



Tailored navigation sessions are available for anyone wanting a more flexible, goal-focused learning experience. These bespoke options allow you to shape the day around your group’s interests — whether that’s preparing for an event, strengthening map and compass skills, or enjoying a shared day outdoors with colleagues or friends. Each session is uniquely designed to match your experience, pace, and preferred setting.
Every bespoke course begins with a discussion about your aims, whether that’s developing confidence in navigation, training for a mountain event, or introducing others to map skills. The session is then built around those goals, combining structured learning with practical time in the field. Flexibility is at the heart of the experience — from session length to terrain choice, everything is adapted to suit you or your group.
Training can cover anything from basic map orientation through to complex route finding in open countryside. You’ll have the freedom to focus on specific areas that interest you, such as understanding contours, navigating off paths, or improving timing and pacing accuracy. By the end of the day, participants leave with personalised feedback and a clear plan for how to continue progressing independently.
Hamsterley Forest is a popular base for bespoke sessions, offering a wide range of landscapes ideal for navigation practice. Woodland paths, river crossings, and nearby open moorland allow for a gradual build-up in difficulty as confidence grows. It’s also a great setting for group days, with nearby facilities and scenic routes for all abilities.
Other training sites such as Guisborough Woods and Grasmere provide equally strong learning environments. Guisborough’s forest and hillside tracks are ideal for route planning and terrain analysis, while the Grasmere area in the Lake District offers classic navigation challenges, from ridges and valleys to intricate contour features. For groups with specific objectives, alternative UK locations can be arranged to suit particular routes or event areas.
There are no fixed requirements for bespoke sessions — they are suitable for complete beginners, confident map users, or experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking to refine specific skills. The flexibility of these courses makes them ideal for individuals or groups with mixed ability levels.
Participants simply need to bring enthusiasm, appropriate outdoor clothing, and a willingness to learn. All sessions are adjusted in real-time to match the weather, terrain, and learning pace, ensuring everyone gets the most from the experience.
Led by Fran, an experienced outdoor coach and fell runner, these sessions are designed to be as supportive as they are informative. Her approachable teaching style helps participants feel at ease, while her technical expertise ensures that each session offers genuine, lasting improvement. Having coached a wide range of people — from club runners to outdoor newcomers — Fran tailors every session to suit the group’s needs and confidence levels.
The centre’s flexible approach allows for complete customisation, whether you’re organising a workplace team-building day or a private one-to-one session. With a focus on practical learning, small group sizes, and safety at all times, each bespoke course offers the opportunity to learn, explore, and enjoy the outdoors in a way that feels personal and rewarding.
About the centre
Bedburn, Hamsterley
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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