Aimed at those ready to refine their existing map and compass skills, this practical course focuses on applying techniques with more precision and confidence. Participants will work through a variety of navigation challenges, including route planning, taking accurate bearings, and navigating away from paths. By the end of the day, you’ll have a stronger understanding of how to handle complex terrain safely and independently.
Participants begin by reviewing essential map and compass techniques to ensure a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced exercises. Sessions take place both on and off established paths, giving everyone the opportunity to test their navigation in varied terrain and under realistic conditions. The focus gradually shifts towards greater independence, helping you make confident decisions while interpreting natural and man-made features.
Through the day, practical tasks are used to apply skills such as route planning, pacing, and taking bearings. You’ll learn how to relate map details to what you see around you, using subtle changes in terrain to maintain accuracy. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed the ability to move efficiently across unfamiliar ground and adapt your route in response to the environment.
Hamsterley Forest, on the edge of the North Pennines, provides a perfect mix of woodland trails and open ground, ideal for refining navigation techniques. The forest’s varied topography includes gentle slopes, clearings, and stream crossings, allowing participants to practise identifying features and using contours for reference.
Training may also take place in Guisborough Woods or near Grasmere, each offering a distinct landscape for learning. Guisborough’s elevated woodland tracks encourage compass accuracy and route choice, while the Grasmere area in the Lake District introduces participants to more open terrain and intricate contour reading.
Participants should already be comfortable with the basics of navigation, including orientating a map, identifying features, and taking simple bearings. This course builds directly on those skills, so previous completion of an introductory navigation session or equivalent experience is recommended.
You should have a moderate fitness level, as the session includes steady walking and some short sections of uneven or uphill terrain. Appropriate outdoor clothing, including waterproofs, sturdy footwear, and warm layers, is essential. A personal compass can be brought along, although one can be provided if needed.
Fran, a highly experienced and qualified navigation instructor, brings years of expertise in both running and walking environments. Her relaxed, encouraging approach ensures each session is tailored to the group’s ability, with clear explanations and supportive coaching throughout. Every exercise is designed to build confidence while maintaining a sense of enjoyment and achievement.
The centre focuses on helping people gain genuine independence in the outdoors through approachable, hands-on learning. Small group sizes allow plenty of individual guidance, and the welcoming atmosphere means participants feel comfortable asking questions and testing new skills. Whether you aim to navigate more confidently on personal adventures or prepare for mountain routes, the centre’s practical teaching approach helps turn knowledge into lasting ability.
About the centre
Bedburn, Hamsterley
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Somerset and Dorset, United Kingdom
From £62.10
