Begiginners will learn how to use a map and compass
Day one to learn the essentials to plan and navigate your own routes
Two days to learn further techniques, consolidate them and gain confidence
Day one course - Learn how to use a map and compass
Use a map and compass together alongside timing, pacing and easy to find features to start planning and navigating your own routes.
Two day course - Gain confidence and consolidate skills
Two day course to use contours, learn further use of the compass, relocation techniques, gain confidence and consolidate knowledge.
Day one only or two day course?
Check out the Frequently asked questions below to find out if it is best to do one or two day, two day course or Bronze NNAS and other others FAQ's!
Next few courses you can book TODAY....
One or two day map reading course - central New Forest
Day one - 7 December - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
Two days - 8 December - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
One or two day map reading course - central New Forest
Day one - 18 January - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
Two days - 19 January - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
One or two day map reading course - central New Forest
Day one - 13 February - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
Two days - 14 February - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
One or two day map reading course - central New Forest
Day one - 15 February - 5 places - book a place today
Two days - 16 February - 5 places - book a place today
One or two day map reading course - central New Forest
Day one - 8 March - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
Two days - 9 March - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
One or two day map reading course - central New Forest
Day one - 20 March - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
Two days - 21 March - 6 places - deposit to reserve a place
Learn essential navigation skills so you can plan and walk your routes. Everyone can, and does learn how to use a compass to point them down the correct path! The two day course is ideal preparation for NNAS Silver, mountain navigation courses and for those walking long distance tracks and trails.
Learn how to navigate confidently on tracks and paths by using a map and orienting it with 'on the ground' features, map measurements and timings. Learn how to use a compass to walk down the correct path, track or feature. On day two learn another compass technique to check the direction of features.
5-6 hour course each day with plenty of time to learn, practice navigation skills and ask questions. Each course length is around 12-14km (max) at a learning pace - it is not a route march.
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.
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.
The day one course is great as an introduction to navigation and for those who want to read a map and use a compass. Consider doing both days (two day course) if you want to learn further compass techniques and have time to practice and consolidate skills. Day two only courses run a few times a year if you want to come back and do it on another weekend.
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!
Check out the 'latest information' for details of the next few courses, places left and what you need to to do to reserve a place or book onto that courses date or use the course calendar to every date and options to filter by course name.
Go to the courses date calendar page to see every course date, places remaining and if you can pay in full or pay a deposit to secure a place.
If you need further information then use the contact form or securemail to find out more.
Complete the course booking form when you are ready to book.
You can choose to pay now using PayPal to securely process a credit or debit card or request an invoice with further payment details.
On the course payment page you can also use the link to 'Stripe' payment service, a payment service that is an alternative to PayPal to process your card.
One and two day map reading courses - next few...
Course - Name & Location | Date/s 2023/24 |
---|---|
One day map reading - New Forest | 7 December (Book me - few places left) |
Two day map reading and/or Bronze NNAS - New Forest | 7 & 8 December (Book me - few places left) |
One day map reading - New Forest (2025) | 18 January |
Two day map reading and/or Bronze NNAS - New Forest (2025) | 18 & 19 January |
Two day map reading and/or Bronze NNAS - New Forest (2025) | 15 & 16 February |
Silver National Navigation Award Scheme | 1 & 2 March |
Two day map reading and/or Bronze NNAS - New Forest (2025) | 8 & 9 March (Book me) |
Two day map reading and/or Bronze NNAS - New Forest | 20 & 21 March |
One day map reading - New Forest (2025) | 22 March |
Two day map reading and/or Bronze NNAS - New Forest (2025) | 22 & 23 March |
Two day map reading and/or Bronze NNAS - Martin Down - Cranborne Chase | 3 & 4 April (Friday) |
One day map reading - Martin Down - Cranborne Chase | 5 April |
Two day map reading and/or Bronze NNAS - Martin Down - Cranborne Chase | 5 & 6 April |
Gold National Navigation Award Scheme - South Wales | 26 & 27 April |
Silver National Navigation Award Scheme - South Wales | 17 & 18 May |
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!
On the one day map reading course you will learn to use a compass check the map is oriented and to point you down the correct path. Don't worry if that sounds difficult, anyone can, and everyone does learn an easy way to use the compass.
Two day map reading course (or Bronze NNAS) - Consolidate techniques learnt on the first day and bring it all together to start planning and walking your own routes.
Ideally do both days together as a two day navigation course; you can book for both days consecutively for a fun weekend course or choose to do day two on a different weekend or midweek day.
You will Learn:
Read a map using easy to find features such as tracks, paths and forest rides.
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 compass to point you down the correct track, path or forest ride.
Gain further confidence using a compass to walk on fainter tracks and paths(D2).
Start using contour information as part of your route planning and route walking (D2).
Put everything together along with more accurate map measuring, pacing and timing to navigate confidently and accurately (D2).
Develop and awareness of local access issues and personal responsibilities when out accusing the countryside (D1/2)
Learn what to do if you get lost; strategies to find where you are using the map and compass and also how to use a smartphone app (with no signal) as a back up to find your position on a map (D1/2)
Gain awareness and knowledge of walking equipment and safety equipment and what to do in an emergency (D2)
Bespoke map reading and how to use a compass courses can be arranged as one to one, for couples and small groups.
Course duration and length
The day one, and two map reading courses are usually around 5-6 hours. Map reading courses start from forest and country side car parks and full joining details are sent to participants around 2 weeks before the course start date. The course length is around 10-12km (around 6/7 miles) and may involve some steeper up and down sections that may be wet or slippery.
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.
Two day course OR Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme?
You will learn the same techniques and gain the same skills on the two day and the Bronze NNAS. The Bronze NNAS requires you to demonstrate learning and route planning knowledge by carrying out some simple navigation exercise/s and tutor question and answering. WHEN you pass you will receive the official NNAS certificate.
Read the syllabus for the Bronze, Silver and Gold level National Navigation Award Scheme
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.