Courses
Course 1: Introduction to Navigation
A practical, 3-hour course designed to give you the essential skills to navigate confidently using a map and compass.
No prior experience is needed.
What to expect
This is a hands-on course with a strong focus on learning by doing.
You’ll be out walking, practising skills as you go, with guidance and support throughout.
There’s no classroom and no jargon — just practical skills you can use straight away.
Who it’s for
- Complete beginners
- Walkers looking to build confidence
- Anyone planning a hiking trip
- People who want to rely less on their phone
What you’ll learn
By the end of the session, you will be able to:
- Read and understand a map
- Orientate yourself using features around you
- Plan and follow a simple route
- Understand the basics of a compass
- Know what to do if you lose your way
Course details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Group size: maximum 6 people
- Location: Wimbledon Common
- We will provide all maps and compasses (although you’re welcome to bring your own or pre-order our recommended gear)
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (courses will go ahead even if it rains!)
Pricing
- ￡45 per person
Book your place
Spaces are limited to keep groups small.
Course 2: Next Steps in Navigation
Ready to move beyond the basics? This course is designed for those who already understand fundamental map reading and want to develop the skills needed to navigate more confidently and accurately in the outdoors. Combine map and compass techniques to head off the beaten track!
What to expect
This is a hands-on, practical course delivered outdoors. You’ll spend most of the session navigating in real terrain, applying macro- and micro-navigation techniques as you go rather than just learning theory.
Who it’s for
This course is ideal if you:
- Have completed our Introduction to Navigation course, or
- Already understand map basics (grid references, symbols, orientation)
- Want to build confidence using a compass and tackle more technical navigation
What you’ll learn
By the end of the session, you will be able to:
- Take and follow accurate compass bearings
- Combine map and compass navigation for precise route-finding
- Correct mistakes and relocate if things don’t go to plan
- Plan and follow more complex routes
- Use contour features to support navigation decisions
- Deploy practical strategies for low visibility conditions
- Feel more self-reliant when exploring unfamiliar areas
Course details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Group size: maximum 6 people
- Location: Wimbledon Common
- We will provide all maps and compasses (although you’re welcome to bring your own or pre-order our recommended gear)
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (courses will go ahead even if it rains!)
Pricing
- ￡55 per person
Course 3: Night & Low Visibility Navigation
Develop the skills and confidence to navigate safely when daylight fades.
This practical two-hour course is designed for walkers with some previous navigation experience who want to improve their ability to navigate in reduced visibility conditions or at night. Using a map, compass and effective navigation techniques, you’ll learn how to stay accurate and make confident decisions when visual clues are limited.
What to expect
This is a practical, outdoor course with plenty of time to practise and apply your skills after sunset.
Who it’s for
- Walkers with some existing map and compass experience
- Those looking to improve their confidence navigating after dark or in poor visibility
- Please note that this is not a beginner’s navigation course. Participants should already be comfortable with basic map reading, orientating a map, taking bearings and using grid references.
What you’ll learn
By the end of the session, you will be able to:
- Build confidence to navigate safely when conditions change
- Adapt your navigation techniques for poor visibility or darkness
- Maintain accurate direction using a compass
- Estimate distance and timing with greater accuracy
- Recognise common navigation challenges after dark and how to avoid them
Course details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Group size: maximum 6 people
- Location: Wimbledon Common
- We will provide all maps and compasses (although you’re welcome to bring your own or pre-order our recommended gear)
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (courses will go ahead even if it rains!)
- A head torch (we will have spares if you don’t have one)
Pricing
- ￡45 per person
Book your place
Spaces are limited to keep groups small.