Navigation & Map Reading Courses
Learning how to navigate opens up new opportunities in the outdoors. Our navigation and map reading 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 courses are led by qualified Mountain Leaders. You will learn how to use maps and compasses, understand the landscape and use practical 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.
Choose Your Course
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, this practical map reading and compass course covers the fundamentals of navigation in the Yorkshire Dales. You will learn how to read a map, use a compass and follow routes with greater confidence.
Two-Day Mountain Skills and Navigation Course
Our two-day course in the Lake District provides more in-depth navigation training alongside route planning, mountain safety, weather awareness and other essential hill skills.
One-Day Map Reading and Compass Course
Do you want to learn how to navigate with confidence? Our one-day map reading course teaches the basic skills you need to use a map and compass when exploring the countryside and hills.
The course covers:
Navigate using linear features such as walls and rivers.
Navigate using contours.
Use an OS map.
Understand map symbols.
Using different types of maps.
Understanding and using grid references.
Using navigation strategies, including what to do if you’re lost and how to estimate distances.
Using 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 designed for walkers who want to develop their navigation skills and become more confident in mountain environments.
It covers all of the key skills included in our one-day map reading and compass course, with additional training in route planning, preparation and mountain safety.
You will also learn to:
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.
Reviews from Previous Course Attendees
“Had a fabulous time in the Yorkshire Dales with Mark, thanks so much for helping me to understand the map and compass for navigation. I feel confident enough now to venture out on my own.”
Sarah Hardcastle, one-day map reading and compass course
“Had a fantastic time on Mark’s navigational course. Mark was really down to earth which helped me get through it. As a result I’m pretty confident leading my own friends around the Dales now. Happy!!”
Ian Summer, one-day map reading and compass course
Build Confidence in the Outdoors
Strong navigation skills can completely change the way you experience the outdoors. When you understand how to read a map and navigate with confidence, you can explore new routes and enjoy the freedom of the hills without relying on technology.
Our map reading and navigation courses are designed to give you practical, hands-on experience in real outdoor environments. You will leave with the skills to plan routes, interpret terrain and navigate accurately in a range of conditions.
Whether you are new to hill walking or want to improve your existing skills, our courses provide the knowledge and confidence to explore further and safer.