Learn to Navigate or Develop Your Skills on the South Downs in Sussex

If you would like to feel more confident in your map reading abilities or if you can't even tell the motorway from the footpath on the map then our one day course can help you. The course is run in the South Downs National Park in Sussex, which makes an ideal safe environment in which to learn these invaluable skills. After completion of the course, the South Downs lend themselves to excellent opportunities for getting out and refining your skills in such a beautiful and tranquil location. They are ideally situated near to Winchester, Brighton and Chichester, and even London can be reached in about an hour.

This course will give you the necessary basic skills needed to read a map: working out where you are, where you're going and how to get there; essential skills for all walkers, fell runners, mountaineers, and anyone who might be interested in exploring, on or off the footpaths.

During the course of the day we will cover route planning, map to ground navigation using simple linear features such as paths and tracks, and basic compass work. We will also cover what to do in the event that you are lost and what equipment to take with you for a day in the hills. Often the reason people get into trouble while outdoors is due to a misinterpretation of the map or a lack of essential equipment, so while we can't guarantee that the weather will be nice or the path direct we can help ensure that you will be prepared for these situations!

If you feel you already have these skills and would like to develop your navigational skills further, why not take our Intermediate Navigation course?

Information

Season

All year round, please contact us to make a booking

Duration

7hrs

Group Size

3-6

Restrictions

Minimum age: 14 Under 18yrs: Must be accompanied by a participating parent or legal guardian.

Prerequisites

No previous navigation experience is required.

Groups

Please note that all group bookings will be available for others to book unless booking for a minimum of 4 people.

If you're interested in making an enquiry, please complete the form below.

Organisation

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Itinerary

During the course, we will cover

  • Map to ground navigation
  • Contours and map symbols
  • Grid references
  • Route planning
  • Basic compass techniques
  • Equipment selection
  • Emergency action plans
Locations

Sussex

Equipment

Equipment supplied

All navigation equipment is provided

Equipment needed

Full waterproofs, warm clothing (including emergency clothing) walking boots / trail shoes. Packed lunch and plenty of water. We will provide you with a kit list upon booking.

Equipment shop

Take a look at our online shop for any equipment you might want for your outdoor adventures. We stock a variety of equipment and can give expert advice if you have any queries. Choose to collect your order on a course (free of charge) and your instructor will have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive.