Navigation Training Day in the Ashridge Estate

Spend a day outdoors building your confidence with maps and compasses in the scenic Ashridge Estate. This one-day navigation course is perfect for beginners or those wanting to refresh their skills, with friendly guidance throughout a circular walk starting and finishing at Tring Station.

Key Details

Duration: 1 day (approx. 7 hours)
Group size: Maximum 6 people
Meeting point: Tring Station, Hertfordshire
Level: Beginner-friendly
Age: Open to all ages (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)

Key Skills

Reading and understanding Ordnance Survey maps
Using grid references to locate positions
Interpreting contour lines and terrain features
Planning basic routes using map and compass
Taking and following compass bearings
Integrating GPS use with traditional navigation

What to Expect

The session begins with a short briefing at Tring Station before setting off on a 14km circular walk through the Ashridge Estate. The pace is steady and the group will stop regularly to cover key navigation topics, starting with how to read maps, identify symbols, and interpret the landscape. As confidence builds, you’ll move on to taking compass bearings, planning short sections of your own, and discussing route safety.

Throughout the walk, there’s time to explore other useful outdoor skills such as choosing appropriate gear, staying safe in poor weather, and how to use GPS alongside a map. The course is entirely outdoors with no shelter or facilities along the route, so participants need to come prepared for a full day outside, regardless of the weather. Maps and compasses are provided, and everyone will need to bring food, drink, and appropriate outdoor clothing.

Location

Ashridge Estate lies in the heart of the Chiltern Hills, spanning parts of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. It’s known for its woodland paths, open ridges and chalk grassland, making it an excellent environment for learning map reading.

The walk begins and ends at Tring Station, easily reached from London Euston in about 35 minutes. The terrain offers gentle hills and varied landscapes that help bring navigation skills to life in a real-world setting.

Prerequisites

This course is suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness and an interest in learning to navigate confidently. No previous experience is needed, and instruction is tailored to suit the group. Under 16s are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

You’ll be on your feet for several hours, so comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.

Why Choose Us

The centre is led by a qualified Mountain Leader with over three decades of experience guiding groups through remote regions across the UK and overseas. Every course is small and informal, allowing for plenty of individual support and a focus on practical learning.

Whether you’re preparing for future hikes or just want to feel more confident reading a map, this course offers a relaxed, enjoyable introduction to outdoor navigation.

Navigation instruction throughout the day
Use of map and compass
Guidance on additional outdoor skills

Food and drink
Clothing and footwear
Personal insurance
Transport to and from the meeting point

No prior experience is necessary.

This course is designed for complete beginners or those who have done a bit of map reading and want to refresh or build confidence. The content is delivered at a relaxed pace and tailored to the group’s needs.

The course involves a 14km circular walk across mixed terrain including woodland paths, fields, and gentle hills.

A basic level of fitness is required, as you'll be on your feet for around 7 hours. There are regular stops, and the pace is manageable for most people used to walking.

You’ll need outdoor clothing suitable for the weather on the day, including waterproofs, footwear with good grip (walking boots or sturdy trainers), and a small rucksack.

Please bring a packed lunch, snacks, and enough water for the full day.

Yes, children are welcome to attend this one-day course as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

We recommend a minimum age of 10 for comfort and engagement, but younger children may attend if they are used to walking and being outdoors.

The course goes ahead in all weather conditions, except in cases of severe weather warnings.

Learning to navigate in poor visibility or rain can be very useful, so please come prepared with the right kit for a full day outside, even if it’s wet or cold.

There are no toilet facilities on the route once the course begins. Participants should use facilities at Tring Station before the walk starts.

You’ll be out in nature for the full day, so be comfortable with wild toileting if needed.

Andy is a highly experienced Mountain Leader with over 30 years of trekking and expedition experience across a wide range of environments, including mountains, deserts, and jungles. He has led groups in the UK and internationally in countries such as Nepal, Mongolia, Iceland, Namibia, Brazil, and Ghana. Known for his calm leadership and practical teaching style, Andy specialises in outdoor skills including navigation, campcraft, and group leadership. His passion for the outdoors is matched by his commitment to helping others build confidence and capability in wild and challenging environments.