What to Expect on a Dartmoor Navigation Course

Whether you’re new to map and compass work or looking to refine your existing skills, a Dartmoor navigation course is about building confidence, understanding, and independence in the hills. Rather than memorising rules, you’ll learn how to read the landscape, make good decisions, and navigate safely in real terrain.

Here’s what you can expect when you join one of my navigation courses — whether that’s a public course or a bespoke, tailored day.

You'll have plenty of time to practice skills at your pace!

A Practical, Hands-On Approach

Navigation is best learned outdoors, not in a classroom. Expect to spend the majority of the day:

• Walking with map and compass in hand

• Interpreting the shape of the land

• Making decisions as a group and individually

• Practising skills repeatedly until they feel natural

  
  

Everything is taught at a steady pace, with plenty of time to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them in a supportive environment.

What Skills Will You Learn on a Dartmoor Navigation Course?

The exact content depends on the level of the course and your experience, but typically includes:

• Understanding map symbols and scales

• Orientating the map

• Using a compass accurately

• Following footpaths and tracks

• Interpreting contours and land features

• Relating the map to the ground

• Basic relocation techniques if you’re unsure of your position

  
  

On more advanced courses, this may progress to:

• Off-path navigation

• Contour interpretation and micro-navigation

• Poor visibility techniques

• Night or bad-weather strategies

Social learning and meeting new people to join you on your future hikes

What to Expect on a Public Navigation Course

Public courses are ideal if you want a structured day, enjoy learning alongside others, or are joining as an individual.

Typical format:

• Start: 10:00

• Finish: Around 16:00

• Location: Pre-set area chosen for safe, effective learning

• Group size: Small, friendly groups to ensure personal feedback

  
  

You’ll follow a clear progression through the day, with regular breaks and opportunities to practise skills independently while still supported by your instructor.

Public courses work well if you:

• Want a social learning environment

• Are happy with a fixed date and location

• Prefer a clearly defined course structure

  
  

What to Expect on a Bespoke Navigation Course

Bespoke courses offer everything a public course does — plus flexibility and personalisation.

Before the day, we’ll communicate to discuss:

• Your previous experience

• Your goals (hill walking, scrambling, mountaineering, independence, confidence)

• Areas you find challenging

• The type of terrain you want to learn in

  
  

Together we can choose:

• Location

• Date and time

• Learning outcomes tailored to you

  
  

This means the day is built entirely around your needs, whether that’s slowing things right down or pushing into more advanced terrain and techniques.

Bespoke courses are ideal if you:

• Want maximum value from a single day

• Are learning with friends or family

• Have specific goals or upcoming trips

• Prefer a quieter or more focused environment

How Challenging Is the Day?

Navigation courses are not about speed or fitness — they’re about thinking and understanding. You should expect a full day outdoors, often covering moderate distance on uneven ground, with plenty of stopping and discussion.

No one is rushed, and the aim is always confidence, not pressure.

All resources will be provided on both public and private courses!

What Should You Bring?

You’ll usually need:

• Suitable clothing for the weather

• Sturdy footwear

• A map and compass (guidance provided if you’re unsure what to buy)

• Food, water, and snacks

• A willingness to get involved and have a go

  
  

A kit list is always provided in advance so you know exactly what to expect.

By the End of the Course…

You should leave feeling:

• More confident using a map and compass

• Better able to understand the landscape around you

• More independent on your walks in the hills

• Clear on what to practise next

  
  

Navigation is a skill that develops over time, and these courses are designed to give you a solid foundation you can build on safely.

If you’d like help choosing between a public course or a bespoke navigation day, or you’re unsure which level is right for you, either check out my course selecter below, or just get in touch — I’m always happy to help you find the best fit.

Course Selecter