Navigation Course for Beginners in Hampstead Heath

Learn to navigate on Hampstead Heath with this beginner-friendly course, perfect for those new to outdoor navigation or looking to build confidence. In just 2 hours, you’ll gain essential skills in map reading, route planning, and compass use while exploring one of London’s most scenic areas. The course caters to all ages and ensures a relaxed pace, allowing everyone to learn at their own speed.

Key Details

• Duration: 2 hours
• Group size: Up to 6 people
• Age group: Suitable for all ages (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
• Location: Hampstead Heath, London
• Prerequisites: No experience required

What to Expect

This course covers the basics of outdoor navigation in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Starting at the cafe by Parliament Hill tennis courts, you’ll be introduced to key map features and learn to use a compass. Through practical exercises, you’ll understand how to read a map, plan a route, and navigate using compass bearings and grid references. The course is tailored to suit the abilities of the group, ensuring that everyone can keep up, with both theory and practical application incorporated into the session.

You will also learn how to assess terrain, plan routes based on features like contours, and get a basic understanding of map symbols and features. The course is designed to give you the confidence to navigate outdoors safely, helping you develop skills that will be useful for any future outdoor adventures. The session will go ahead regardless of the weather, so be sure to come prepared for all conditions.

Location

The course takes place on Hampstead Heath, a large and scenic green space in the heart of London. The Heath’s varied terrain offers a great setting for practising navigation, with clear landmarks and natural features to work with. 

The course will begin and end outside the cafe near Parliament Hill tennis courts, with the space providing a perfect balance of nature and accessibility within the city.

Prerequisites

No experience is needed for this course, making it ideal for beginners or those looking to build confidence in navigation. You’ll need to bring suitable outdoor clothing, including waterproofs depending on the weather forecast, and comfortable footwear such as boots or trainers. 

If the weather is sunny, a hat and sun cream are recommended. Children under 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Why Choose Us

The course is led by a qualified Mountain Leader with over 30 years of trekking experience, including expeditions in diverse environments such as mountains, deserts, and jungles. The instructor’s wealth of knowledge ensures that you will receive expert guidance throughout the course. 

The relaxed pace, small group size, and personalised instruction make the experience enjoyable and informative, helping you gain new skills and confidence in navigating the outdoors.