Intermediate navigation course

If you are happy with basic map reading, can follow a route along paths and tracks and would like to start to venture off the beaten track and find out what to do when the mist comes down then this is the course for you.

To book a place on this course please email us or call us on 07984 410230 first with your choice of dates to find out if there are still places available and then follow the instructions on our "How to Book" page.

Intermediate course syllabus

Devise a strategy for a navigational stage, to break it down into 'coarse' and 'fine' navigation and to use clear features en route to check that they are 'on course'.
Understand and apply the following components of a navigational strategy 'aiming off', 'attack points', 'collecting features', simplifying navigation, and apply them in varying terrain.
Demonstrate an understanding of contour features, both large and small, on the map and on the ground.
Demonstrate an understanding of the navigation physical and factors affecting route choice.
Judge distance accurately on the map and on the ground.
Plan a safe walk or route.
Employ simple relocation strategies when lost.
Use a compass to follow accurate bearings and to check the direction of footpaths or other linear features on both map and ground.
Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of fatigue and physical discomfort brought on by navigating in demanding countryside and/or extreme weather condition. Knowledge of basic first aid is also expected.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Countryside Code and current access legislation together with an appreciation of basic environmental factors in mixing 'man with nature' (e.g. footpath erosion and methods of dealing with it), and responsibilities towards other countryside interests like farming, forestry and conservation.

Useful Information

You will need to bring:

Enough clothes to keep you warm and dry in all weathers. (Jeans are not suitable for outdoor activities.)
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Walking boots.
Head torch.
Lunch and drinks.
Ordnance Survey Map 1:25 000 Explorer OL4 (NW Lakes) and OL5 (NE Lakes)
Digital Watch with a stopwatch
Pen and paper

Compass with a 1:25,000 scale on baseplate.
Reading glasses or a magnifying glass if you think it will be necessary for you to see very fine detail on the map.

Other Information:

There will be no more than six participants per instructor.

Accommodation is not provided.

The course lasts two days usually from around 9:30am to 4:30pm. Travel to the venue is not included but if you are staying in or near Keswick we can almost always arrange a lift share.

2012 Dates

3rd-4th March
31st March-1st April
19th-20th May
9th-10th June
11th-12th August
1st-2nd September
6th-7th October
3rd-4th November

£110/person/2 day course

If you have not done much hill walking and would struggle to follow a route using paths and tracks then we would recommend the Beginners' navigation course.

If you would like to find out what other customers thought of our navigation courses please look at our Customer Feedback

Navigation course view

I thought the instruction was very good, you both must have a vast amount of knowledge of the outdoors, and this comes across with a lot of enthusiasm. It was noticeable immediately that you both have a nice and pleasant manner, which makes learning any subject a lot easier. The pace of both days was nice and relaxed, at no time did I feel pressed to produced fast results. (Malcolm, Intermediate Navigation Course)

(Jill was) excellent; knowledgeable, approachable, a calming influence, inspiring. (Patrick, Intermediate Naviagtion Course)

The course was very well organised and I couldn't fault it. I would definitely come back and try other activities or participate in other navigation courses with you! (Inkeri, Intermediate Navigation Course)

(Jill was) great - friendly, good at coaching (i.e. making me think) rather than telling me the answers, easy to chat to so the conversation was easy and knowledgeable about the area and the skills. (Mark, Intermediate Navigation Course)

We thought it was a fantastic course. We can't think of any faults at the moment and we can't wait to get out and start learning and practicing. We have both had itchy feet today not being out. As a team leading us you were both fantastic guides and teachers. We also hope to come and learn with you both again. You have both filled us with confidence and helped us achieve one of our goals and we would like to thank you very much for that. (Matt and Ro, Intermediate Naviagtion Course)