The Best Natural Navigation Tricks for Beginners

Navigating in the great outdoors can feel daunting at first, especially if you are new to camping, bushcraft, or hiking. While maps, compasses, and GPS devices are incredibly useful, knowing a few natural navigation tricks can boost your confidence and help you stay safe. At UKSN, we believe in teaching practical, family-friendly outdoor skills that anyone can use. Here are some of the best natural navigation techniques for beginners.

Use the Sun to Find Direction

The sun is one of the oldest navigation tools known to humans. In the UK, the sun rises roughly in the east and sets in the west. During the morning, if you face the rising sun, north will be on your left and south on your right. In the afternoon, as the sun moves across the sky, you can use its position to maintain a general sense of direction.

A simple trick is to use a stick and shadow. Place a stick upright in the ground and mark the tip of its shadow. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and mark the new shadow tip. A line drawn between the first and second marks runs approximately west to east, helping you orient yourself.

Read the Landscape

Natural features can act as landmarks if you learn how to read them. Rivers, hills, valleys, and roads often follow predictable patterns. For example, rivers generally flow downhill and can lead you to settlements or larger waterways. Hills and ridges can provide a higher vantage point to get your bearings and spot distant features.

Trees and vegetation can also offer clues. In the northern hemisphere, moss often grows more abundantly on the north side of trees, though this is not always reliable, so it should be used alongside other methods.

Navigate Using Stars

When you’re camping overnight, stars can be a fantastic navigation aid. The North Star, Polaris, is almost directly aligned with north. Find the Big Dipper constellation and follow the line formed by the two stars at the end of its ‘bowl’ to locate Polaris. Once you find it, you have a reliable point of reference for true north.

Observe Nature Around You

Nature is full of subtle signals that can help you find your way if you know what to look for. Observing animals and plants is one of the oldest ways humans have navigated, and even beginners can use these techniques effectively.

Birds and Wildlife

Many animals have predictable behaviours that can hint at direction. Birds, for example, often fly towards water sources in the early morning to drink or in the evening to roost. If you see birds moving consistently in one direction at these times, it may indicate a nearby river, lake, or pond. Similarly, squirrels and other small mammals tend to move along familiar routes between feeding areas and shelter, often following valleys or wooded paths that can guide your route.

Plants and Foliage

Plants respond to sunlight, wind, and moisture, creating patterns that can be used for orientation:

• Moss and Lichens: While moss is commonly thought to grow only on the north side of trees, in reality it prefers shaded, damp areas. In the UK, north-facing slopes often receive less direct sunlight, so moss and lichen growth can hint at general north-south orientation.

• Snowberries and Berry Bushes: Some berry-bearing plants tend to produce fruit on the sunniest side of the plant. Observing which side of the bush has the most berries or flowers can indicate the southern exposure.

• Ferns and Grass: Ferns often orient themselves towards sunlight, and grass may grow taller and greener on sides receiving more light. In the morning or afternoon, comparing the growth on different sides of plants can help estimate direction.

Track Your Steps

Even with natural navigation methods, it’s easy to get turned around. A simple technique is to leave markers as you walk. Stones, sticks, or temporary markings on trees can help you retrace your path if needed. For longer walks, consider noting distinctive landmarks along the way.

Combine Skills for Confidence

The most effective natural navigation comes from combining multiple techniques. For example, start by using the sun to determine approximate direction, then check your orientation with the landscape or a prominent hill. Keep a simple map in your pack for confirmation, but practice relying on nature first. Over time, you will gain confidence and become more independent in the outdoors.

Practice in a Safe Environment

Beginners should start practising natural navigation close to home. Try walking familiar trails using only the sun, landmarks, and your observations to find your way. Gradually increase the challenge by exploring less familiar areas. This approach builds skills and teaches you how to stay calm and aware when navigating in the wild.

Conclusion

Natural navigation is a rewarding skill that connects you with the environment and enhances your confidence outdoors. By learning to read the sun, stars, landscape, and nature itself, beginners can safely explore more widely and enjoy a deeper understanding of the outdoors. At UKSN, we encourage members of all ages to develop these essential skills and make the most of every adventure.