FAQ & Support
Learn to navigate outdoors with confidence
How can we help you?
No! Courses are designed for complete beginners and for those wishing to build on their skills and learn to navigate outdoors with confidence.
On the Introduction to Navigation course, you’ll learn how to read a map, understand where you are, follow a route, and what to do if you lose your way. On the Next Steps in Navigation course, you’ll build on these core skills, start using a compass, and tackle some more advanced navigation.
Courses take place on Wimbledon Common. Full meeting details are provided after booking.
A basic level of fitness is sufficient. We’ll be walking at a relaxed pace with regular stops for instruction. We are, of course, happy to make reasonable adjustments, just let us know in advance.
Not at all. Courses are designed to be supportive and set at your level of experience, with plenty of guidance throughout.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
All navigation equipment (maps and compasses) is provided.
If you’d like to use your own equipment, feel free to bring it. Or, you can add a Surefoot Navigation-recommended compass and map case when booking, and it will be brought to your session for you to keep after!
Courses run in most weather conditions, including rain. Learning in typical UK weather is all part of the experience.
If conditions are unsafe (e.g. severe weather), the session will be rescheduled or refunded.
Groups are kept small (maximum 6 people) to ensure plenty of individual support.
Wimbledon Common is very popular with dog walkers and you are welcome to bring your well-behaved dog, as long as you let us know beforehand and it is kept on a lead at all times.
Of course! See here for more information.
Cancellations made more than 7 days in advance receive a full refund or can be transferred to another date. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.
James is a fully-qualified Hill and Moorland Leader and National Navigation Award Scheme Tutor. He holds a DBS and all course are covered by appropriate levels of insurance.
This course focuses on practical skills and does not include a formal qualification. However, it provides a strong foundation for further training such as NNAS courses and we’d be happy to advise on the day.
Yes — this course is ideal if you currently rely on your phone and want to learn to navigate outdoors confidently without it. It’s a very rewarding feeling knowing you don’t need to rely on tech to head out on your next adventure!
Courses are currently designed for adults. We may introduce sessions for younger participants (aged 14+) accompanied by a parent/guardian in future.
Courses run between April and September. Take a look at our upcoming courses here.