Introduction to Map Reading, 1 Day Skills Course. West Pennine Moors and Peak District

Time for a break to build a navigation strategy.

If you are new to walking in the countryside or have always followed a guide-book, this one-day hands-on course will equip you with the skills to safely navigate paths and tracks. Our day out will look at how maps help us relate to the land around us, so we know where we are and visualise what’s ahead so we don’t get lost.

These days are run in the Peak District, Lake District and West Pennine Moors in Lancashire. Check out the dates below for locations or please inquire if you would like other dates or locations.

In the West Pennine Moors, Rivington Country Park will be our starting point. This area, north of Bolton and close to Preston, Manchester and Blackburn gives us a good look at different terrains to navigate in.

In the Peak District we will start from Hope village heading out to the edges of the White Peak or Dark Peak for varying countryside and lovely views.

In the Lake District we start from Ambleside, heading out to the easy hills above this busy town.

Your instructor knows the areas well and is qualified to train Navigation; Hill and Mountain Walking skills to both adults and children. He is a First Aider and has full insurance cover and CRB checks.

What you’ll do;

We’ll cover the key aspects of map reading – setting, symbols and scale and  basic use of the compass,  so that you can confidently plot your way around open countryside.

What you’ll learn;

• Map Symbols and using different maps.
• Setting the Map so we know which direction to go.
• A first look at Contours.
• How do we use a compass?
• Taking a bearing from the map & walking to where we want to get to.
• Planning a safe route and how long will our route take?

What you’ll need;

Just your usual walking kit, including waterproofs. I will provide a local map to use, free of charge, but you may want to invest in the full OS Map.

Kit list, including hints on maps and compass, will be sent in advance of your day out.

These are now run on request rather than scheduled days. Clients have found this to be much more flexible and has proved a popular option. Fees are based on my time and can be negotiated if there are just a few of you or a big group.

Please contact me for dates and advance bookings.