Why Paper Maps Still Matter (And How to Learn to Use One)
It’s a familiar feeling. We use apps to plan our route, track our progress, and tell us where to turn. Our phones give us directions, distances, and even the weather. But they also bring a constant stream of distractions. Is the signal going to drop? Will the battery last? What if I get a message or a notification more important than the peaceful walk I promised myself?
I decided to write this because, time and again, during my outdoor escape room sessions, Scout nights, and Duke of Edinburgh training, I’ve noticed something: many people — young and old — don’t know how to read a map without using a phone.
Young people often panic when they’re told they can’t use their phones to find the way. Adults tend to laugh it off with a slightly embarrassed, “I’ve always been useless with maps,” before admitting they now rely entirely on Google Maps or sat nav.
A Return to Confidence and Curiosity
I decided to write this post and associated course because, time and again, during my outdoor escape room sessions, Scout nights, and Duke of Edinburgh training, I’ve noticed something: many people — young and old — don’t know how to read a map without using a phone.
Learning to use a paper map changes the way you walk. You become an active participant in your journey, not just a follower of a blue dot on a screen. You begin to read the land, understand where paths lead, and spot features in the distance that match what’s on the page.
This isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s about seeing more, noticing more, and reading the landscape around us.
I created Navigate with Confidence to help people get back to these basics. It’s a walking-based navigation course designed for people who want to explore more freely, without relying on their phone — and without having to sign up for a formal multi-day training course.
Natural Navigation: Finding Your Way Without a Compass
Compasses scare a lot of people – but they are very simple to use for 95% of the cases you use them. Only if you are navigating across moorland and night or with zero visibility do you need to know anything else other than the Red Needle will always point North. There we go – compass lesson over! However there is a much better way to know which was is North.
The timeless skill of natural navigation are a wonder to learn — using what’s around you to find direction and make decisions. It’s a way of walking that encourages observation, awareness, and a deeper connection to your surroundings.
Do you know how to:
- Use the sun and shadows to find east and west
- Understand how plants and moss can give you subtle clues about direction
- Spot patterns in the landscape that help with orientation
- Use the stars to guide you at night
These techniques are ancient, yet still totally relevant. And the best part? They make every walk more interesting, even when you’re not lost.
Gain Confidence By Doing
My mission is to encourage people to get outside and adventure together — and I want to help you do that safely. That’s why I’ve launched a new public adventure through Launch Point Adventures: a friendly, practical course that gives you the confidence to navigate using a paper map.
This course is for walkers of all levels. Whether you’re looking to explore new areas, gain confidence for longer hikes, prepare for something like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, or just want to stop feeling anxious about getting lost.
Rather than classroom sessions or lectures, we teach navigation in a hands-on, friendly way while out on a number of walks around Bath. You’ll learn:
- How to read and set a paper map using the land around you
- What the symbols mean and how to use them to find paths, junctions, and key landmarks
- How to measure distance and estimate how long a route might take
- How to walk for a known distance in a set direction and why that helps you stay on track
- Natural navigation tips — finding your way using the sun, shadows, and surroundings
- When (and when not) to use a compass — and why it’s not as essential as you might think
You’ll also discover how calm and focused walking becomes when you’re not constantly checking a screen.
Why It Works
Navigate with Confidence is designed to be relaxed, accessible, and enjoyable. We keep group sizes small, and we walk at a gentle pace with plenty of stops to learn and observe. You’ll gain real-world navigation skills while soaking in the scenery — and you’ll leave feeling more capable and connected than you did at the start.
You don’t need to be experienced. Just curious.
