Around Obstacles - No Maths

Ever been navigating with a map and compass… only to walk straight into a lake, boulder field, or fence? In this video I demonstrate a simple way to get around obstacles while staying on your original bearing — without doing any maths or adjusting your compass bezel. Most navigation courses teach “boxing” around obstacles using 90° turns and bearing calculations. It works well, but there’s an even easier method that uses the compass needle itself as a visual guide. In this practical hill navigation tutorial you’ll learn: • How to bypass obstacles while staying on line • A simple “no maths” alternative to boxing • Why the method works with any compass • How to use the compass needle at right angles to your orienting arrow • How pacing keeps you accurate • Why magnetic declination doesn’t affect this technique This method is quick, simple, and especially useful in poor visibility or when you need to make fast decisions on the hill. Whether you use a baseplate compass, mirror compass, or military-style compass, the principle is exactly the same.