Step 9 of 10 · Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost
Recognise that you are lost
Recognise that you are lost — step 9 of 10 in Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost. You are lost when you cannot point to your position on the map within 500 metres.
Free outdoor skills tip: Recognise that you are lost (step 9 of 10 from "Read a Trail Map and Not Get Lost").
You are lost when you cannot point to your position on the map within 500 metres. Signs: the terrain does not match the next expected feature, you have walked longer than the distance between checkpoints should allow, or a trail junction appeared that is not on the map. Do not rationalise — 'maybe the map is wrong' is denial.
The moment you suspect, stop walking. Sit down. Drink water. Panic adds kilometres in the wrong direction. Every step without confirmed position makes the problem geometrically worse.
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