Night navigation

Learn, practice and perfect low visibility map and compass skills

  • head torches light up maps and compasses on a night navigation course
  • lady at dusk check map using a head torch to plan low visibility route
  • checking the path carefully at night with a compass bearing
  • learning low visibility skills on a night navigation course
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From £59 per person

Use pacing, timing and accurate compass skills to navigate in low visibilty

All equipment provided - just bring a headtorch!

Late afternoon through dusk into evening (4-5 hours)

One to one, couples and groups

Comprehensive joining details and suggested kit list

Excellent preperation for ML, WGL, DoE, SAR and other National Governing Body Awards.

Night navigation - learn how to use precise map and compass skills to navigate in low visibility conditions. Use detailed map interpretation and accurate bearings to navigate tracks, paths and across open heathland in the dark. A fun way to master essential skills.

During the evening you will learn and practice how to use pacing, compass bearings and precise route planning to navigate in poor visibility. Those taking part should ideally have some knowledge of how to use and map and compass - the one and two day map reading course would be a great course to do before hand. The course takes place on open heathland tracks, paths and across some open countryside.

The course takes place from around 18:30 to around midnight. Dusk provides a gentle 'refresh of skills' time on more defines tracks and paths before full darkness.

One to one, one to two, couples and groups always welcome with courses arranged to suit. Midweek courses dates and navigation training tailored to suit you and you activity can always be arranged.

ALL map reading equipment is provided. For night navigation a head torch and a hand torch are ideal; if you need to borrow one then get in touch before the course to ask. You just need to bring food, drink and yourself!

Course joining details are sent a couple of weeks before the course start date and include comprehensive details to get to the start locations.

Night navigation training is an ideal preparation for those undertaking adventure races is open countryside, national governing body awards such as ML, WGLA, DOE and low land search and rescue.

I would just like to drop you a line to give some feedback on your silver NAAS course and assessment.
I can only say how exceptional the course was and how good the content for navigation was, the course was both enjoyable and whilst we had long days, they were made to seem short and fun.
An excellent weekend of learning and assessment by an excellent outdoor adventure trainer.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone who wants to learn navigation, compass techniques and map reading. Dave Kemp - May 2015

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Further course details...

  • Latest information
  • What you will learn
  • Course start locations
Tab 1
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Night Navigation is fun way to learn, try out and perfect low visibility map reading and compass skills. Learn how to plan and confidently walk in low visibility conditions using fine detail map and compass navigation.

The Forestry Commission allow few activities to take place on after dark so an ideal opportunity to learn some skills and have fun stomping about in the dark.

You will learn to:
Gain confidence to plan and walk routes in low visibility conditions.
Use timings and pacing to keep track of where you are when there are few, or no visual landmarks to help you.
Walk accurately on bearings through woodland and open countryside in low, or no visibility conditions.
To use contour and fine detail information as part of your low visibility strategy.

Course duration and format:
The course takes place on open heathland and woodland. The course will cross a variety of tracks, paths and open sections of the forest so walking boots are recommended. During the evening you will learn new skills and perfect existing ones gaining confidence to plan and walk routes in low visibility and darkness.
The course length will be around 10-12km at a steady learning pace with fun group and individual map and compass exercises to build up skills.

Some map and compass skills are recommended before attending this course. The day one course is a great starting point. An afternoons pre-course can usually be arranged of you want to dive straight in!

All maps and quality compasses are provided for the course. You will just need your usual outdoor equipment and a head or hand torch

All weather fun!
The courses take place on forest tracks, paths and also venture onto open forest countryside and through woodland that at times may be loose, slippery and muddy. During wetter periods it is advisable to wear walking boots or walking shoes and be equip for all weather conditions. During very wet weather better surfaced tracks and paths are used where possible.

Still want to know more? Just securemail and ask.

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The Night Navigation course starts from Abbots Well car park, Frogham, Fordingbridge. Full directions are given when you book but the car park is located close to Fordingbridge, Ringwood. Abbots well is easily reached via the B3079 Brook and Bramshaw road from the A31/M271 junction/s from London and south East England, and central New Forest towns and villages.

If you are coming from further a field they are 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!

If you need any further information before you book then do get in touch securemail

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Gift Vouchers available for ALL courses...

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

© Nigel Parrish - New Forest Navigation 2011-18