One and two day map reading courses
Navigation training suitable for complete beginners that want to learn how to use a map and compass. Learn how to use a map and easy to identify features, map measurements and timings to plan and walk your own routes. On day two gain further confidence and learn how to use a compass to walk on compass bearings to cross more open countryside.
£79 or £139 per person (New Forest area)
Suitable for absolute beginners or those looking to improve navigation skills
All equipment provided - just bring yourself!
Around 5/6 hours each day
Courses run all year
One to one, couples and groups
Comprehensive joining details and suggested kit list
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 to 'on the ground' features, map measurements and timings. Learn how to use a compass to make bearings to walk down the correct path or track. Over the two day navigation training learn to use a compass to cross more open countryside and strategies just in case you do get lost!
5-6 hour course each day with plenty of time to learn, practice navigation skills and ask questions. Each course length is around 10-12km 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 and you activity can always be arranged.
All weather fun - Course takes place mostly on surfaced tracks, paths and rights of way. Some courses take place in the muddy 'season' so wear warm cloths, an extra layer and walking boots and come to enjoy the course at any time of the year.
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!
Course joining details are sent a couple of weeks before the course start date. Most courses will start in the Martin/New Forest area with public transport friendly options throughout 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.
- Dates and places remaining
- What you will learn
- Start locations
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 20 & 21 January | One, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit |
| 25 & 26 Janaury | One, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit |
| 17 & 18 February | One, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit |
| 7 March | One day map reading - New Forest - You can book this course |
| 7 & 8 March | NNAS Bronze or two day map reading - New Forest - You can book this course |
| 9 & 10 March | One, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit |
See every course date and place remaining on the Course Calendar
What you will learn on the one and two day 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!
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.
Still want to know more? Just securemail and ask.
New Forest Navigation - Map reading courses start locations
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 here.
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.
Need more information?
- securemail
- 07873575997
- Contact form
- @forestnavigator
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
North New Forest courses include starts from Abbotts Well (Frogham car park) and Rockford Common car park
Wilverley Plain car park
Wilverley Plain or Inclosure Forestry car park - details and directions:
Wilverley Plain car park is on the Brockenhurst to Burley Road with directions and further course information on the website here:
The postcode BH25 5TZ will get you to the right road, but NOT the actual car park using a satnav. The postcode is for Wilverley Lodge which you will pass on your left BEFORE the car park/s entrance if you are approaching from the A35, continue on until you see the car park on your left. If you are approaching via Brockenhurst then you will see the car park/s on your right, if you get to the house you have gone too far! Please do not drive up to the house.
I would strongly suggest you check the location and get/print the directions from Google BEFORE coming to the forest. Burley Rd, New Forest National Park, Brockenhurst, Hampshire BH25 5TZ, UK
Both car parks Wilverley Inclosure and Wilverley Plain lead into each other and I usually park in Wilverley Plain car park either on the open plain or near the public toilets.
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
Anderwood car park
Anderwood car park - The postcode BH24 4HS will get you to the general area but not the actual car park.
From London, Souththampton, Lyndhurst - Take the A35 towards Christchurch go PAST the Rhinefield/Bolderwood cross road and then take the FIRST right onto ‘Lyndhurst Road’ towards Burley (grass triangle island) - This road is not sign posted from the main road but does have a main road sign with a 6’6” except for access sign. Go about 1.5 miles down this road and Anderwood car park is on your right.
From Christchurch (New Milton) - Follow the A35 towards Lyndhurst, go past the Burley turn off (new 40 miles per hour limited bridge) and continue for around 2 miles or so and take the first left onto Lyndhurst Road (grass triangle island). The road is not sigh posted except for a ‘bend to right’ with junction sign. If you go past the turning take the next right onto the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and true around.
From Brockenhurst. Take the Rhinefield Road to the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive to the A35. Turn left and drive a short distance down the A35 and FIRST right onto ‘Lyndhurst Road’ towards Burley (grass triangle island) - This road is not sign posted from the main road but does have a main road sign with a 6’6” except for access sign. Go about 1.5 miles down this road and Anderwood car park is on your right.
From Burley village centre - Start on Chapel lane that leads onto Lyndhurst Road. Chapel Lane starts at the Queens Head pub/main village car park. Follow this road for around 3 or 4 miles until you see the Anderwood car park on your left. If you approach the main road (A35)then you have gone to far!
This car park has a public toilet and ample free parking.
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
Standing Hat car park
Standing Hat Forestry car park - details and directions: The track to Standing Hat car park is close to the Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst. Turn off the main road towards the hotel (sign posted Beaulieu), drive past the hotel entrance road, continue on this road with the houses on your right until the road bears right and the track will be straight in front of you. Follow the track past Tillery car park for about 1 mile towards the woodland and Standing Hat car park.
The postcode SO42 7QJ will get you to the right road, but NOT the actual car park using a satnav.
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
Fritham car park
Fritham Forestry car park - details and directions:
Fritham car park is in Fritham, New Forest, about 100m past the Royal Oak pub with directions and further course information on the website here:
The postcode SO43 7HJ will get you to the right area, but NOT the actual car park using a satnav. Fritham and the Royal Oak pub are located right at the end of the T-junction road that is clearly sign posted.
I would strongly suggest you check the location and get/print the directions from Google BEFORE coming to the forest.
Fritham, Hampshire SO43 7HJ
If approaching from the west (Ringwood direction) you can turn off the A31 onto the Ocknell Plain and continue straight on until you reach the Fritham turning on your left. If you are traveling from the east or from within the New Forest (Southampton or Lyndhurst/Brockenhurst direction) you will need to use the B3078 Bramshaw to Fordingbridge Road as you CANNOT cross the A31 westbound!
The Fritham car park is about 100m past the Royal Oak Pub on the left down a Forest track. Do not take the immediate left almost opposite the pub; if you do turn round past the chapel and try again!
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
If approaching south or north on the A338 or from the east B3078, turn off for Fordingbridge (but not into the actual town) and head east looking for signs to Stuckton, Hyde and Frogham.
The car park is about a 1000 metres along the same road as the Foresters Arms pub and on the right before the road drops away down hill.
Abbots Well Rd, New Forest National Park, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2JD, UK
Ashley Walk car park
Ashley Walk/Godshill Cricket Forestry car park - details and directions:
Ashley Walk forestry car park, Roger Penny Way (B3078), Godshill, near Fordingbridge SP6 2LN.
The postcode will get you to the right area, but NOT the actual car park using a satnav. If approaching from Fordingbridge take the B3078 towards Brook/Bramshaw. The car park is on your right about a mile past the Fighting Cocks pub (just after the Godshill Cricket pitch car park).
If approaching from London/Southampton (M3/M27) take the Brook/Bramshaw Road (signed B3079) at Cadnam (M27/31 junction 1, third exit on right). At Bramshaw (Bramshaw Golf course on your right) turn left and take the B3078 (signed Fordingbridge) and continue along the B3078 for a few miles until you see the Ashley Walk car park on your left. If you reach the Godshill Cricket car park or Fighting Cocks pub you have gone too far and will need to turn back.
If approaching from with-in the New Forest on the A337, Lyndhurst Road (from Brockenhurst/Lyndhurst) bear left onto the A31 (towards motorway) BUT CONTINUE straight on/under the motor way picking up road signs for Brook/Bramshaw/Fordingbridge B3079. (DO NOT GO DOWN THE A31!). At Bramshaw (Bramshaw Golf course on your right) turn left and take the B3078 (signed Fordingbridge) and continue along the B3078 for a few miles until you see the Ashley Walk car park on your left. If you reach the Godshill Cricket car park or Fighting Cocks pub you have gone too far and will need to turn back.
I would strongly suggest you check the location and get/print the directions from Google BEFORE coming to the forest. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/q433w679NQN2 B3078 New Forest National Park, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2LN, UK
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
High Corner car park
High Corner Forestry car park - details and directions:
High Corner Forestry car park, Linwood, near Ringwood, BH24 3QY (the car park is on the left as you drop down to the track to the High Corner Inn :- http://www.highcornerinn.co.uk/home)
The track to the inn is clearly sign posted and the High Corner car park is about 300 metres down the track on the left before you drop down to the inn itself.
If approaching from Ringwood on the A338 (heading north to Fordingbridge) turn right down Ellignham Drove (brown tourist sign clearly sign posts the High Corner Inn).
If approaching from Fordingbridge on A338 (heading south towards Ringwood) turn left down Ellignham Drove (brown tourist sign clearly sign posts the High Corner Inn).
Continue down Ellignham Drove until you approach Moyles Court School (30mph sign/cattle grid) and the road will bear sharp right, continue on towards Linwood (signed for Linwood). The road bears left over a red bricked bridge to a road junction – turn left (signed Linwood), Take the right hand turn (with the grass triangle on you left) and continue straight on towards Linwood (the road goes slightly up hill with a lovely large oak on your left next to the 6’6” except for access sign!). This is the only raod to Lindwood stay on this for a few miles going past the Red Shoot Inn, access to Higher farm only (sign) and as you enter more open heathland and the road flattens out you will see the sign for the High Corner Inn. Take this track for 300 metres to the High Corner Forestry car park.
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
The Rockford Common car park is best accessed via the A338.
From the A338 Salisbury Road (Ringwood or Fordingbridge direction) use the Ellingham Drove Road exit for Moyles Court and Linwood (also brown signpost/s Redshoot Inn/camping site). Continue past the nature reserve lakes and then just after the cattle grid and Ibsley 30 speed sign continue straight on (sign posted Mockbegger and North Gorley) between between Moyles Court School playing fields/buildings.
Next right at junction and then over the ford and continue straight. Rockford Common car park (National Trust non-payment) is straight in front of you near the disused sand quarry (signposted as a T-junction road). If the ford is too high park either side of the road just before it and use the foot bridge!
Nearest Post Code BH24 3NF
Grid Reference SU164082
Open Street map link: https://osm.org/go/euib7EmOB--?m=
This postcode will get you to the general area of the car park but NOT the actual car park. PRINT off or make sure you have directions to the car park BEFORE coming to the forest.
Martin Down - A354 and Sillens lane
Martin Down Nature Reserve - A354 car park. Nearest postcode is SP5 5RH, Grid reference SU037201 and what3words escorting.tweeted.nets.
New Forest - Starting locations for map reading courses
Map reading courses gift vouchers
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 be now bought now and used within 6 months
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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.07873575997