Night Navigation
Take your map and compass skills into the dark — specialist night navigation, 1-2-1.
Enquire NowWhat to Expect
Night navigation is navigation with the visual cues stripped away. Colours disappear, distances compress, and the terrain you confidently walked in daylight becomes something different entirely. This session teaches you the techniques that mountain rescue teams, military navigators, and expedition leaders use to move accurately and safely in the dark.
The session builds directly on daytime map and compass skills, applying them under a headtorch — and sometimes without. You'll practise navigating by feel and bearing, managing light discipline, identifying terrain features in the dark, and maintaining composure when visibility is limited. Every session is 1-2-1, so the pace and scenarios adapt entirely to your current level and what you want to achieve.
Night-specific techniques covered include: torch management and red-light use, adapting bearing technique for low-visibility, handrailing and attack points in darkness, managing pace and confidence under pressure, and how to recover when things go wrong after dark.
Who It Suits
This course is for anyone who can already navigate competently in daylight and wants to extend that skill into the dark. If you've completed our beginner navigation course or have equivalent experience from DofE, scouting, hiking, or military training, you're in the right place. Night navigation is also popular with trail runners, orienteers, and anyone preparing for a multi-day expedition with overnight legs.
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 night navigation instruction is delivered 1-2-1 by a qualified outdoor instructor with extensive field experience navigating in low-light and after-dark conditions across Wiltshire and the South West.
[Navigation Qualification — REQUIRED BEFORE PUBLISH]
Every session is personally delivered — not by an assistant or freelance coach. You'll navigate with the same instructor from start to finish, maintaining consistency and building trust through the session.
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
Pricing depends on session length and your specific goals. Get in touch to discuss what you want to achieve and we'll provide an exact quote.
Book Your Night Navigation Session
Ready to take your navigation skills into the dark? Get in touch to arrange your 1-2-1 night navigation session across Wiltshire.
Message on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have done the beginner navigation course first?
A solid grounding in basic map and compass navigation is strongly recommended before this session — either through our beginner navigation course or equivalent experience gained elsewhere. You should be comfortable setting a bearing and reading contour features before we move into the dark. If you're unsure of your level, get in touch and we'll advise.
Is it safe to navigate at night?
Yes, with proper technique and supervision. Night navigation is a well-established skill used by mountain rescue teams, military units, and expedition navigators. The 1-2-1 format means you're never alone in the dark — we operate together throughout, and session areas are chosen to be appropriate for your experience level.
What equipment do I need to bring?
A baseplate compass, your regular navigation kit, and a quality head torch with fresh batteries (and a backup). Wear warm, windproof layers — nights in the field are considerably colder than days. Sturdy waterproof footwear is essential. A spare set of batteries is strongly advised.
Where and when does the session take place?
Sessions take place after dark across Wiltshire and South West England — flexible location chosen to suit your experience level. The exact meeting point is agreed with you when booking. Typical sessions begin around dusk and run for 3–4 hours, though this is flexible depending on your goals.
How long is the session?
A standard night navigation session runs for approximately 3–4 hours after dark. This gives enough time to put multiple night-specific techniques into practice in genuinely low-light or dark conditions. Longer sessions can be arranged for those wanting to cover more ground or build more complex scenarios.