Navigation Courses

I've included this little piece, because I feel that learning to navigate is not only rewarding; it could also save your life when you are out walking or running. I can think of a number occasions, when out and about, being asked by people for directions. No problem, but not having any map or compass isn't the best way to find your way from A to B and back. 
I met a group of walkers a few years ago on the top of Grindslow Knoll, they asked for directions to Kinder Downfall. "Map please?" No chance. A leaflet from the cafe is all they had. The weather was closing in and I explained that they should think carefully before deciding whether to risk a walk when they weren't really equipped for it. "No worries, we've got a mobile. We'll phone the Mountain Rescue."
What can I say?

Navigation Training Courses

Basic Navigation Courses, from total beginner to refresher, held in the Peak District

Having run Navigation Courses for three years now we believe we have a winning formula.
The Basic Navigation course is aimed at those with little or no experience of map and compass work and has also proved popular with those who are not confident of their skills.

Discover how contours can be read to give a wealth of information. Master the skills involved in using map and compass. Find out why people get lost and what to do about it if you do.
Course Content
Map options and scales
Map setting
Relating the map to the ground and the ground to the map.
Contours
Grid references
Route choice techniques
Hand railing
Aiming off
Catching features
The 5D’s (the secret to all navigation)
Target points
Compass work
Pacing and judging distances

using an attack point

A talk on Mountain Safety  and Mountain Rescue usually follows at the debrief over tea and biscuits.
The courses are based at Woodhead Mountain Rescue teams new training facility the Woodhead Barn which is located on the edge of the Peak District, with Bleaklow on our doorstep and if you can navigate here you can navigate anywhere.
The cost is £50 of which I give a £10 donation to the Rescue Team for each Participant.
We work on a tried and trusted 4:1 ration, Participants meet for tea and biscuits at 8.45 for a 9.00am start. Courses finish between 5.00 and 6.00pm.

Night Navigation Courses in the Peak District

For those who are happy navigating in daylight and want to add to their skills.
This is run in the peak but can be done as part of a weekend trip in any suitable area.
Night Navigation courses start in the new year. I plan to run them every second Thursday in the month. I’ve three routes planned dependent on the weather they will run through till April.
Duration 3 hours. Instructor ratio no more than 4:1 Price £25 per person
Private lessons are also available tailored to your needs and location. Price on request
Guide runs/walks over the hills can be arranged and have proved a popular choice with those who want a private lesson.

Night running with a head torch

Please get in contact for further details at
ian@everythingoutdoors.co.uk
Ian 07733266595