Advance your navigation skills with this four-hour course designed to challenge and improve your map and compass use. Practical exercises focus on bearings, pacing, and route planning across woodland, moorland, and open country. Available in Sid Vale or Dartmoor, the course gives hands-on experience in varied terrain.
The course begins with a briefing covering intermediate navigation techniques, including map orientation, contour reading, pacing adjustments, and relocation methods. Instructors provide guidance on how to handle more complex terrain with accuracy and confidence.
Practical exercises take place in the surrounding terrain. Woodland and tracks near Sid Vale allow safe practice of bearings and route planning, while Dartmoor provides open moorland and hills to test contour interpretation and micro-navigation skills. Participants receive continuous feedback to refine their techniques.
A debrief at the end reviews successes, identifies areas for improvement, and provides advice for applying navigation skills independently or when leading others. You will leave confident navigating intermediate terrain in varied conditions.
Sid Vale offers mixed woodland, open patches, and tracks suitable for practising navigation techniques beyond obvious paths. The varied environment allows testing of pacing, contour reading, and bearing use in manageable terrain.
Open moorland and hills in Dartmoor challenge navigation with minimal paths. Terrain is pre-assessed to ensure safe ground and relevant features. Exercises are adapted to suit the landscape and skill level, providing realistic navigation experience.
Competent daytime navigation skills are required, including orienting a map, following tracks, and taking bearings. Existing skills ensure the focus remains on learning intermediate techniques rather than relearning basics.
Participants should bring walking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and a small rucksack with water and snacks. A torch is recommended if low-light conditions are possible. Maps and compasses are provided.
Experienced instructors provide practical, hands-on guidance tailored to skill level. Training emphasises developing confidence, problem-solving, and competence in intermediate terrain.
Small group sizes allow personalised feedback, and terrain selection in Sid Vale and Dartmoor ensures appropriate challenge while maintaining safety. Participants leave with the skills to navigate open country confidently and effectively.
For more information contact us before making your booking
Anyone aged 12+ with basic navigation experience can enhance their skills for intermediate terrain. Prior confidence with map orientation, bearings, and following tracks allows focus on more advanced techniques.
Walkers, Scouts, Guides, and those preparing for leadership awards benefit most. Exercises develop confidence and decision-making in open and varied terrain.
Sid Vale provides mixed woodland, open tracks, and gentle slopes suitable for controlled practice of intermediate navigation. Terrain challenges navigation while remaining safe.
Dartmoor offers open moorland, ridges, and hills with minimal paths. Exercises develop contour interpretation, micro-navigation, and decision-making skills in realistic conditions.
Bring boots suitable for mixed terrain, weather-appropriate clothing, and a small rucksack with water and snacks. A torch is recommended for low-light conditions.
Maps and compasses are provided, but using your own kit can enhance familiarity. Extra layers or gloves may be useful depending on weather.
The session begins with a briefing covering theory and intermediate techniques such as contour reading, pacing, and route planning.
Practical exercises follow in terrain appropriate to the town or area, allowing participants to apply skills under supervision. A debrief consolidates learning and gives guidance for future walks or leadership roles.
Moderate fitness is required to walk on uneven tracks, moorland, or hills. Exercises focus on navigation rather than endurance.
Instructors monitor pace and fatigue, adjusting exercises as needed. Breaks are included to maintain safety and comfort.
About the centre
Newton Abbot
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Operated by Aquila Outdoor Adventures, a partner of adventuro.
