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Books about Natural Navigation – no map, compass, or gps – not even a signpost

January 31, 2009 · 3 Comments

Moon at dusk can guide navigation when you are lost

Moon at dusk can guide navigation when you are lost

I am passionate about the lost art and science of what is termed “Natural Navigation“, or ‘emergency navigation’ – the skill or reading nature’s clues to find your way without map, compass, gps or signposts.

To start you off, here are my favourite books on the subject, which you can all find online. My favourite is Harold Gatty’s Finding Your Way – a classic.

You will understand why I call my business Five Senses, and why walking barefoot has great advantages to learning to read the landscape. Based as I am in the north of Scotland, I believe in teaching people to read and understand their local environment, so not all techniques are applicable in your area (sand dunes are not so common here, nor trees but what there is has been well sculpted by the prevailing winds!)

Have a look at the books:-

Gatty, HaroldFinding your way without map or compass

Aveni, AnthonyPeople and the sky

Burch, DavidEmergency Navigation

Wilson, NeilSAS Tracking and navigation handbook

Grylls, BearBorn survivor / Man v Wild – survival techniques  …

Thomas, StephenLast Navigator

Cunliffe, TomCelestial Navigation

It is all about using your senses, being aware and observing – skills that need to be taught and developed – technology has made us lazy. Just like my other passion, making fire. For courses and private info, you can email me.

Aventi

Aventi

Finding Your Way

Gatty

Categories: bushcraft · five senses activities · my books · survival skills
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