, brings extra significant challenges. Even with a powerful head torch, the lack of natural light will hide, or at least obscure, crucial details of the terrain, rendering it challenging to identify landmarks, elevation changes, and potential obstacles.

This diminished visibility not only hampers accurate interpretation of the map but also increases the risk of misjudging the surrounding environment.
At night there is always a high chance of falling and tripping which (physiologically) can be challenging for even the most experienced hiker.

The inability to perceive uneven terrain, obstacles, or sudden changes in landscape elevates the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Negotiating through the darkness demands a heightened sense of caution and a keen awareness of the immediate surroundings.

The basics are that navigating with a map and compass in complete darkness amplifies the risks already in dangerous terrain. You should take everything slowly and carefully, tell someone, exactly, where you are going and only use navigation strategies which you are fully confident in.

Link to "how to navigate at night video"
   • Night navigation with map and compass  

Link to the "What are shake holes" video
   • Why are Shake Holes so dangerous  

Link to the Route Plan download page:
http://mapreading.co.uk/sample-route-...

Link to the "What to carry in your rucksack" video
   • What to carry in your rucksack/backpack