Build your confidence with map and compass navigation on this practical, hands-on course designed for walkers and runners. Through guided exercises at a steady walking pace, you’ll develop the essential skills to plan routes, interpret terrain, and navigate safely in the outdoors. By the end of the day, you’ll have the knowledge to set out on your own with greater independence and understanding of how to stay safe in wild spaces.
You’ll begin with a short introduction covering safety, equipment, and map basics before moving outside to practise essential navigation techniques. Early exercises focus on orientating your map, identifying key features, and recognising how contour lines represent the shape of the land. Each activity builds naturally on the last, allowing you to develop your confidence step by step.
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you’ll progress to compass work, learning how to take and follow a bearing accurately. The instructor will guide you through practical tasks such as planning short routes, identifying your position, and adjusting when features don’t match what you expect. The course also covers how to report a grid reference to emergency services — a vital skill for anyone heading into the hills.
By the end of the day, you’ll be able to plan and follow your own route safely using a combination of map reading, compass use, and visual awareness. Whether you’re preparing for a race, aiming to explore more confidently, or simply enjoy learning new outdoor skills, you’ll leave with a solid foundation for future adventures.
At Hamsterley Forest, you’ll navigate through a diverse landscape of woodland trails and open moorland, ideal for learning how to relate maps to changing terrain. The forest’s mix of clear paths and open areas offers a great variety of features to practise bearings, route choices, and contour recognition.
In Grasmere, you’ll work among the classic fells of the Lake District, where streams, ridges, and rocky outcrops create perfect opportunities to test your map interpretation skills. Guisborough Woods provides a contrasting environment, with forest paths and gentle slopes linking to the edge of the North York Moors — an excellent setting to build confidence with both compass and map.
No previous experience is necessary, but a reasonable level of fitness will help you make the most of the day, as you’ll be on your feet for several hours at a steady pace. Comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, and waterproofs are recommended to ensure you stay warm and dry throughout the session.
Participants should bring their own lunch, snacks, and drinks, as well as a small backpack for personal items. All maps and compasses will be provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own if you’d like to learn using familiar equipment. Full joining instructions will be shared before the course to help you prepare.
Courses are led by Fran, an experienced fell runner, navigation coach, and outdoor enthusiast with over ten years of experience competing in and teaching navigation. Based in County Durham, she combines her deep knowledge of the hills with a friendly, approachable style of coaching that builds confidence in every participant. Her background as a qualified EA coach and Outdoor First Aid holder ensures sessions are both safe and engaging.
Fran’s passion lies in helping others find freedom through navigation. Her relaxed yet professional approach encourages learners to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow in confidence without pressure. She’s especially focused on making navigation accessible to everyone — whether you’re a seasoned runner or completely new to map reading.
About the centre
Bedburn, Hamsterley
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Mid & South-West Wales, United Kingdom
From £40
