Get the width of a river, valley, etc. No equipment needed.

How wide is that river? You're out walking and come to a river, valley, railway cutting, or any obstacle that you can't easily cross. How can you estimate the distance to the other side without a tape measure, rangefinder, or any specialist equipment? In this video, I'll demonstrate a simple surveying technique that allows you to estimate the width of an obstacle using nothing more than your body, a marker, and your pacing. We'll cover: • How to estimate the width of a river without any equipment • Why a 45-degree angle is the key to the method • How pacing can be used to measure distance • Converting paces into metres • Common sources of error and how to improve accuracy • When this technique works best in the countryside This is a practical navigation and fieldcraft skill that has been used for generations. It relies on a simple geometric principle: at a 45-degree angle, the distance you walk along the bank is equal to the distance across the obstacle. Whether you're a hill walker, navigator, outdoor enthusiast, scout leader, or simply curious about practical surveying techniques, this is an easy skill to learn and surprisingly useful in the field. No calculator. No electronics. Just a little geometry and a bit of pacing. ___________________________ I’m NOT sponsored (by anyone) but I do get asked for these details quite often. Thumbnail. All Hallows Church, Great Mitton, from the River Ribble. Gear. Gillet - North Face Shirt - Halley Hanson Trousers - North Face Footwear - Merrell