Not Always A to B

Taking the most direct route from point to point is not always the best option, especially if it means you would have to get wet or go off the track. It can mean that you have more risk, more difficult walking and it can take longer.

There are several techniques commonly used to make it easier and often quicker not only to walk a route but also to navigate it.

Hand-Railing

You can use a fence or similar feature as an imaginary hand-rail to guide you to a point. For example if there is a stile on the opposite side of a field, if you head straight for it in fog, you may not find it. However, if you follow the fence round, you know you will reach it eventually.

This method can be done with many features such as:

• The edge of a forest.
• The bank of a river.
• A path.
• A road.
• Overhead wires.
• Cliff edges.

Aiming-Off

Aiming-off is exactly what it says. Instead of heading directly for something, you head either slightly to the left or the right of it. This means that when you arrive near your destination, it will be either to your left or right.

Take the previous example of finding a stile for instance. If you aim-off to the right of it, you know that when you arrive at the fence, it will be somewhere to your left.