Wild Camp and Navigation Training Weekend in the Lake District

Learn essential mountain skills on this two-day course in the Langdale Valley, combining practical navigation training with an overnight wild camp. Designed for beginners and those looking to build confidence outdoors, this relaxed, supportive weekend is a chance to get to grips with key hillwalking techniques in a spectacular location.

Key Details

Group size: 2-6 people
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Meeting point: Langdale Valley, Lake District
Age: 18+
Experience level: Suitable for complete beginners

Key Skills

Understanding and using map features and contours
Taking compass bearings and using GPS as a backup
Planning walking routes based on terrain and conditions
Choosing appropriate equipment and packing a rucksack
Selecting wild camping spots and setting up camp
Basic campcraft and managing overnight stays in the hills

What to Expect

Day 1
We’ll start with a kit briefing and rucksack check before heading out on foot into the hills. The day will focus on practical navigation, covering map reading, compass work, grid references, and route planning. Expect around 8 hours of walking at a steady pace with lots of opportunities to practise and ask questions. You’ll also get an introduction to mountain safety, emergency planning, access rights and movement on varied terrain. In the evening, we’ll choose a suitable spot to pitch tents, cook a basic expedition-style meal, and settle in for a night under the stars.

Day 2
Following a shared breakfast, we’ll break camp and spend the day refining navigation techniques through more practice and supported challenges. The relaxed pace ensures time to revisit any topics and work on areas you’d like more confidence in. We aim to return to the meeting point by around 4pm, leaving you with a solid foundation in outdoor skills and a taste of self-sufficient mountain adventure.

Location

This course takes place in the Langdale Valley, one of the most scenic and popular hillwalking areas of the Lake District National Park. The surrounding fells offer excellent terrain for learning navigation, with a mix of open hillside, ridgelines, valleys and craggy outcrops.

Meeting details and exact start location will be shared after booking. Public transport links are limited, so lift sharing may be available.

Accommodation

Wild camping is included on Saturday night, with tents pitched high in the hills based on conditions and suitability. Participants are encouraged to share tents to minimise weight.

You’ll need to carry your own gear, and full kit lists will be provided in advance. Lightweight tent hire is available for a small fee if needed.

Prerequisites

No previous navigation or camping experience is required. You will need to be comfortable walking for up to 8 hours on uneven terrain while carrying your kit, including a tent, sleeping bag, and food.

A reasonable level of fitness is important, but the pace is designed to suit the group and ensure everyone feels supported. This course is for adults aged 18 and over.

Why Choose Us

This course is led by a highly experienced Mountain Leader with decades of expedition experience across diverse environments around the world. The approach is friendly and inclusive, with a focus on building genuine confidence through practical learning.

Group sizes are kept small to ensure each person gets tailored guidance, and the atmosphere is always relaxed and encouraging. Whether you're just starting out or wanting to sharpen your skills, you'll leave with valuable knowledge and memorable experiences.

All meals (Saturday packed lunch, expedition dinner, Sunday breakfast, snacks)
Navigation equipment (maps, compasses, camping stove)
Navigation training and mountaincraft instruction
Wild camping in the hills (tents shared where possible to reduce pack weight)
Support and guidance from an experienced instructor

Transport to and from the meeting point
Personal outdoor clothing and footwear
Water bottle and drinks
Personal camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat unless pre-arranged)
Rucksack and packing essentials (dry bags, liner, head torch, whistle, sun hat)
Personal insurance

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness as we’ll be walking for around 8 hours a day on mountainous terrain, carrying all your kit including your tent, sleeping bag and food.

The pace is steady and relaxed with regular breaks, and no one will be left behind.

No prior experience is needed. This course is designed for complete beginners as well as those who want to build confidence in wild camping and mountain navigation.

We cover everything from packing your bag correctly to taking compass bearings, and you'll be fully supported throughout.

Maps, compasses and a camping stove are provided. You will need to bring your own clothing, footwear, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a rucksack large enough to carry everything.

Tents can be shared and are available to hire for an additional fee if arranged in advance. Please contact us via the adventuro chat to enquire.

All meals are included from Saturday lunch to Sunday lunch. This includes a packed lunch, freeze-dried expedition meal for Saturday dinner, porridge for Sunday breakfast, and snacks.

We can cater for dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergies—just let us know when booking.

We will choose a wild camping spot during the hike based on conditions, water sources and terrain.

These are remote locations in the hills, without toilets or facilities. We follow leave-no-trace principles, packing out all rubbish and minimising our impact on the landscape.

There are no toilet facilities during the wild camp. You’ll be shown how to go to the toilet responsibly in the outdoors, following leave-no-trace practices.

You’ll need to bring a small trowel and biodegradable toilet paper.

Yes, you’re welcome to book individually. However, please note that a minimum of 2 participants is required for the session to go ahead.

If the minimum number isn’t met, we’ll get in touch to discuss rescheduling or refund options.

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.