Trig Points or trig pillars are a feature of the landscape that you've probably seen when out walking in the British Countryside. These pillars are around four feet (1.2m) tall and are made from concrete with a brass fitting on top.
What are trig points?
Trig Points or to give them their full name Triangulation Points/Pillars were first put in place almost 90 years ago to help map Britain.
Designed by Brigadier Martin Hotine in 1935 and installed from 1936 there were over 6500 points installed across the country to triangulate the country and provide accurate maps.
Trig points tend to be found on high ground
This worked by measuring the angles between two other points which helped map land boundaries, roads and other infrastructure.
Trig Points today
Now these trig points are obsolete (for their initial purpose) as mapping is done with satellites and drones rather than these old school techniques.
However they are now used as markers for hikers and other adventurers to reach and thanks to their elevation, provide great photo opportunities.
Where can you find a trig point?
Trig Points can be found all across Great Britain. Whilst many of the original 6500 posts have been destroyed or demolished there are still loads to visit.
Trig Bagging has become a popular challenge for hikers, who are looking to visit them all (or as many as possible).
There is a handy map made by TrigpointingUK with all of the trig points and the current state of them - Trig Map.
