In the realm of multi-adventure activities, orienteering is undoubtedly the experience that'll make you use your head the most to reach your goal. With a map you'll need to read, a compass and a good pair of trainers, you can find your way in the wilderness.

However, it's possible to navigate nature without using a compass, map or GPS. Yes, really!

How to orient yourself with a watch


These techniques are worth knowing - to impress friends, out of curiosity, and perhaps they'll prove useful if you get lost in the wild or your GPS battery dies mid-forest!

First, everyone knows that tree moss always grows on the north side. Well, that's false! Tree moss grows according to shade or wind patterns. It needs moisture to develop, so it grows on the tree's dampest side - typically where sunlight doesn't reach... which isn't always north!

So which techniques actually work?


Natural navigation techniques aren't always precise but remain effective. Here are some tips to orient yourself in space and time without traditional navigation tools:

  • The sun:

It rises roughly in the east and sets approximately in the west. When highest in the sky, it's solar noon - about 2pm on our watches.

If you have a watch, you can also use it to navigate:

Point the hour hand towards the sun. The angle between the hour hand and 2 o'clock (summer time) or 1 o'clock (winter time) indicates south:

Large bear little bear and polar star



  • The North Star:

The North Star always indicates true north. How to find it? It's the tail of the Little Dipper.

Alternatively, measure five times the distance between the two pointer stars opposite the handle of the Big Dipper's ladle shape.

orient yourself in the forest



However, this star isn't very bright and may be hard to spot with light pollution.

  • The moon:

The orientation of crescent moon tips points east during first quarter and west during last quarter.

If you're a seamstress or happen to have a needle and thread, note that a magnetised needle always points north.

Without a magnet to magnetise your needle, heating it works too - though less reliably.

Once you know cardinal directions, you must also determine your location. Obviously: to go from point A to B, knowing point A's position helps!

For this, no magic - just observation. When hiking or walking through woods, immediately note environmental features. Rocks, boulders, ridges, distinctive trees... try memorising as many landmarks as possible.

Observation of the environment


You can estimate distance travelled based on walking time - most people walk at about 5km/h.

You now know some natural navigation basics among the most commonly used. While we all know someone with no sense of direction who's got lost near home, sometimes you must trust your instincts too.

Orienteering is a sport engaging both mind and legs - a fascinating challenge amidst nature.

If orienteering interests you, check local orienteering clubs and companies.

What are your navigation tricks? Share them in the comments!