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.
You’ll learn how to use a map and compass to navigate across the countryside confidently. The course covers everything from understanding map symbols and contours to taking bearings and measuring distances.
By the end, you’ll know how to plan simple routes, make safe navigation decisions, and apply these skills independently on future walks or hikes.
No previous experience is necessary. This course is designed for beginners who want to develop essential navigation skills from scratch.
If you’ve already done some walking with a map, your instructor can tailor parts of the day to focus on improving your existing knowledge.
Yes. You’ll receive all the necessary tools including maps, compasses, route cards, and pacing aids. Everything you need for the training is supplied for use on the day.
If you’d like to continue practising afterwards, navigation packs and tools are available to purchase.
As it’s a full day outdoors, suitable walking clothing is essential. Waterproofs, sturdy footwear, and layers are recommended, as weather in the Downs can change quickly.
You’ll also need a small rucksack with water, snacks, and a packed lunch. A full kit list is sent after booking to help you prepare.
The day is based around the Pewsey Downs in the Marlborough Downs area, which offers open landscapes ideal for learning navigation. Your instructor will select varied terrain to make the day both educational and enjoyable.
Exact meeting details are shared before your course, along with parking information and any access notes.
Expect to be on your feet for most of the day, covering a few miles at a steady walking pace. The ground can be uneven in places, but no long hikes or steep climbs are involved.
If you’re comfortable walking in the countryside for several hours, you’ll have no trouble completing the day.
About the centre
West Woods Car Park
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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Operated by Up & Under Adventures, a partner of adventuro.
West of England, United Kingdom
From £85
West of England, United Kingdom
From £85
Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, United Kingdom
From £80
