As a beginner, or indeed at any level, if you plan to compete on  navigational events, may we suggest a shopping list. This includes some of the basic equipment which would enable you to have a successful evening "on the maps."

The Landranger Ordnance Survey© Map: This will probably be your first stop. Check out Links-r-Us or refer to Contacts. Alternatively good bookshops or libraries hold a sizable stock.

In car light source: Sometimes overlooked, this device, normally a 12 volt strip light can be obtained from caravan accessory shops or good motor sport dealers.
(Highly recommended, it is reasonably difficult to "plot" your route information with a torch protruding from your mouth!)

Map magnifier: Commonly referred to as the "poti". Allows mild magnification of the map, (and your intended route,) includes a low wattage backlight. See: Links-r-us
(This item makes life a lot easier "on the move.” Your driver not having to suffer the distraction of any interior lamp glare!)

The Roamer: An all-important method of laying down or retrieving accurate information from your map face. For all information visit the web site here:  Basic Roamer

(Can be difficult to compete without this accurately stamped portion of plastic. Usually found hanging from a cord connected to the navigator’s neck!)

Pencils/equipment: Soft 2B types are preferred, a good synthetic eraser will do wonders with respect to any minor blunders that may occur.
(It goes without saying that, unlike your driver’s tyre, your point of contact is the good old pencil. Look after them. Not too hard though!)