Map and compass training courses
EVERYONE learns to use a map and compass
Begiginners will learn how to use a map and compass
Introduction to map reading
Short - AM, PM and evening courses for beginners
Learn the essential skills to use a map and compass together
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 3 hours making it ideal for an AM, PM or summer evening
Ideal for one to one, one to two, couples, families and groups. Midweek courses dates and navigation training tailored to suit you.
All weather fun - New Forest courses takes place mostly on surfaced tracks and paths that are usable all year. Other locations make use better surfaced rights of way and route adjustments may be made if it is very wet. Some courses take place in the wet and muddy 'season' so wear decent boots, warm cloths, extra layers and come to enjoy the course at any time of the year.
Introduction to map reading courses is an ideal group activity for families or as 'special' occasion gift!
Course joining details are sent a couple of weeks before the course start date. Most courses will start in the New Forest, Cranbourne Chase and Martin area with some public transport friendly options.
All map reading equipment is provided - Proper maps and quality compasses are provided for the course. You just need to bring food, drink and yourself!
Introduction to map reading
Learn the essentials of using a map and compass on this half day course in central New Forest. Course suitable for complete beginners that want to start planning and walking their own routes on tracks and paths. All equipment provided - just bring yourselves, snacks and water.
Group introduction to map reading courses are suitable for families accompanying children and young people over 12/13 years old.
Contact Nigel to arrange introduction to map reading courses for small groups, couples or one to one
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....
- October Reserve me
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Introduction to map reading - 3.5 hour short course - suitable for complete beginners that want to learn how to use a map and compass
27 October and 29 October - 09:30 to 12:30 - near Brockenhurst, central New Forest
All dates available as bespoke - one to one, one to two or small group - ideal for families
- November Reserve me
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Introduction to map reading - 3.5 hour short course - suitable for complete beginners that want to learn how to use a map and compass
3 November & 5 November - 09:30 to 12:30 - near Brockenhurst, central New Forest
All dates available as bespoke - one to one, one to two or small group - ideal for families
- December Reserve me
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Introduction to map reading - 3.5 hour short course - suitable for complete beginners that want to learn how to use a map and compass
1 & 3 December - 09:30 to 12:30 - near Brockenhurst, central New Forest
All dates available as bespoke - one to one, one to two or small group - ideal for families
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
| Introduction to map reading - These courses are ideal for small groups or one to two/three people | Date/s 2026 | 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. Central New Forest parking charges. |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 27 October | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 29 October | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 3 November | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 5 November | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 1 December | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 3 December | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 23 February | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 25 February | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 9 March | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
| New Forest - Introduction to map reading - 09:30 to 12:30 | 11 March | 6 places - Needs minimum to run - Pay returnable deposit to reserve a place | Near Brockenhurst/Lymington |
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.
Navigation courses - Learn how to use a map and compass
New Forest Navigation map reading courses start from car parks and villages within the New Forest National Park. Courses also start in Cranbourne Chase, South Downs, Dorset, Wilstshire and Hampshire. 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.
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