Who is this course designed for?

This course is specifically designed for women of all skill levels who wish to gain or enhance their navigation skills. From beginners to those more experienced aiming for Mountain Training qualifications like the Lowland Leader Award, the main objective is to build confidence in map reading, compass use, and navigation on the hills.

What will I learn in this workshop?

Participants will learn essential navigation skills including: Map orientation to relate the map to the ground and vice versa. Locating and relocating positions accurately on the hill. Identifying key features on the map, understanding scales, and symbols. Interpreting contours for accurate navigation. Measuring distance using pacing and timing. Introduction to compass skills and their practical application.

How is the workshop structured?

The course is a one-day workshop conducted in an outdoor setting, specifically on the West Pennine Moors. It involves a mix of theoretical instruction and practical, hands-on exercises on the hill, using OS 1:25 maps. The day concludes with a debrief and suggestions for further training.

What equipment do I need?

Participants should bring walking equipment suitable for the weather, including a waterproof jacket and trousers, appropriate clothing for the time of year (possibly including a head torch, spare clothing, hat, and gloves), a rucksack for carrying personal gear, and a personal first aid kit. Maps and compasses are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own.

Women's Wilderness Navigation Workshop, Pennines

Activity Highlights:

This workshop is specifically designed for women looking to boost their confidence in navigation skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced navigator aiming to advance towards Mountain Training qualifications like the Lowland Leader Award, this workshop is tailored to you. It offers a supportive and empowering environment for women to learn and refine their map reading and navigation skills. It's in a women-only environment, so a great place to make new connections with like-minded women who love the outdoors as much as you do!

Key Details

Price: £100 per person
Duration: 1 full day
Location: West Pennine Moors, using OS 1:25 map
Catering: Hot breakfast, packed lunch, afternoon tea, coffee, and biscuits

Key Skills

During the course, you will learn:

Map orientation, relating the map to the ground and vice versa.
Accurate location positioning and relocation techniques on the hill.
Identification of key features on the map, understanding scales and symbols.
Contour interpretation for precise navigation.
Distance measurement using pacing and timing.
Introduction to basic compass skills.

Course Breakdown

This one-day workshop is practical and takes place on the hill. It combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice using a map and compass. The course will conclude with a debrief and suggestions for further training.

Prerequisites

No prior navigation experience is required; the course is suitable for all skill levels.

Why Choose Us?

Our center is committed to providing an inclusive, friendly, and supportive environment for women to learn and enhance their navigation skills. We offer a unique, women-focused approach that encourages confidence-building and skill development. With experienced instructors who understand the nuances of teaching navigation to diverse learners, our course is an ideal stepping stone for women looking to pursue outdoor adventures or Mountain Training Qualifications.

Join us for a day of learning, empowerment, and adventure in the beautiful West Pennine Moors!

About the centre

About Mark's Centre

4.914 reviews

Chorley, Lancashire

Our centre is a gateway to personal growth and team building, where experiential learning and adventure-based activities unlock your full potential. At the core of our ethos is a commitment to outdoor education. We specialise in water and land-based activities, tailored to enrich school day trips, enhance youth group residential stays, and elevate corporate away days. Our activities are designed to foster teamwork, leadership, and self-discovery. Nestled within 4 acres of lush woodland, our centre boasts exclusive access to Lower Rivington Reservoir. This majestic body of water, the largest between the Midlands and the Lake District, is often hailed as Lancashire’s own mini Lake District. In addition to our adventure activities, we take pride in offering nationally accredited courses. Our team of instructors is not only experienced but also holds qualifications from British Canoeing and the Royal Yachting Association. Their expertise ensures that every experience at our centre is not only enjoyable but also safe and of the highest standard.

Reviews

Nicole

Excellent facility, hospitality (breakfast and lunch) and instructors. Liam and Geoff were really information and helpful.

James

It was great fun an learned so much

Mihai-Cristian

Thank to Mark, very good trainer

Matthew

Fantastic course led by a great instructor. Highly recommend, Matt. Great facilities, food included. Pleasant and peaceful surroundings.

Nicholas

It was a great experience and I definitely recommend as all of the staff are lovely and I had a fun time

Wayne

The course was excellent from start to finish, anyone that’s into boating or thinking about boating try this course. It has gave me the skills and confidence to buy my own boat and drive it comfortably on both the lakes and sea. Excellent value for money.

Owen

The course was very well run and information was clearly passed on to the group. Matt, who ran the course, was excellent. He really looked after us and made the two days fun and easy to follow. I’d highly recommend, especially for the breakfast and lunch

David

Power Boat Level 2 with Robin and Mat . Great course- loads of practical experience on the water in 2 Ribs . Heavy emphasis on safety and handling skills . Good theory too in the classroom. Thanks guys!

Richard

Matt and Robin were friendly and knowledgeable instructors - thankyou.The 2-day course itself was great and ran very smoothly.I felt we could have had a little more \'higher speed\' practice but the conditions on our second day weren\'t very good.The pre-course information was too sparse for me - I found…