1 Day Beginners Navigation Training Course
Edale, Derbyshire - £95 per person, max 6 people
Beginners Navigation Training Course - Peak District
The beginners navigation training course is ideal for complete beginners and those wanting to refresh their existing skills.
You will learn the basics necessary to navigate on paths with a map and compass, enabling you to have the confidence to start exploring the great outdoors.
The course will provide you with the time to practise your new skills and the time will be spent in the outdoors with a map and compass around Edale in Derbyshire. Initially the course starts in the valley on easy terrain and will then usually progress onto rougher and slightly more complex moorland.
Our maximum group size is currently 6. You can also book your own bespoke course on any date I'm available if you prefer, just ask.
Course Content
Understanding maps - Scales, Symbols, Rights of Way, Contours
Distances - Measuring and Estimating, Pacing and Timing
The Compass - introduction & simple bearings
Setting a map (with and without a compass)
Basic navigation strategies - The 5 D's: Distance, Direction, Description, Duration, Danger
Terrain
During the training you will be walking both on and off paths. The morning is likely to take place in the valley on a mixture of good tracks and smaller footpaths and also off paths across grassy fields. In the afternoon we will most likely head up towards Kinder Scout which can be rough in places and includes 1 fairly long hill. The hill up to Kinder is a steady climb of about 400m (1300ft). On Kinder the terrain is open moorland with heather and rough grass. At any time of year there are likely to be some muddy sections and the path becomes rougher and a little rocky in places. When we leave the paths on Kinder the ground is very uneven with potential for hidden bumps and holes under the vegetation.
Additional dates / private courses for 2 or more people available on request
Course Location & Times
Start 09:00 Edale, Derbyshire
Meet at main car park in Edale at 08:45 ready for a 9am start. (cash only car park machine)
There is a good train service from Manchester/Sheffield. If you plan to catch the train please let me know.
We aim to finish around 15:00 - 16:00
Recommended Equipment & Clothing
The day will be largely practical, walking in both the lower valleys and up towards Kinder Scout. We will be going off paths in rough or sometimes muddy terrain so walking boots with good ankle support are recommended. You will be standing around whilst practising skills in whatever weather we have on the day and so will need to dress warmer than for a usual walk. Below is a recommended list:
1:25,000 map of The Peak District: Dark Peak Area - OS Explorer Map sheet OL1 covering Edale/Kinder. I recommend the waterproof maps which will last much longer, otherwise will also need a waterproof map case.
Compass (if you want to practise with one) - recommend a Silva Type 4, Suunto A30 or similar. If buying one check it's Northern Hemisphere (NH), degrees and metric scale. There are a lot for sale online which are not!!
Appropriate walking clothing to keep you warm on the day (no jeans as they can be cold if wet).
Waterproof jacket.
Waterproof trousers.
Spare warm layers (several thinner layers are more versatile than 1 thick).
Walking boots (some areas are rough and uneven so boots that go above the ankle, providing good ankle support, are recommended rather than low cut walking/trail shoes. Boots will also keep your feet drier than walking shoes in boggy/muddy areas). We can advise you as to what would be appropriate for your walk and we can also recommend more accessible routes that do not require walking boots if appropriate.
Warm hat and gloves or sun hat if sunny.
Food, drink and snacks for the day. We will have a couple of food stops whilst out on the hill.
Personal first aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, sun cream, pain relief and any personal medication).
Rucksack with waterproof liner/bag.
Notebook and pencil/pen.
Money for parking and/or cafe
Hand sanitiser and face covering recommended A face mask/covering does not need to be worn, however whilst virus levels remain high it would be recommended in emergency situations to help protect people whilst providing first aid or assistance, or when entering busy cafes and toilet areas.
Optional additions: camera, gaiters and/or walking poles if you have them.