1 in 3 Mountain Rescue callouts caused by poor navigation
There are some headlines you read and nod along to. Others should stop you in your tracks.
A new partnership between Ordnance Survey and Mountain Rescue England and Wales has highlighted something we see time and time again at GPS Training:
Mountain Rescue’s figures from 2022 showed that over one in three callouts in England and Wales were due to basic mistakes and poor planning, with 17% caused by human error, 9% by bad decision making and 9% by inexperience.
Over one in three mountain rescue callouts are caused by poor navigation.
Not bad luck. Not extreme weather.
Just simple mistakes that could have been avoided.
According to OS Data last years Easter Break saw an 81% increase in walks compared to the rest of January, February and March. Both organisations are calling for walkers to plan ahead and use the correct navigational tools.
What’s Actually Going Wrong?
From our experience, most issues fall into a few common traps:
- Relying on basic mobile apps designed for cities, not countryside navigation
- Heading out with no real plan or route understanding
- Assuming “I’ll just follow the blue dot”
- Not knowing how to recover when things go wrong
Once you’re on open ground or in poor visibility, those gaps show quickly.
The Big Problem with Mobile Apps
Smartphones are useful, but they are not built for the hills.
Battery Drain Is a Real Risk
Mapping apps, GPS tracking, and cold weather can drain your phone fast.
We regularly hear from walkers whose phone drops dramatically within a few hours.
And once it’s gone, you’ve lost your navigation.
Signal Isn’t Guaranteed
Many apps rely on data for full functionality.
Lose signal, and suddenly your navigation becomes limited or unreliable.
They’re Designed for Roads, Not Hills
Urban navigation apps simply aren’t designed for:
- Moorland
- Mountains
- Unmarked terrain
That’s where proper mapping becomes essential.
A GPS device can be a real asset out in the hills, especially when used alongside traditional skills. It gives you quick, accurate positioning, helping you confirm exactly where you are at any moment, which is invaluable in poor visibility or featureless terrain.
You can follow pre-planned routes, check distances and ascent, and make informed decisions as you go. Unlike a mobile phone, a dedicated GPS unit is built for the outdoors, with long battery life, rugged design, and reliable performance without relying on signal.
More info here about planning your walk - the process.
The Skill That Still Saves Lives: Map & Compass
Technology can fail. Skills don’t.
A map and compass:
- Don’t run out of battery
- Don’t rely on signal
- Don’t crash
But more importantly, they give you understanding, not just direction.
This is exactly why we strongly recommend learning proper navigation skills through our partner company, Shepherds Walks.
Their Map and Compass Training Courses are designed for real walkers, not just theory.
What makes these courses stand out:
- Start in a classroom, then head straight out into the hills
- Learn practical skills you’ll actually use
- Friendly, supportive environment for all abilities
- Led by experienced local guides
You’ll learn:
- How to read an Ordnance Survey map properly
- Taking and following bearings with a compass
- Measuring distance and estimating time
- Navigating in poor visibility
- What to do when things don’t go to plan
In our view, this is one of the best investments any walker can make. It’s not just about navigation, it’s about confidence.
The Ideal Approach
The safest walkers use a combination of:
✅ GPS device
✅ Ordnance Survey mapping for detail
✅ Map and compass skills as a backup
That’s exactly the approach we promote at GPS Training.
Final Thought
That “one in three” statistic isn’t just a number.
It’s a reminder that most problems in the hills are preventable.
Learn the skills. Use the right tools. Have a backup.
Because when things go wrong, it’s not your phone that gets you home.
For further safety advice check out Mountain rescue England & Wales.
Further reading
1. How to stay safe in the hills
2. Top 10 winter walking tips
Graham Moss
Interesting article. I have used a Garmin Oregon 700 for many years (purchased from yourselves) and whilst not 100% perfect any problems I generally manage to resolve.. I also have a paper map for backup. As the expensive mapping on my GPS was getting very much out of date I have been trying out the OS app on my iPhone over the last twelve months.. I have found that the maps are much clearer on my phone than on my GPS and navigation has been pretty much spot-on. It even tells me if have gone off route. As I was aware of the possibility of the phone battery not lasting for the duration of the walk I also purchased a power bank enabling the phone to recharge even whilst using it. However, to-date, on daily walks of around six hours the battery usage on my iPhone 16e has been minimal (approx 20% at most) and I have not had to use the power bank at all although I still carry it in my rucksack.. Whilst continuing to take my GPS unit with me I now tend to use the OS app on my phone in preference to my GPS unit. With a twelve month subscription costing me just £24.29 for the next twelve months (a recent special offer) including up-to date mapping it is a no brainer.