Beginner Navigation
Map and compass from scratch — 1-2-1 instruction across Wiltshire countryside.
Enquire NowWhat to Expect
Navigation is one of the most liberating outdoor skills you can learn. This course takes you from "I don't really understand what these contour lines mean" to confident, independent navigation using a map and compass — without relying on a phone signal or GPS.
Because every session is 1-2-1, the pace is entirely yours. We start in the field straight away — no classroom, no death-by-PowerPoint. You'll practise each technique as we walk, building muscle memory alongside understanding. By the end of a session you'll have taken real bearings, read real terrain, and planned a real route.
Sessions cover map orientation, identifying terrain features (spurs, valleys, re-entrants, cols), setting and following a bearing, pacing and timing for distance, route planning, and how to relocate when — not if — you lose your position. These are the same skills used by mountain leaders and expedition navigators, taught at the level that's right for you today.
Who It Suits
This course is for hillwalkers, DofE Gold candidates, wild campers, and anyone who wants to go beyond GPS reliance in the hills. No prior experience is required — if you can read a street map, you can learn to navigate with a compass. The 1-2-1 format means total beginners and those brushing up existing skills are equally welcome. You set the pace; the content adapts to where you are.
Where We Meet
Sessions operate across Wiltshire and South West England. The exact location is agreed with you when booking — typically open countryside, moorland, or mixed terrain appropriate to your experience level.
Transport and access details are confirmed when your session is booked.
Your Instructor
All navigation instruction is delivered 1-2-1 by a qualified outdoor instructor with field experience across Wiltshire and the South West.
[Navigation Qualification — REQUIRED BEFORE PUBLISH]
Instruction is delivered personally — not by an assistant or freelance coach. Every session is tailored around your current ability and your goals.
Adults Only (18+)
This activity is available to participants aged 18 and over only. No exceptions are made. This is a hard requirement of our operating policy and is not negotiable. By enquiring or booking, you confirm that you meet the minimum age requirement.
Pricing
From [£XX] per session
Because every session is 1-2-1 and tailored to you, exact pricing depends on session length and your specific goals. Get in touch for a quote.
Book Your Navigation Course
Ready to ditch the GPS and navigate with confidence? Get in touch to arrange your 1-2-1 beginner navigation session.
Message on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need any previous experience?
None at all. This course starts from the very beginning — how to hold a map, orient it to the ground, and take your first bearing. If you can read a road map, you're already ahead. The 1-2-1 format means we start exactly where you are.
What equipment do I need to bring?
You'll need a baseplate compass (a Silva type 4 or similar is ideal — available from outdoor shops for around £15). I can provide an Ordnance Survey map for the session. Wear layered, weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven ground.
Where does the course take place?
Navigation sessions are flexible-location — we meet in open countryside, moorland, or mixed terrain across Wiltshire and South West England, chosen to suit your current level. The exact location is agreed with you when booking and confirmed once your session is booked.
How long is a session?
A standard beginner navigation session runs for approximately half a day (around 4 hours), which gives enough time to practise multiple techniques in the field. Longer or shorter sessions can be arranged depending on your goals.
What will I actually learn?
You'll cover the core building blocks of map and compass navigation: map orientation, identifying terrain features, setting a bearing, pacing and timing for distance estimation, route planning, and how to relocate if you lose your position. By the end you'll have the tools to navigate confidently without relying on GPS.