Map and compass training courses
EVERYONE learns to use a map and compass
Master the art of night navigation
Night Owl - Night Navigation
Around 4 hours with at least 2 hours in darkness
Learn the essential skills to adjust your navigation to safe and 'on track' in darkness
Learn the essentials of navigating - map, compass, easy to find features, map measurement and timing to check your position on the ground.
Learn how to use a map and compass with some easy to identify features to start navigating your own routes
Around 4 hours with at least two hours in darkness - depending on time of year we will start in the dark!
Night courses are available individually, in small groups or on a bespoke basis for organisations. They’re ideal for lowland leader and mountain training candidates needing night skills for training and assessment.
Enjoy all-weather fun! New Forest courses are available year-round on different tracks, paths, unpaved countryside sections and in most weather conditions. The Night Owl usually happens between the clock changes, so we can make the most of the early sunset for night navigation. Because of this, it will often be colder and wetter, so please dress warmly and be well prepared for all possible weather.
Participants should ideally have some navigation experience, such as completing the Bronze NNAS or a two-day map reading course. Night Owl will apply techniques already learned to nighttime activities rather than teaching a set of fundamental principles.
Course joining details are sent a couple of weeks before the course start date. Most Night Owls will start in the western New Forest, Cranbourne Chase and Martin Down.
All map reading equipment is provided - proper maps and quality compasses are provided for the course. You just need to bring a headtorch (and hand torch), food, drink, and yourself!
Night Owl - Night navigation
Ever found yourself stranded on a walk as night falls or longed to try night walking but lacked the confidence? The NNAS Night Owl award is tailored for you!
This four-hour course will equip you with essential navigation skills to safely explore and enjoy the outdoors after dark. You’ll learn how to adjust your pace and timing for low visibility and relocate effectively. Plus, you’ll master navigation strategies to stay on course.
All maps and compasses are provided but you are welcome to try your own compass out. One with lumnious markings will be great. You will also need a headtorch (and hand torch) with gresh and spare batteries. Warm clothes and some supper!
Contact Nigel if you have already completed courses with him for a discounted price
securemail if you would like to arrange a course for a bespoke group, or when the dates and locations are available.
Next few courses you can book TODAY....
- December 2026 TBC
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Night Owl National Navigation Award Scheme - Night Navigation
4 hour'ish course starting promptly at 6pm. location is western New Forest and full details will be sent a couple of weeks before the date
- Januaury 2027 TBC
-
Night Owl National Navigation Award Scheme - Night Navigation
4 hour'ish course starting promptly at 6pm. location is western New Forest and full details will be sent a couple of weeks before the date
- Februaury 2027 TBC
-
Night Owl National Navigation Award Scheme - Night Navigation
4 hour'ish course starting promptly at 6pm. location is western New Forest and full details will be sent a couple of weeks before the date
- March 2027 TBC
-
Night Owl National Navigation Award Scheme - Night Navigation
4 hour'ish course starting promptly at 6pm. location is western New Forest and full details will be sent a couple of weeks before the date
Latest course dates information
All the Introduction to map reading dates and location. Check the number of places left and pay a refundable deposit to secure a place on a course
| Night owl, contour master class and brush up days | Date/s 2026/27 | Places left/confirmed as running - book in full or pay deposit - two or more people will be enough to confirm course as running | Location - most start locations do not have public toilets. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brush up day - day 'two' brush up for former participants | TBC | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Fordingbridge/Ringwood'ish |
| Brush up day - day 'two' brush up for former participants | Januaury TBC | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Fordingbridge/Ringwood'ish |
| New Forest area - NNAS Night Owl - night navigation | 13 February | Email for details and booking - details being finalised | TBC - New Forest area... |
| New Forest area - NNAS Night Owl - night navigation (previous participants only - reduced price) | 13 February | Minimum of Bronze NNAS with NFN - email for special booking price | TBC - New Forest area... |
| New Forest area - NNAS Night Owl - night navigation | 25 February | Email for details and booking - details being finalised | TBC - New Forest area... |
| New Forest area - NNAS Night Owl - night navigation (previous participants only - reduced price) | 25 February | Minimum of Bronze NNAS with NFN - email for special booking price | TBC - New Forest area... |
| Contour Master class - Pewsey Downs | March TBC | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Pewsey |
What you will learn on an introduction to map reading navigation course
Day one map reading course - one day navigation course is ideal for beginners with absolutely no previous experience. Everyone can learn to read a map and use a compass!
You will Learn:
Read a map using easy to find features such as tracks, paths and boundaries.
Learn how to orient yourself and the map using easy to find features such as tracks, paths, rides and boundary features so you can choose the correct track and path to go down.
Measure the map and use time to keep track of distance and where you are.
Start using easy to find features to break your route down into smaller chunks.
Use a map orientated with a compass to point you down the correct track, path or forest ride.
Course duration and length
The introduction to map reading course lasts around 3 hours and will take place on tracks, paths and areas that might be muddy but not unduly steep. The course length will be around 6-8km max.
All weather fun!
The courses take place on forest and countryside tracks, paths and may also ventures onto more open countryside, through woodland and up and down steeper sections that at times may be loose, slippery and muddy. It is advisable to wear walking boots or sturdy walking shoes and be equip for all expected weather conditions. During very wet weather better surfaced tracks and paths are used where possible but the course will still go-ahead in some form even if it is wet and windy.
Equipment provided.
Quality maps and real compasses are provided for all courses and you can take home a handy timing card. Just bring yourself and enjoy; guidance for what to bring can be found on the website.
New Forest Navigation - Map reading courses start locations
Introdcution to map reading coyrses will start within walking distance of Brockenhurst village centre/railway station or from near Lymington at Boldre area. Full joining details will be given a couple of weeks or so before the course date.
Day one (one day) map reading courses start usually from from Wilverley Plain car park, Anderwood car park, Standing Hat car parks in the New Forest. Day two map reading courses usually start from Fritham car park in the New Forest.
You can view and check directions to all map reading course start locations on the course locations and directions page.
Wilverley Plain, Anderwood and Standing Hat car parks are very close to the new forest villages of Brockenhurst, Burley, Lyndhurst and not far from Lymington and Christchurch. Fritham can be reached easily from the A31/M271 junction at Cadnam and is also easily reached from villages in the New Forest. If you are coming from further a field they all very central and easily reached from Christchurch and Bournemouth to the south west, Salisbury and Wiltshire area to the north and from Hampshire, Surrey or London using the main road network. Do allow enough time to travel across the forest and download or check directions before you come!
New Forest Navigation map reading courses start from New Forest car parks that are all easily reached by car from New Forest villages and surrounding towns and main transport links and road network for those coming across Hampshire from London or South East or West England.
Wiltshire map reading courses start close to Marlborough using countryside car parks at Fyfield Downs, West Woods and Savernake Forest. Marlborough map reading course locations and information
One and two day map reading courses can also be arranged to start from the centre of Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst or Ashurst railway station, Burley village and locations to the west of the New Forest closer to Ringwood and Fordingbridge. A lift can be arranged if you arrive public transport or are using public transport to travel within the forest.