Gain essential skills to safely navigate and camp in the wild with our Mountain Navigation and Wild Camping Training Weekend. Set in the heart of the Lake District, this three-day course combines hands-on training in navigation, route planning, and wild camping techniques, all under the guidance of expert mountain leader Stuart. Whether you’re a beginner looking to gain confidence or an outdoor enthusiast eager to refine your skills, this weekend offers an immersive, supportive experience in a stunning landscape.
The Lake District provides the perfect setting for this training, with its varied terrain, stunning views, and accessible wilderness. The course starts at Butharlyp Youth Hostel in Grasmere and continues into the nearby fells, including a high-level overnight camp that offers a true wild camping experience.
The first night will be based at the Butharlyp Youth Hostel (overnight accommodation is not included in the cost and you will need to book your own accommodation). The second night is a wild camping experience, where participants will camp at a high-level site chosen during the course. Participants are encouraged to bring their own camping gear, but equipment can be borrowed with prior arrangement.
With over 20 years of experience leading outdoor expeditions across the UK and Europe, our tutor Stuart combines technical expertise with a passion for wilderness exploration. His knowledge of wildlife, botany, and geology adds depth to every course, making it both practical and enriching. We are committed to helping individuals discover the joy of wild camping and the confidence to navigate the mountains independently.
Prepare to connect with the outdoors, learn invaluable skills, and enjoy an unforgettable weekend in one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. Book your spot today – spaces are limited to ensure personalised guidance!
No prior experience is required. This course is designed for beginners and those looking to improve their navigation and camping skills. The training is tailored to introductory-level participants and includes all the basics to help you gain confidence in the mountains.
You should have a moderate level of fitness, as the course involves carrying a backpack with camping gear and hiking on uneven terrain. The overnight wild camp adds an additional challenge, but the pace will be steady and manageable for most people.
If you don’t have camping equipment, or you want to try out something different, you can borrow it from us by pre-arrangement.
Bring lightweight, easy-to-prepare meals suitable for camping, such as dehydrated meals, pasta, or rice dishes. Don’t forget snacks and breakfast options. Your instructor will provide guidance on meal preparation during the training.
The course begins at Butharlyp Youth Hostel in Grasmere and continues into the nearby fells in the Lake District. The overnight camp will be at a high-level site selected during the course.
The Lake District is known for variable weather, so we proceed in most conditions. The course includes training on managing adverse weather safely. However, in extreme conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted to prioritise safety.
Yes, participants can join for one, two, or all three days of the course. If you choose a single day, we recommend Day 1 for navigation training or Days 2–3 for wild camping preparation and practice.
The course is capped at a maximum of 8 participants to ensure personalised attention and a high-quality learning experience.
The course fee includes expert tuition, guidance throughout the weekend, and access to borrow camping equipment (with prior arrangement). Accommodation on the first night at the youth hostel is not included.
All under-18s must be accompanied by a participating adult. If you are planning to join an expedition with someone under 18, please let us know in the comments when you book. That way, we can check that it will be suitable, or offer alternatives before you make payment. We have had young people join our expeditions in the past, and would love to make this work for everyone keen to join.
Please do get in touch using the orange button below the calendar. We would love to make something happen for you, and can generally make bespoke arrangements or add additional dates.
About the centre
Grasmere, Ambleside
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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Operated by The Expedition Club, a partner of adventuro.
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