🏔️Stay on Track: Simple Tips for Navigating the Wilderness

Have you ever found yourself on an unexpected path, questioning whether you're still on the right trail? 

It’s more common than you think, but the good news is, nature provides all the clues you need to stay on course. One wrong turn can lead you miles off track … unless you know what to look for.

Recognise Early Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late

• Mismatched Terrain? If a creek is supposed to be on your left but it’s on your right, stop and verify your location.

• Unexpected Elevation Change? If the trail should be flat but you're climbing, check your topographic map.

• Missing Landmarks? If a lake, saddle, or ridgel ine isn’t where it should be, pause and reassess your navigation.

• Trail Conditions Look Off? Overgrown or faint paths might mean you’ve drifted from the main route.

Simple Action Steps to Stay on Track

✅ Pause & Scan: Stop every 20-30 minutes and assess your surroundings. Match peaks, valleys, and rivers to your map.
✅ Cross-Check Your Map: Regularly confirm that ridge lines, creeks, and elevation shifts align with expectations.
✅ Backtrack When in Doubt: If something feels off, retrace your steps to the last confirmed landmark.
✅ Take Mental Notes: Pay attention to distinct features and note them to improve your recall.
✅ Practice Without GPS: Try navigating in a safe environment with only terrain features before relying on digital tools.

My Close Call in Tasmania’s Western Arthur Range

A few years ago, I misread an ‘apparent’ trail junction while hiking in Tasmania’s rugged Western Arthurs. The path I followed looked well travelled but veered right when my map indicated a left turn. I was on the wrong trail for 15 minutes before realising the ridge line didn’t match. Catching the mistake early made for an easy correction—had I continued, I could have ended up miles off course in remote terrain.

It was a wake-up call about the importance of trusting my observations over assumptions.

Trust Your Instincts, But Always Verify

Even experienced hikers make mistakes—what separates those who stay safe from those who don’t is the ability to recognise small errors before they turn into big ones. Have you ever caught yourself heading the wrong way just in time?

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

Thank you for reading Mowser’s Musings. I hope you found it helpful.

Upgrade your subscription for an ad-free experience and exclusive perks.

Explore the new tiers here.

Until next week.

Stay well,

Mowser

Helping hiking enthusiasts explore the great outdoors