This two-day Hiking Skills course is designed to help you feel confident and self-sufficient when heading out onto the hills. It's a practical, beginner-friendly introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to plan and enjoy your own walking adventures safely.
The course is delivered entirely outdoors, with both days spent on the hills. You’ll begin by learning how to prepare a walk – looking at how to use a map, understand route gradients, estimate timings, and identify potential risks. There’s also a focus on clothing, footwear, and what to pack in your rucksack, so you feel confident that you’ve got the right kit for any conditions. Group discussions will support learning throughout the day, helping you to build up your confidence gradually.
Navigation is introduced using clear, simple steps. You’ll learn how to orient your map, use key features for navigation, follow linear features like paths and boundaries, and take simple compass bearings. Alongside this, you’ll practise identifying safe places to walk and how to adapt your plans based on weather or group needs. Time is also spent on understanding hill weather forecasts and recognising potential hazards such as poor visibility or slippery terrain. Expect a friendly, relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and practise each new skill.
The main base for this course is Dartmoor, offering varied terrain and plenty of useful features for teaching navigation and route planning. Locations will be selected to suit the group’s experience, weather conditions, and learning goals, with accessible meeting points arranged in advance. Dartmoor’s mix of open moorland, wooded valleys and tors makes it an ideal classroom for beginners.
Alternative locations such as Exmoor or Bodmin Moor can be arranged on request. These areas also provide suitable terrain for navigation and hiking skills, and are ideal if you're based further afield or want to explore a different part of the Southwest. Travel to other UK regions is also possible by arrangement.
No previous experience is needed, and there’s no minimum age for this course. It’s suitable for individuals, friends, families or groups looking to build confidence in walking independently. Participants should be prepared to spend both days outdoors, walking over uneven ground in mixed weather.
A reasonable level of general fitness will help you get the most out of the experience, but the emphasis is on learning, not speed or distance. If you have any concerns about accessibility, just get in touch in advance to discuss.
The centre was created to open up access to outdoor spaces for anyone who wants to enjoy them, regardless of background or previous experience. Sessions are run in a supportive, inclusive way that meets people where they are, without judgement or pressure.
With a strong base in the Southwest, the instructor brings a local’s knowledge of Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor, combined with a passion for helping others feel capable and at home outdoors. Whether you’ve never picked up a map before or just want a confidence boost, this course is about building skills in a safe and enjoyable way.
This course is designed for beginners, so no advanced fitness level is required. You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground for several hours at a time, as the sessions involve practical navigation and route-finding exercises outdoors. The pace will be relaxed, focusing on learning rather than speed or distance, making it suitable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness.
If you have any health concerns or mobility issues, it’s a good idea to discuss these before booking so the course can be tailored to your needs where possible. The aim is to make the course accessible and enjoyable for everyone while ensuring safety at all times.
Participants should come prepared with suitable outdoor clothing for the weather conditions, including waterproofs and sturdy footwear with good grip. Layers are recommended, so you can adjust your clothing as the weather changes during the day. A rucksack to carry water, snacks, and extra layers is also essential.
Basic navigation tools such as maps and compasses will be provided during the course, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer to. It’s a good idea to bring a notebook and pen if you want to take notes, and a mobile phone for emergencies, though coverage can be patchy in some areas.
Navigation is taught through hands-on practice using maps and compasses in real terrain. You’ll learn how to orient a map, follow linear features like paths and rivers, and take compass bearings to navigate between points. The course works towards a Bronze NNAS standard, ensuring you gain recognised skills that can be applied safely on independent walks.
Throughout the sessions, you will be guided step-by-step and encouraged to practise new skills at your own pace. The instructor will adapt the teaching to suit the group’s ability and confidence, making sure everyone understands the techniques clearly before moving on.
Yes, the course is open to all ages with no minimum age restriction. Children and teenagers are welcome to take part, ideally accompanied by a responsible adult if under 16. The course content is designed to be accessible and engaging for a wide age range.
For younger participants, the pace and content can be adjusted to keep things manageable and enjoyable. It’s a great opportunity for families to learn together and build outdoor confidence in a supportive environment.
The course runs in most weather conditions, as learning to manage and understand hill weather is part of the programme. Waterproof clothing and appropriate gear are essential, and the instructor will advise on how to stay safe and comfortable in rain, wind, or colder temperatures.
If extreme weather conditions make it unsafe to continue, the session may be postponed or rescheduled. The instructor will monitor forecasts closely and communicate any necessary changes well in advance to minimise inconvenience.
No prior experience is needed. The course is specifically designed for beginners who want to gain the skills and confidence to plan and complete walks independently. You will start with the basics of map reading, route planning, and safety, progressing at a comfortable pace throughout the two days.
The hands-on approach and supportive teaching style mean that even complete novices can follow along and develop useful skills quickly. You’ll finish with a solid foundation to help you get outdoors more confidently.
Accommodation is not included in the course fee. Participants are responsible for organising their own lodging if they require overnight stays before, during, or after the course. There are a variety of options near Dartmoor, including campsites, B&Bs, and hotels to suit different preferences and budgets.
If you need advice on local accommodation, the instructor can provide recommendations on request. Planning ahead is advisable to secure your preferred option, especially during busier seasons.
About the centre
Dartmoor National Park
George is outstanding. I completed my NNAS Bronze over a beautiful two days on Dartmoor. George took the time to understand my reasons for wanting to complete it, was friendly, personable and so knowledgeable of all things navigation and Dartmoor. I couldn't have had a better guide, instructor and assessor.…
Me and my grandson thoroughly enjoyed our two days on Dartmoor with George. His knowledge of Dartmoor and navigation is excellent. He was both demanding and considerate at the same time. We both ended the course feeling that we had achieved a lot, and enjoyed ourselves doing it.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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Operated by Moorland Ramblings, a partner of adventuro.
