Navigation Courses

Effective navigation is an essential skill for anyone who ventures onto hills, mountains and moorland. Many Mountain Rescue call-outs are as a result of people becoming lost in Britain’s wild and remote terrain.
We offer a range of courses from basic map reading and navigation, which will equip you with the necessary skills to venture safely into the hills and mountains, to more advanced training which covers such topics as night navigation and winter skills.
Introduction to Navigation
Learn the essential skills of mountain navigation on this one day group course based in Saddleworth.
Navigation is a practical skill, so after an introductory theory session in the morning you will spend the rest of the day in the hills learning how to read a map, select safe and efficient routes, interpret contour lines, take compass bearings and effectively navigate over mountainous and moorland terrain. Furthermore, you will learn how to stay safe in the mountains.
Cost: £50.00 per person
Night Navigation
Venturing into the hills at night, armed with a good head-torch and a rucksack full of warm clothing is a marvellous experience. During the winter months, many fell-runners and mountain bikers undertake nocturnal forays into the wilderness in search of added excitement, therefore, it is essential to be able to navigate effectively in the dark. The night navigation courses also allow for hill walkers to be able to learn the skills necessary to navigate safely in mist and thick fog.
Our night navigation courses are aimed at those who are confident navigating in day light, and who want to develop their skills to be able to venture into the wilderness after dark, or gain the knowledge to be able to find their way in thick mist. Our night navigation courses are very popular with ultra-distance runners and endurance bike-packers who travel through the dark when competing in long-distance endurance events.
Cost: £30.00 per person.
Advanced Navigation
Our two day advanced navigation course develops your navigational ability to a much higher level and looks in detail at the principles of micro-navigation, route selection, group management, and mountain safety. On the first night there will also be a Night Navigation session.
Cost: £95.00 per person
Private Courses
Our bespoke courses are designed to develop your individual navigational skills, building on your current knowledge and ability. With the training personalised to suit your individual needs, the course will cover, in depth, all of the principles of effective navigation including, map interpretation, compass work, micro-navigation, route selection and mountain safety.
The personal navigation courses make ideal presents for friends or loved ones. Gift vouchers for the courses can be purchased in advanced.
Cost: £100.00 per person
Navigation Training for Fell and Ultra-distance Runners
These practical, one and two day courses are designed to prepare you for competing in long distance fell races and ultra-distance challenges. Learn the essential skills of navigating on the run, in order to safely and efficiently traverse wild and remote terrain, in long-distance events such as the High Peak Marathon, The Spine Race, UTMB, Dragon’s Back, Bob Graham Round, Joss Naylor Challenge etc.
Subjects covered:
Effective navigation
The navigators toolbox
Effective route selection
Night Navigation
Relocation strategies
Clothing & equipment selection
Race strategy
Transitions, sleeping and timings
Food & hydration
Leighweight bivvying and campcraft
Foot care and personal welfare
Prevention of heat & cold injuries
Training programs
Cost: 1 Day group course – £50.00 per person. 2 Day course £95.00
Private course – £100.00 per person. 2 Day courses £195.00
All of our courses work on an effective student to instructor ratio, ensuring that everyone learns to their full potential. All participants receive a free Time & Distance Calculator. Private courses can be organised for individuals or groups.
For further information contact Chris at: [email protected]
Upcoming Courses
Navigation Skills Course
Date: Saturday 27th April 2025
Venue: Saddleworth
Time: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Cost: £50.00 per person.
Night Navigation Course
Date: TBC
Venue: TBC
Time: 7:30pm to 10:30pm
Places on our courses are limited to ensure good instructor/delegate ratio. For full details and to reserve a place, email: [email protected]

