Navigation & Map Reading Courses
Learning how to navigate opens up new opportunities in the outdoors. Our map reading and navigation courses are made to help you build essential skills. Whether you are new to walking or want to improve your confidence in unfamiliar areas. Our courses provide clear guidance and real hands on experience.
All course are led by qualified mountain leaders. You will learn how to use maps, compasses and navigation techniques. By the end of the course, you will feel more prepared to plan routes, make decisions and explore the hills and countryside with greater independence.
Whether you’re looking to improve your map reading or gain essential mountain skills, we offer two courses:
One-Day Map Reading and Compass Course
Perfect for beginners, teaches navigation with compasses and maps. This is a fundamental map and compass skill building course in the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
Two-Day Mountain Skills and Navigation Course
A more in-depth course held in the Lake District, covering advanced navigation, route planning, safety, and essential mountain skills.
One-Day Map Reading and Compass Course
Do you want to learn how to navigate with confidence? Our one-day course will show you the basics of map reading and compass use.
The course covers:
Navigate using linear features such as walls and rivers.
Navigate using contours.
Use an OS map.
Understand map symbols.
Use different types of maps.
Understand and use grid references.
Use navigation strategies, including what to do if you’re lost and how to estimate distances.
Use a compass.
The course takes place in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales area, led by an experienced mountain leader.
Two-Day Navigation and Mountain Skills Course
Our two-day navigation and mountain skills course is a practical course which teaches you essential navigation skills.
It covers all of the basics that are included on the one-day map reading and compass course, but also includes further vital mountaineering skills in planning, preparing and keeping yourself safe.
The course teaches you how to:
Navigate using linear features such as walls and rivers
Navigate using contours
Use an OS map
Understand map symbols
Use different types of maps
Understand and use grid references
Use navigation strategies, including what to do if you’re lost and how to estimate distances
Use a compass
Identify landmarks and landforms
Plan your pace and timing
Plan and prepare for routes
Interpret contours
Understand emergency procedures and plan escape routes
Understand mountain weather forecasts
Deal with steep inclines
Use essential gear
Respond in an emergency situation
The skills you develop will help you tackle any adventure in unfamiliar territory with confidence.
This course takes place in the Lake District.