Navigation Training Courses in the Peak District

Navigation Training Courses

Ever been lost on the hill, wished you had took the time to learn how to use a compass when the mist rolls in ? then our Navigation courses are a “step in the right direction” ! Navigation is a key skill to ensure you can find your way around and stay safe on the hills and mountains, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or experienced navigator we have the course and training to suit your needs.

We provide taster days, and also fully approved Bronze, Silver and Gold Navigation courses, all certified by The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) which is the main national body for navigation awards.

All our courses are run in a fun and engaging manner with lots of practical teaching and learning in the local hills of the Dark & White Peak, Simon will deliver many different coaching methods to ensure each learning style is meet and at everyones pace.

Our courses are run from AlpKit in Hathersage and you can enjoy a 10% in store discount during the course, we have many links with local accommodation providers and can recommend somewhere for your stay.

Our course’s includes the loan of maps for the local areas, and a compass should you need one, although we recommend you have your own for practice.

Complementary teas and coffees are included, please wear appropriate outdoor clothing, waterproofs, walking boots / shoes and a rucksack for time on the hill and also a pack lunch and a drink for each day.

Introduction to Navigation

Our introduction day is perfect for the first time navigator, we run through the basics of navigation to get you feeling confident with the map and your surroundings. We spend a short time in the classroom and then get you on the hill to get you on your first steps to navigating your way round the Peak District.

The course covers the following :

Reading and using a variety of maps
How to find out where you are
How to travel to a certain point
Emergency & safety procedures

1 Day Introduction course – £100.00 per person

Next Course dates – please call 07970 835737 to make a booking or use the Contact Us form

Bronze Navigation Course

Our Bronze navigation 2-day course is the ideal course for beginners and experienced walkers who want to know how to use a map, set a route, and how to use a compass for normal paths and tracks. We start the morning with a classroom session covering the basics of map reading and using a compass, then we get you out in the countryside to put what you’ve learnt into practice, this course is on easy low level hill and moorland ground.

Amongst other aspects the course covers the following :

Different maps and how to use them
Map contours & how to use a compass
Using maps to locate yourself
Estimate time & distances
Grid references & creating your own routes
Recognising navigational error
Emergency and safety procedures
You will receive a NNAS Bronze certificate on passing the practical assessment

For a full detailed list of the training and syllabus click here – Bronze Navigation Syllabus

2 Day Bronze course – £160.00 per person

Next Course dates are below :

13th-14th April
19th – 20th October
9th – 10th November

To book this please call us on 07970 835737 or visit our Contact Us page to enquire about availability.

Silver Navigation Course

This 2 day course is for the hill walker who understands the basics of navigation and wants to further develop their skills or the keen hill walker who wants to develop their experience of planning their walking own walk off the normal paths and beaten track and have more confidence on the moorlands and mountains. This course is on hill, moor and mountain terrain. The Silver course can be taken after the Bronze course.

Among other aspects the course covers the following :

An overview of the bronze course
Set and walk on a compass baring
Apply different techniques such as aiming off, attack points, hand-railing, re-location, leap frogging, box sections
Assess distances in more detail
Understand contour navigation
You will receive a Silver certificate on passing the practical assessment

For a full detailed list of the training and syllabus click here – Silver Navigation Syllabus

2 Day Silver Course – £180.00 per person.

To book this please call us on 07970 835737 or visit our Contact Us page to enquire about availability.

Gold Navigation Course

For the experienced navigator who wants to go to the next level, its a pre-requisite to have been on our Silver course or a similar course with other providers, this course is 3 days as well as some practical and theory homework. This course is on remote hill, moorland and mountainous terrain.

Amongst other aspects course covers the following :

An overview of the Silver course
Use contour lines only for navigation
Navigate in poor viability (snow, fog and night)
Use back bearings
Utilise aspect of slope
Assess the impact of different terrain, weather and other hazards or aspects affecting your route
Emergency procedures when taking out groups
Different technical equipment
Navigating with groups
You will receive a NNAS Gold certificate on passing the practical and written assessment.

For a full detailed list of the training and syllabus click here – Gold Navigation Syllabus

3 Day Gold Course – £300.00 per person.

Next Course dates – please call 07970 835737 to make a booking or use the Contact Us form

We have plenty of Navigation & hills Skills Tips in our Top Tips and Blog pages of our website so to find out more be sure to visit those before booking your course