1 Day Beginner's Navigation Training

Suitable for beginners or those wanting to refresh their navigational skills. Learn the basics to enabling you to navigate with a map and compass, enhancing your confidence to start exploring! This course will allow you some time to practice your skills around the Edale in Derbyshire

Beginning on easy terrain in the valley and progressing to rougher moorland, our maximum group size is 6.

Course content includes:

• Understanding maps - Scales, Symbols, Rights of Way, Contours
• Distances - Measuring and Estimating, Pacing and Timing 
• The Compass - introduction & simple bearings 
• Setting a map (with and without a compass) 
• Basic navigation strategies - The 5 D's: Distance, Direction, Description, Duration, Danger

Both on and off the path, the morning will likely start on a mixture of tracks and footpaths as well as grassy fields. During the training you will be walking both on and off paths. The afternoon will more likely head towards Kinder Scout, including a fairly long steady climb of about 400m. The open moorland is rough grass and depending on the season muddier and rockier in certain places. After this the ground can become very uneven and rough. 

All our events are Covid-secure as "Good to Go" approved by Visit England. 

• Learn all the basics you need to build your confidence and start to explore independently.

• Feel safe discovering the Edale alongside our mentors. 

• Gain new skills.

• Bring along your friends and do something different together!

Equipment needed: We will be going off paths in rough or sometimes muddy terrain so walking boots with good ankle support are recommended. You will be standing around whilst practising skills in whatever weather we have on the day and so will need to dress warmer than for a usual walk.

Below is a recommended list:

• Hand sanitiser and face covering mandatory will not be worn usually but under emergency situations when distancing is not possible will be needed. 

• 1:25,000 map of The Peak District: Dark Peak Area - OS Explorer Map sheet OL1 covering Edale/Kinder. I recommend the waterproof maps which will last much longer, otherwise will also need a waterproof map case.

• Compass (if you want to practise with one) - recommend a Silva Type 4, Suunto A30 or similar. If buying one check it's Northern Hemisphere (NH), degrees and metric scale. 

• Appropriate walking clothing to keep you warm on the day (no jeans) including waterproof jacket and trousers, as well as spare warm layers (several thinner layers are more versatile than 1 thick).

• Walking boots (some areas are rough and uneven so boots that go above the ankle, providing good ankle support, are strongly recommended rather than low cut walking/trail shoes. Boots will also keep your feet drier than walking shoes in muddy areas). No Trainers.

• Warm hat and gloves or sun hat if sunny.

• Personal first aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, sun cream, pain relief, emergency foil blanket and any personal medication).

• Rucksack with waterproof liner/bag.

• Notebook and pencil/pen.

• Optional additions: gaiters and/or walking poles if you use them.

Weather: Weather appropriate clothing. Activities will generally take place regardless of weather unless there are exceptional circumstances. 

Parking: Money for cark parking fees will be needed.

Food and drink: Bring food, drink and snacks for the day. We will have a couple of food stops whilst out on the hill.

Cancellations: If you are unable to attend as a result of COVID-19 you can reschedule for up to 12 months. Cancellations over 30 days from the start of the activity will receive a 75% refund, excluding additional costs. Cancellations 30 days or less from the start of the activity will not be refunded.