One Day Map and Compass Navigation Courses in the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales
 For walkers, hikers, backpackers
 and wild campers.
- Do you lack the knowledge and skills to navigate safely using a map & compass?
- You have an Ordnance Survey map, but can you ‘really’ read it?
- Learn the 5 D’s of Navigation – Direction, Distance, Duration, Description, & Destination
- What are contours? Can you recognise features, valleys, spurs, and the shape of hills?
- In an emergency, could you provide a 6-figure grid reference to Mountain Rescue?
- Can you use a compass to take and follow a bearing?
- Have the skills to know where you are, and where you’re going!
- Book a Navigation Course and learn those skills.
 Why book a One-Day Map and Compass Navigation Course in  North Yorkshire?
Outdoor Safety and Adventure – Avoid getting lost. Whether you are hiking, wild camping, or backpacking, it is essential to know where you are and where you are going.
Learn to read a paper map and operate a magnetic compass; you are using traditional and still highly valuable skills, which are relevant even today.
Explore remote areas; rather than following the crowd, discover more by forging your own path!
Emergency Preparedness – There’s no need to rely solely on electronic gadgets. If your GPS failed, would you know what to do? For instance, be able to provide your grid reference in the event of an emergency.
Next, consider the distance: how far can you travel in the available time? Do not become trapped on the hills and mountains at night.
Discover ‘Timing and Pacing’ for measuring distance.
Learn about ‘collecting features,’ tick off waymarks as you progress along the route.
Recognize your destination by using ‘catching features’, a predetermined time, or a distinct physical object.
Moreover, be aware of any potential dangers along the route and know how to avoid them.
Personal Development – Learn a new, traditional skill. As a result, build your self-confidence in the outdoors.Â
One Day Map and Compass Navigation Courses in North Yorkshire
      What you will receive
After booking your one-day Basic or Advanced Navigation Course in North Yorkshire, you will receive a pre-course training manual via email. This will be sent as a PDF file, which you can download and either read digitally or print for convenience.
Reading through this manual will provide you with a foundational understanding of map and
compass navigation.
We will talk about these in more detail when we meet and before commencing the practical navigation exercises.
In addition, you will be sent detailed joining instructions, including a recommended kit list to help you prepare for the day.
On the day of the course, you will also receive a laminated booklet. This handy reference guide will reinforce what you learn throughout the day and includes useful tools such as distance/time estimation tables and ascent/descent timing charts.
A 9.30 a.m. start at a cafe location (if available) for a hot drink, to discuss the basic navigation skills course notes you were sent.
A kit check, to ensure your clothing is suitable and you’re not carrying too much or too little.
By 9.45 to 10 a.m. We should be out practicing our new skills.
The days are not physically strenuous to allow for concentration on navigation, but are still in challenging terrain. There will be plenty of time for breaks, as the course can be mentally taxing.
Between 4.30 to 5 p.m. course concludes, then a debrief.
One day Basic Course
This Course is for those who wish to learn to navigate with a map and compass, safely in the outdoors, especially in upland and remote areas. Aimed at the complete beginner or those with limited experience of navigating using a map and compass. Discover about : –
- Map scales.
- Signs & symbols.
- Contours.
- Setting/orienting the map, so what you see on the ground is on the map.
- 4 & 6 figure grid references.
- Distance, timing and pacing.
- The parts of a base plate compass.
- How to take a map and compass bearing & follow them.
- About magnetic deviation / declination & how to allow for it.
- The 5D’s of navigation: – Direction, Distance, Duration, Description, Dangers
Putting these all into practice. So you can follow a route with confidence
After completing this course, you should be able to locate yourself within a 100 metre square or a 6 figure grid reference
 One day, Advanced Course
This course is for those who have already completed the basic course and spent time practicing those skills.
Or those who have been using a map & compass for some time and want to hone their skills.
An assessment of your existing skills will be made, and gaps in your knowledge or skills will be updated.
You will learn to use ‘Micro-navigation techniques’ of : –
- Aiming off
- Attack points
- Handrailing
- Funnel features
- Way marks & transit points
- Dog legging
- Boxing
- Leap frogging
- Using back bearings
- Slope aspect & shape
- Resection technique#
- Relocation [finding your location when ‘lost’]
- Naismith’s rule & variants
- How to plan a route & card
- How to follow a bearing in white out conditions or fog
More precise navigation practice. After this course, you will be able to locate yourself within
10 square metres or an 8-figure grid reference
Book your Course on the Navigation Page
 The easiest way to book a course is for you to follow the ‘Booking App’ on
the ‘Navigation Course page’
Book a date and you will be contacted to confirm the booking, with the number of
participants and location etc.
(The maximum of 6 persons, which is not set in stone, please give me a phone call or email.)
The course may not be suitable for children under 12 years of age.
However, please don’t hesitate to contact us; we are here to help.
See the full list of prices with discounts on the Navigation Course Page.
You will then be contacted via email or phone to confirm the booking and sent a payment link via email.
You will be sent a payment link to make a 25% deposit to secure the date, via Sumup/Square/PayPal
The remaining 75% is required to be paid 7 days prior the course date.
Or if you are not sure what date you want, just email, phone, or text us
or fill out the contact form with your enquiry
07597165258
admin@map-skills-moors-and-dales.co.uk
Testimonial: - “We learnt so much during the day, far more than we expected. Jim was able to answer all those questions that videos & books can't.
Book a course today! Before the best day of your life becomes your worst!
Technology is incredible—but it isn’t infallible. A drained battery, a broken device, or a lost signal can turn adventure into danger in seconds, which is why you should master the basics in map and compass navigation.
Our Map & Compass Course gives you confidence, safety, and independence. 
Sign up today—because true navigation doesn’t need charging.