Map reading and compass courses

Learn how to read a map and use a compass

Beginners will learn to read a map and use a compass on the one day map reading course and Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme.
Learn to use a compass and accurate navigation techniques to cross more open countryside on a two day map and compass course or a Silver National Navigation Award Scheme course.
Confidently navigate in the UK hills and mountains using a map and compass on the Mountain Navigation course or the National Navigation Award Scheme Gold level training course.

Testimonials...
  • Dear Nigel,  
    Just wanted to say thank you for your teaching on the recent map reading course.
    Neal and I put our new skills to the test during a weekend walking in the Black Mountains. We were pleased to put all the skills into practice and we didn't get lost once! Neither did we argue over the Map!
    Thanks again
    Ellie and Neal - Two day map reading April 2017
  • Hi nigel,
    Decided to bite the bullet and have a go. In North Devon, just passed Blackpool mill cottage. Thank you so much, you have given me the confidence, to do this, and it is great, putting all the things you taught into good practice. Having a great time with map and compass.
    Best wishes Laura Laura - Two day map reading course July 2017
  • Hi Nigel, I am dropping you this note to thank you for the excellent NNAS Silver course I recently attended with you in the New Forest. Great Tuition, plenty of time to discuss the technical aspects of navigation. Through your good work I learnt some new techniques and ironed out some old bad habits I had acquired over a number of years and of course all in a great location.
    Keep up the good work. Chris Duff March 2017 (Silver NNAS)
  • Many thanks for a really enjoyable & excellent day. I really valued the clear & detailed instruction you provided yesterday. Andrew - One to one map reading (May 17)
Autumn and winter courses dates - all weather fun in the New Forest

One day and two day map reading and compass courses

Learn how to read a map and use a compass on tracks, paths and across open countryside

learning to use compass bearings and navigation skills on a one and two day how to use a map and compass course

One or two day map day reading course. Ideal for complete beginners or those looking to improve navigation skills.

Learn how to use a map and easy to identify features to find your way on tracks, paths and across open countryside.

Learn how to use a compass to walk on bearings and point you down the correct path. Everyone can - and does learn how to use a compass!

Learn what to do if you are lost and how to relocate.

Suitable for absolute beginners or those looking to improve skills

Courses run all year - every month, weekends and midweek

Around 6 on each course - available as 1:1, 1:2 and groups

National Navigation Award Scheme courses

Bronze, Silver and Gold level training and assesment courses

Learning to navigate on more open countryside on a National Navigation Award Scheme bronze silver and gold nnas course

Personal performance, non-competitive, incentive scheme for anyone looking to learn navigation skills and get out and enjoy the countryside.

Bronze level course suitable for complete beginners that want learn to use a map and compass. Silver level courses for those that want to navigate more open countryside occasionally away from tracks and paths.

Bronze and silver level training and assessments courses in the New Forest, Dorset and Wiltshire.

Gold level training and assessment courses in South Wales.

Bronze - beginners
Silver - intermediate
Gold - advanced

Courses run regularly throughout the year in New Forest and Wales

Around 6 on each course - available as 1:1, 1:2 and groups

Choose New Forest Navigation 
Qualified mountain leader and registered NNAS provider
Fully insured for all activities
Outdoor first aid qualified
Over 20 years experience leading and training groups
Book and pay 
Booking a course

Complete the website booking form!
You can check how many places are remaining for each course, how much the course costs and other information on the course page, or check out the course calendar for every course date and places remaining

Paying for a course

You can pay immediately after you have booked using the website booking form. Payment is made using PayPal and you do not need a PayPal account to securely process and debit or credit card. If you choose to pay later you will be emailed an invoice with other payment options. Full payment is required if the course starts within the next 8 weeks. You can also pay using the website payment page.

Course dates and places left 
Latest course information

Check out each courses website page for all course dates and number of places remaining for each course or check out the course calendar for every course date a number of places remaining.

Course locations

Courses take place across the New Forest and usually start from a forest car park. Most are easily reached by car from surrounding towns and villages or further afield; a lift can be arranged if you are arriving by public transport or want a lift from your accommodation.
Course location map
Comprehensive joining details are sent a couple of weeks prior to the course date with details of the course location, start and finish times and suggestions for what to bring.

Gift vouchers 

Map reading courses gift vouchers

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Vouchers can be bought for all map reading courses and outdoor skills courses.

Gift a voucher and let the recipient book a course on a date that suits them.

Vouchers can bought at anytime and are valid for 6 months

Get in touch...

Course dates and times…

Latest information
DateDetails
9 NovemberOne day map reading - suitable for beginners - Central New Forest - You can book this course
9 DecemberOne day map reading - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit
9 & 10 DecemberOne, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit
20 & 21 JanuaryOne, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit
25 & 26 JanauryOne, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit
17 & 18 FebruaryOne, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit
7 MarchOne day map reading - New Forest - You can book this course
7 & 8 MarchNNAS Bronze or two day map reading - New Forest - You can book this course
9 & 10 MarchOne, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit

October 2018

Friday, 19th

2018

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Available for hire? - 1:1, 1:2, groups. - Email Nigel for details. - securemail
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Mountain navigation and hill skills

Learn how to use a map and compass to safely navigate UK hills and mountains

map holding map and compass in brecon beacons national park

Keep on 'track' and safe in UK hills and mountains.

Learn how to use contours, compass bearings and accurate pacing and timings to stay safe and 'on track'.

Ideal for aspiring mountain leaders and those looking to walk national trails and paths.

Learn to use a map and compass in UK hills and mountains

Spring and Autumn courses dates - also consider the Gold NNAS

Around 6-8 on each course - available for groups and clubs

New Forest Navigation map reading courses start from car parks and villages within the New Forest National Park. The New Forest is located in south Hampshire, South East England. It is easily accessible from the surrounding counties of Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey, Sussex and London. No need to travel to Snowdnia or Peak District with the New Forest on your door step!
Course start locations are reached easily from all New Forest villages and towns, which all have a huge range of accommodation options; Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Lymington, Christchurch, Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Burley, Sway and further afield at Bournemouth, Southampton and Salisbury.

New Forest Navigation

Learn Map Reading and how to use a Compass courses in the New Forest.
New Forest National Park, Hampshire, UK
07873575997