Beginners’ Navigation

A one day map reading course for beginners based in the Lake District.  If you have never looked at a map or would be unsure about planning and following a route along paths and tracks then this is the course for you.

We run courses in the southern Lake District starting in Bowness-on-Windermere and also in the northern Lake District starting in Keswick. Our courses have a maximum of four participants so you will not be overlooked in a large group.

You will be amazed how much detail there is on an Ordnance Survey map and we will teach you how to make the most of it all.   It’s a friendly, practical course and you will come away inspired and with the confidence to get out walking much, much more.

We will teach you how to:

• Use map symbols and scales.
• Orientate the map.
• Use the orientated map to identify land features and indicate direction of travel.
• Choose simple navigation strategies and routes.
• Estimate distance on both map and ground.
• Understand contour lines.
• Take a 6 figure grid reference for any given position and also locate such a reference on the map.
• Plan a safe, suitable walk taking into account the weather forecast and access rights.
• Relocate using simple techniques.
• Follow the Countryside Code.
• Call out Mountain Rescue in an emergency.We will be outside for the whole day on this course.  We will be walking slowly with frequent stops and there is not much ascent in the day but you will need to be happy to be out walking all day.

You will need to bring:

• Enough clothes to keep you warm and dry in all weathers. (Jeans are not suitable for outdoor activities.)
• Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
• Walking boots
• Lunch and drinks
• Ordnance Survey Map 1:25 000
• Digital watch with a stopwatch
• Pen and paper
• Reading glasses or a magnifying glass if you think it will be necessary for you to see very fine detail on the map.

We will provide:

• Compass (Bring one if you have one but we would recommend that you do not buy a new one before the course – try ours out first.)

Other Information:

• There will be no more than four participants per instructor.
• Accommodation and travel are not provided.
• The course lasts one day from 09:30 to 16:30 and starts in Bowness-on-Windermere or Keswick.