Navigation Courses

The navigation courses in the Dales that we run will give you the skills and confidence to get out and explore the dales and hills with friends and family. All the courses we run are led by fully qualified instructors and operate in the wonderful landscape of the Yorkshire Dales.

Why should I learn how to navigate?

Our first 2 courses are part of the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) which is a 2 day course and assessment for walkers wishing to improve their navigation skills in the countryside.

Choose which is the course that suits you best:

Map & Compass Work (1 Day)

Tailored to your own (and/or your party) needs this is a 1 day tailor made course for you to improve your skills and give you the confidence to venture further and more safely in to the countryside. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced walker who just wishes to improve their skills this is for you – just let us know what level you are at and we will do the rest.

Price: £60 per person

Bronze Navigation Course (2 Days)

This 2 day course /assessment is for beginners who want to be able to use a map confidently in the countryside and follow paths and other linear features.

  • Understand the nature of a map as a two dimensional plan.
  • Understand how to use map symbols and scales, on a variety of maps.
  • Take a 6 figure grid reference for any given position and also locate such a reference on the map.
  • Orientate the map with and without a compass.
  • Use the orientated map to identify land features and indicate direction of travel.
  • Choose simple navigation strategies and routes.
  • Use linear features (e.g. paths and tracks) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
  • Estimate distance on both map and ground.
  • Using a basic understanding of contours, match major landforms like hills and valleys to their map representation.
  • Plan a safe, suitable walk.
  • Relocate using simple techniques on paths and other handrails.
  • Understand access rights and responsibilities.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues and access legislation.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Countryside Code, and of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

Price (for 2 days) £120 per person

Silver Navigation Course (2 Days)

This 2 day course/assessment is for those wanting to leave paths and use the compass to navigate confidently on open land

  • Devise a strategy for a navigational stage, to break it down into ‘coarse’ and ‘fine’ navigation and to use clear features en route to check that they are ‘on course’.
  • Understand and apply the following components of a navigational strategy ‘aiming off’, ‘attack points’, ‘collecting features’, simplifying navigation, and apply them in varying terrain.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of contour features, both large and small, on the map and on the ground.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the navigation physical and factors affecting route choice.
  • Judge distance accurately on the map and on the ground.
  • Plan a safe walk or route.
  • Employ simple relocation strategies when lost.
  • Use a compass to follow accurate bearings and to check the direction of footpaths or other linear features on both map and ground.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of fatigue and physical discomfort brought on by navigating in demanding countryside and/or extreme weather condition. Knowledge of basic first aid is also expected.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Countryside Code and current access legislation together with an appreciation of basic environmental factors in mixing ‘man with nature’ (e.g. footpath erosion and methods of dealing with it), and responsibilities towards other countryside interests like farming, forestry and

Price (for 2 days) £120 per person

Night Navigation (3/4 hrs)

Learn to navigate in the dark by using pacing, accurate compass work, attack points and obvious physical features. The course is designed to teach you, in a safe environment, the techniques of getting yourself off a fell in thick mist or returning home when darkness has fallen. Although learning to navigate at night can be very important it can also be great fun!

An ability to read a compass is needed to complete this course

Cost: £40 per person

Minimum course numbers of 3 apply on all navigation courses.

Further Information:

The following equipment needs to be brought on the above courses:

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; Head torch; Lunch and drinks; Relevant Ordnance Survey Map 1:25 000 ; Compass with a 1:25,000 scale on baseplate.

Although the Settle area is where most of the courses are presently held we are happy to discuss other possible venues

No accommodation is provided but we do run Country House weekends for those wishing to stay in comfort for a few nights around the course. Click Here.

To book your Navigation Course: If you have any questions do contact us at info@where2walk.co.uk or to book your course please read our Booking Conditions and fill in the attached Booking Form.