Navigation Courses in the Dales

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.

FIRST AVAILABLE COURSE DATE FOR 2014. March 30th

Do have a read of this blog  . Why should I learn how to navigate?

For every booking £5 (or £10 if it is a 2 day course) will be donated to the Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust (YDMT), a fine charity dedicated to supporting the landscape, environment & communities of the Yorkshire Dales

Location: The courses are run out of Long Preston, a small village in the Yorkshire Dales, a few miles south east of Settle. The indoors part of the course (usually for 1.5 to 2 hours) is held at the Village Playing Field and then we will head off directly from here in to the wonderful limestone landscape of the Dales.

Each day will last for between 6 and 7 hours and start at 10 am.

The available dates for courses are listed below but if you have a party/group of 4 or more please contact us directly and we should be able to arrange a private day for you. In addition if you are unsure which course is best suited for you (Beginner or Intermediate) just contact us.

Map & Compass Work (1 Day Beginner) £45 per person

Dates Available: 27th April or call us/e mail us for a Private Party of 4 or more participants

A 1 day course 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.
• Understand the Countryside Code, and of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

Map & Compass Work (1 Day Intermediate) £45 per person

Dates Available:    March 30th, April 13th & May 10th

This 1 day course is for those wanting to leave paths and use the compass to navigate confidently on open land. 

• Plan a safe walk or route.
• Understand and apply the following components of a navigational strategy ‘aiming off’, ‘attack points’, ‘collecting features’, simplifying navigation.
• Demonstrate an understanding of contour features, both large and small, on the map and on the ground.
• Demonstrate an understanding of both the physical and human factors affecting route choice.
• Judge distance accurately on the map and on the ground.
• 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.
• Further tuition on the Countryside Code and use of lands in the Yorkshire Dales

Map & Compass Work (2 Day Map & Compass) £135 per person

Dates not yet available. Please call or e mail.

The 2 day course will be tailored to the existing standards of the group and is for those who want to end the 2 days comfortable with navigating in the outdoors

Each course will have a maximum of 6 and minimum of 3 participants. If it is larger a 2nd instructor will be used.

If you would like to arrange your own date and you are a party of 3 or more please contact us direct

Further Information:

The following equipment is provided:Relevant Ordnance Survey Map 1:25 000 ; Compass with a 1:25,000 scale on baseplate.

You will need to be equipped with the following: 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. We may slip a coffee/tea in though when you arrive!

If you would like us to book you in to one of the Long Preston inns or B & Bs just let us know, they are all good though and it is a great spot to spend a couple of days.

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