Map, Navigation and Compass Training
If you need to learn, improve, refresh or develop any aspect of your navigation or map reading skills then we can plan a day out to take you to the next level.
Learn to Map read and Navigate in the British countryside.
Beginners courses in the South East of England for individuals, families, small groups, youth groups, schools, DofE Centres, walking groups, ramblers.
In fact anyone who wants to be able to read a map, use a compass, and find their way.
A firm grasp of map reading and compass work can be taught on this one day course. You will leave with the confidence to explore the local countryside knowing where you are and how to find your way to your intended destination.
Although we are all becoming accustomed to navigating using mobile phones, these devices have their limitations, they stop working and become useless when wet, the battery runs out, or when there is no signal, making traditional navigation skills essential.
Learning to use a map and compass is a necessary skill for when the tech lets you down. With these skills, you can navigate confidently without relying on electronic devices. This one-day course sets out to teach absolute beginners the fundamentals of navigating in the open countryside using a map and compass.
COURSE DETAILS
9:30 Meet Ashdown Forest. East Sussex
Outdoor Classroom; open discussion
Overview of UK Outdoor Activity Maps
Ordnance Survey 1:25 000
Ordnance Survey 1:50 000
Harvey Maps 1:40 000
Compasses - Look at various types of compass.
Component parts of the compass and how they work.
Maps and Map cases - pros and cons
Gadgets - GPS Watches, Mobile Phone Apps.
Mapping Software.
10:30 Start of Practical Navigation Walk.
Orientating the Map, also known as 'setting the map'.
How this 15 second task makes navigating much easier.
Using a Compass:- Holding and practical use
Phones and Metal Objects
Training Topics:
Measuring the distance we travel
Practical navigation skills
During the day we introduce basic navigation techniques, after each technique is introduced and practiced we build on another skill.
Walking sections of countryside, practicing each new technique is a sure way to adopt them into your walks.
Maps
Symbols and Information panel 'key or legend'
Interpreting Contour Lines
Identifying Key Places
Compass Work;- taking a bearing, checking direction of travel and walking on a bearing.
KIT LIST
You only need to bring your personal kit for the day.
Small day beg - 20 to 25 litres should be sufficient.
Please wear comfortable walking clothes.
Trainers or walking boots.
Waterproof Jacket (with hood).
Waterproof trousers.
Spare Fleece.
Wide brimmed hat if summer, woollen hat and gloves in winter.
Sun screen/lip balm.
Small Personal first aid kit and any personal medication.
Packed lunch and a couple of snack to eat on-the-go.
At least 1 litre of water, more if it is hot on the day.
Wrist Watch.
You are welcome to bring your own Maps and Compass if you have them. We will have plenty to go round so don't go out shopping.
We will be looking at and trying different compasses during the day and we will guide you to the best compass to suit your needs.
We will be using the OS Explorer Series map 1:25 000
Sheet Number 135 Ashdown Forest.
During the day, while walking and during rest breaks and lunch we will chat informally and discuss some relevant topics, including , but not limited to:
Clothing:- What to wear and what to avoid - and the reason why.
Equipment:- How much should I carry? what is essential kit?
First Aid:- What would you put in your first aid kit? Instructors will show you the range of first aid they carry.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please do not bring your dog.
Maximum Group size is 5 Adults, minimum age 18. No Smoking, no vaping please.
Cost £40 each.
Payable 7 days prior to your course. Payment details will be on the invoice sent to you approximately 30 days before the course.
End Time is 3:30 - 4:00 pm.
End Location is back where we started this morning.
Duration and Distance;- We will walk for about 5 hours, taking plenty of breaks. The distance will not be that great, about 8 to 10 Km.
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Develop skills and open up the hills and moors of the British Isles.
Intermediate courses focused to an area of your skills which needs further development.
Preparing individuals or groups ready to venture away from populated or busy areas and visit some of the more remote corners of the National Parks.
At the end of this one day course you will be prepared to take yourself off to The New forest, Exmoor, Dartmoor or other low lying hill in the British Isles.
You will be able to undertake a full day walk knowing where you are, distances and directions travelled and learn how to relocate yourself and find a safe way home.
