Beginners Navigation Training

Multiple dates available.

Learn the basics of lowland navigation skills on our one-day training course for beginners.

What to expect?

Learn to navigate effectively using a compass and map. Covering all the key principles of navigation, this one-day course will give you the skills, confidence, and hands-on practice you need to go out and explore on your own.

Spending the day in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park at lowland level, you’ll be guided by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader. As part of a small group with a maximum of 4 people, you’ll have a great opportunity to tailor your learning to your individual needs and ask as many questions as you need, ending the course feeling confident in your new skills.

Remaining at lowland level, you’ll be walking on footpaths and over rough ground with varied terrain, with some hill-climbing throughout the day. This full day starts at 9:30am and finished at around 5pm, depending on conditions.

Upon booking, you’ll be sent full details and a kit list to prepare you for your training day. Lunch is not included, so you’ll need to bring a packed lunch with you, and maps and compasses are available for use on the day.

Who’s it for?

This full-day training is ideal for anyone new to map-reading and navigation, or those who have not practiced their skills in many years. It is for absolute beginners starting out on their navigation journey or those picking up navigation again after a break.

What you’ll learn?

By the end of this beginner’s lowland navigation course, you’ll be able to:

• Understand the relevant map symbols and scales

• Measure distances on a map and on the ground

• Understand the principals of distance judgement in various types of terrain

• Interpret contour formations on a map and relate them to features on the ground

• Understand the principals of the magnetic compass, identify the cardinal points and use them in conjunction with the map

• Understand appropriate relocation strategies

• Make informed route choices

• Understand six-figure grid references

• Orientate your map to the ground

• Identify and use linear features

What comes next?

You’ll finish the course with the skills and confidence to navigate independently at lowland level. You’ll receive an individual action plan, feedback and debrief, to help you identify areas to develop and focus on.

Following completion of your Beginners Lowland Navigation Skills course, you can progress onto our Intermediate Hill and Moorland Navigation Skills training to further develop your skills.

This course is run subject to a minimum of 2 bookings. If minimum numbers are not met, an alternative date will be offered, or you’ll be given a credit voucher to re-book.