Navigate by handrails and catching features

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Pick a linear feature parallel to your route — a river, ridge, road, or valley. That's your handrail.

2. 2

   Walk keeping the handrail on the same side, checking it visually every few minutes.

3. 3

   Choose a catching feature past your destination — a river, cliff, or trail perpendicular to your route.

4. 4

   If you hit the catching feature, you've overshot — turn back along the handrail.

5. 5

   Aim off deliberately: bias 5-10° left or right of the target so you always know which way to turn at the catch.