GRID REFERENCES

Explorer Maps are laid out on a grid in 4cm squares; 4cm on the map is equal to 1km on the ground, which is equivalent to a scale of 1:25000. At the bottom and top of the map are numbers called eastings, and at the left and right edges are numbers called northings; they represent distances east and north respectively. The first 3 numbers of a grid reference are the eastings and the last 3 numbers are the northings.

In the example shown the grid reference of the church at Little Plumpton is made up of two parts: 696 is the eastings and 018 is the northings which gives GR696018. Now try to work out the GR of Grove Farm and the Village Hall.

On Explorer Map 145 (Guildford & Farnham), a grid reference of 853594 is made up of two parts: 853 is the eastings and 594 is the northings. Look along the bottom or top edge of the map to find 85, then estimate 853 somewhere between square 85 and 86. Do the same for the northings by looking along the left or right edge of the map for somewhere between square 59 and 60. Where the points meet is  grid reference 853594 which is Hawley Church, to the nearest 100m.

A grid reference may be referred to as SU853594 where the SU refers to the grid area on the OS map of the British Isles.  This need arises because the 6-figure reference repeats itself every 100km., but often only the 6-figure number is given if the walk is local.  If you want to do some serious walking with a compass then go to the page on "How to use a compass".