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Navigation Courses - Learn How to Use a Map and Compass

Women Outdoors specialises in navigation courses for complete beginners and women who would like to improve their confidence in the outdoors. 

Navigation courses are available all year in the beautiful Peak District. These courses teach important skills like using a map & compass, planning routes, and understanding grid references and distances in the wild.

You’ll learn how to read  map symbols, recognize land features, and use a compass to navigate safely, even in adverse weather conditions or poor visibility!

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Our Beginners Navigation Course in the Peak District

Our 1-Day intro navigation course is for complete beginners or those with little experience and women who want to build their confidence in the outdoors. Our women only beginners map reading course is perfect for new hill walkers or anyone who hasn’t learned to navigate on their own. The course teaches the basics of map reading and using a compass for simple bearing and routes.

The day will be spent on defined paths and easy terrain to help you get ready for your own adventures and micro navigation. You’ll learn how to plan and follow routes confidently, so you don’t have to rely on luck! Our courses are held in our beautiful national park, the Peak District, making it a great way to start your navigation journey.

Emma took us on a navigation course today, what a fantastic day! She taught us so much about map reading, can’t believe I learned to use a compass and different ways of locating myself when in the wild! Not only was it informative and practical, with lots of ‘doing’, it was stunning scenery. Emma was patient, an excellent guide and lovely to be around. We had the best day, helped boost my confidence and independence, and feel extremely positive going forward. Cannot recommend this course enough - and if you’re up for it, I bet the other walks and hikes will be brilliant 🤩

Karen Andrews

Why Choose Women Outdoors for Your First Steps to Map Reading and Navigation?

  • Our courses mix practical exercises with theory in a relaxed and supportive environment
  • Our navigation courses are perfect for walkers and hikers who want to explore public routes and off-grid areas.
  • You’ll need no prior experience on our map reading courses
  • All of our map reading courses are led by qualified Mountain Leaders (meet our team) & because of our own positive experiences of being outdoors we are all deeply passionate about creating a safe space to inspire & encourage other women to get into nature and have fun

If you would like to join us but are nervous about coming on your own please know that more than half of our attendees come solo & feel the same. These nerves soon disappear as we get chatting and everyone always leaves feeling empowered, energised and uplifted, so please please don’t let coming on your own put you off!

 

If you are wanting a memorable experience to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, Outdoors are now offering private navigation courses for adults, single or mixed genders and various group sizes! For more information please Contact Us. 

 

 

Women Outdoors Navigation

I spent a brilliant day learning how to navigate around Edale in the Peak District, with an OS map and compass, led by the amazing Kate and with a lovely group of ladies. I learned some great new skills to help me when I am out hiking and I’m really looking forward to putting them into practice. I would definitely recommend the course to build confidence and knowledge with a friendly and encouraging guide.

Sarah Stoney

I Have Questions?

Yes, absolutely! More than half of our attendees come solo & feel the same. These nerves soon disappear as we get chatting and everyone always leaves feeling empowered, energised and uplifted, so please please don’t let coming on your own put you off!

You will need to bring navigation tools;

  • a map,
  • a compass,
  • something to measure time (phone/watch)
  • a desire to learn & have fun 😉

 

There are further details on what you will need to bring within each event and the list of navigation tools will also be sent to you in the WhatsApp group prior to the event. 

 

The Beginners Navigation Course costs £60 per person for a 1-day course.

Yes, we can replicate one of our existing events or create a custom made itinerary to include a number of activities, a specific location and the right technical ability to suite your group, send us a message Contact Us

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but they may need to stay on leads in areas with livestock.

Our qualified Mountain Leaders are expert instructors that will guide you through practical workshops. You’ll learn how to use a compass, navigate off marked paths, and plan safe routes.

The courses are held in the Peak District. 

You’ll learn how to read and understand maps, including Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. The courses cover basics like setting a map, understanding scales and contours, and keeping track of where you are. You’ll also learn how to use a compass properly and plan simple routes. Practical exercises will help you spot navigation mistakes and find your way using landmarks. You’ll also learn about the equipment you need for safe outdoor navigation.

Our courses are for everyone, even if you’ve never used a map & compass before. They’re suitable for all abilities, from beginners to experienced walkers. They’re great for new hill walkers or anyone who doesn’t feel confident navigating on their own. Some basic walking experience is helpful. You’ll need a general level of fitness, our navigation courses are graded moderate. The majority of the course will be on defined paths however there maybe a small part of the day where we are on rougher terrain. The minimum age is 18, but there’s no upper age limit, so anyone can join.

To book your place, click on the events above. Once booked, you will receive a confirmation of booking with details. A WhatsApp group will be set up prior the events so you ladies can get chatting and we can share everything you need for the day. You can also use this forum to reach out before the event.

By booking or participating in a trip or event with us, you agree to the Women Outdoors Terms & Conditions. Refunds will only be given if the event is cancelled. If you can no longer attend, you are welcome to sell your ticket to someone else but please let us know.

Contact Us

For all enquiries please use the contact form below. If there is any urgent please contact Emma Winter on 07717302294

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