Gain confidence in the outdoors with a hands-on introduction to navigation. You’ll learn to use a map and compass to plan and follow routes safely across the countryside. With small group sizes and expert guidance, you’ll leave equipped to explore new areas independently and understand your surroundings more clearly.
Sessions start with a short indoor briefing before heading out into open countryside. You’ll begin by learning the basics of map reading, including symbols, grid references, and contour interpretation. Early exercises focus on locating features on the map and matching them to what you see on the ground, helping you build a strong foundation in spatial awareness.
As the day progresses, you’ll learn to use a compass for taking bearings, estimating distances using pacing and timing, and planning safe and efficient walking routes. Your instructor will set small navigation challenges throughout the day, encouraging you to apply your skills and make route choices under guidance.
By the end of the session, you’ll feel confident identifying landmarks, following bearings, and using both map and compass together. You’ll also take home advice on how to continue practising these skills independently, helping you plan future walks and adventures safely.
Training takes place in the Pewsey Downs area of the Marlborough Downs, a scenic part of Wiltshire known for its rolling hills and far-reaching views. The varied terrain offers ideal conditions for practising navigation, with open ground, tracks, and clear landmarks to test your new skills.
The location provides a true outdoor learning environment, away from busy paths but easily accessible from major routes. The area’s gentle slopes and mixed terrain make it suitable for beginners while still offering enough variety to challenge developing navigators.
This course is open to adults aged 18 and over with no previous navigation experience required. It’s suitable for anyone who enjoys walking, hiking, or exploring and wants to become more confident in planning and following routes safely.
You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to spend the day outdoors and cover moderate walking distances. Participants should dress appropriately for outdoor weather conditions; a suggested kit list is provided upon booking.
Courses are run by experienced instructors with a passion for helping people gain independence in the outdoors. They understand how to make navigation accessible and enjoyable, breaking down complex skills into easy, practical steps that you can use right away.
Their focus on small group sizes means every participant gets the attention and feedback they need. With years of experience teaching in the British countryside, the team ensures you gain the knowledge, confidence, and awareness to explore safely and responsibly.
About the centre
Marlborough
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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West of England, United Kingdom
From £85
