NNAS Night Owl Navigation Course on Dartmoor

Move confidently across moorland and hills after dark with this four-hour NNAS Night Owl course. You will learn techniques to navigate safely in darkness, mist, fog, or snow, improving your confidence and independence. This course is ideal for those already comfortable with daytime navigation but seeking extra skill and assurance in low-visibility conditions.

📌 Key Details

• Duration: 4 hours
• Age: 12+
• Area: Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor, or other suitable South West UK locations
• Group size: 4-8 people

🧭 Key Skills

• Night-time navigation
• Use of torches and lighting for navigation
• Bearings and pacing
• Micro-navigation techniques
• Navigation in poor visibility (fog, mist, snow)

🌃 What to Expect

The session begins with a theory briefing covering the essential preparation and equipment needed for night navigation. You will discuss the various uses of torches, the importance of planning, and strategies to move confidently in darkness. Attention is given to practical approaches for coping with mist, fog, and unexpected poor visibility.

Following the briefing, practical exercises will put theory into action. You will practise navigation in darkness using a map and compass, applying pacing, bearings, and micro-navigation techniques. Exercises are designed to gradually increase in complexity, challenging decision-making and route-finding while ensuring safety is maintained at all times.

To conclude, there is a debrief covering what went well and areas for improvement. You will receive an NNAS Night Owl certificate on completion, recognising your ability to navigate safely at night or in low-visibility conditions. This final stage ensures you leave with confidence and practical experience that can be applied on future walks or for leadership qualifications.

📍 Location

Dartmoor, Exmoor, and Bodmin Moor provide ideal training terrain with open moorland, paths, and distinctive features to practise night navigation. Rolling hills and varied terrain allow realistic challenges for relocation and micro-navigation, while safe routes are chosen to keep risk minimal.

For those preferring a different location, the course can be arranged at any suitable South West UK site. Terrain will be assessed beforehand to ensure adequate space for navigation exercises, realistic challenges, and safety during low-light conditions.

🧰 Prerequisites

Competent daytime navigation skills are recommended, including experience using a map and compass, pacing, and route planning. This will help you maximise learning during the night navigation exercises.

Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear are essential, as well as a reliable torch or headtorch with spare batteries. You should also bring water and snacks, and be comfortable walking across uneven terrain in darkness or low visibility.

🏞️ Why Choose Us

This family-run team has over 20 years’ experience delivering outdoor training tailored to skill level and confidence. Instruction is hands-on, practical, and designed to ensure you leave with real-world navigation skills.

The course is flexible, offered on Dartmoor or other suitable sites across the South West UK. Structured exercises are combined with personalised guidance, allowing you to consolidate skills and gain confidence for leadership roles or independent night navigation.

For more information contact us before making your booking