Navigation Training Courses

Navigating your way through the great outdoors can be an rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. The unpredictable weather of the hills and mountains, with sudden mists rolling in, can easily disorient even the most seasoned walker. This is why honing your navigation skills is not just interesting but a necessity for every hill and mountain enthusiast. The ability to read a map and use a compass proficiently can make the difference between a pleasant adventure and a potentially perilous situation.

At Peak-Outdoor, we understand the importance of these skills and have designed our navigation courses to cater to everyone—from complete novices to those looking to refine their techniques. Our courses are carefully structured to provide you with the practical knowledge and confidence needed to navigate safely and enjoyably in the hills and mountains.

Our courses are run in a fun and engaging manner with plenty of practical teaching and learning in the local hills of the Dark & White Peak. Our instructors will deliver diverse coaching methods to ensure each learning style is met and at everyone’s pace. Courses include the loan of maps for the local areas, and a compass if needed.

We run Bronze, Silver and Gold Navigation courses, all certified by The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) which is the main national body for governing navigation awards.

Bronze navigation course – 2 days

Our navigation courses are thoughtfully designed to cater to all skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. One of our most popular courses, the Bronze Navigation Course, is perfect for beginners and experienced walkers alike. This two-day course delves into the essentials of navigation, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor skills.

We start the morning with a theory session covering the basics of map reading and using a compass. Then we get you out in the countryside to put what you’ve learnt into practice, this course is on easy low level hill and moorland ground.

Amongst other aspects the course covers the following :

• Different maps and how to use them
• Map contours & how to use a compass
• Using maps to locate yourself
• Estimate time & distances
• Grid references & creating your own routes
• Recognising navigational errors
• Emergency and safety procedures

For a full detailed list of the training and syllabus click here – Bronze Navigation Syllabus

Next Course dates for 2025 are below :

• 21st-22nd and 24th-25th May
• 12th-13th, 15th-16th & 19th-20th November

To book this please call us on 07970 835737 or visit our Contact Us page to enquire about availability.

For the experienced navigator who wants to go to the next level. It is a pre-requisite to have been on our Silver course or a similar course with other providers. This course is 3 days as well as some practical and theory homework. This course is on remote hill, moorland and mountainous terrain and concentrates on poor visibility and contour navigation.

Amongst other aspects course covers the following :

• An overview of the Silver course
• Use contours only for navigation
• Navigate in poor viability (snow, fog and night)
• Use back bearings
• Utilise aspect of slope
• Assess the impact of different terrain, weather and other hazards or aspects affecting your route
• Emergency procedures when taking out groups
• Different technical equipment
• Navigating with a group

For a full detailed list of the training and syllabus click here – Gold Navigation Syllabus 

3 Day Gold Course – £300.00 per person.

Next Course dates – please call 07970 835737 to make a booking or use the Contact Us  form

Private 1:1 tuition and coaching

If you want private 1:1 tuition then our qualified instructor lead days are perfect for the novice or experienced person who want to progress their ability. We can provide bespoke days to cover your exact needs.

1 day private tuition is £195.00 for a full day private guide one to one, with an additional £50 per extra person.

Please call 07970 835737 to enquire or use the Contact Us  form

The courses are led by Simon Stokes, the owner of Peak-Outdoor, who is a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI), Rock Climbing Development Instructor (RCDI), Winter & Summer Mountain Leader. He is also a Edale Mountain Rescue team member and Association of Mountaineering Instructors member

We have plenty of Navigation & hills Skills Tips in our Top Tips and Blog pages of our website so to find out more be sure to visit those before booking your course

 

Testimonials

Below are some of our reviews and testimonials for Navigation Courses. These come from Google, Facebook and Trip Advisor. Click on the links to see all our recommendations and reviews.

Dianne Perry – Simon is an excellent instructor and I recently attended a navigation course . I learned so much and enjoyed being with a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and experienced coach . I would thoroughly recommend.

Rebecca Monk – I completed the Bronze Navigation NNAS course this month and wow what a weekend! Could not rate this course more. Learnt so much both in the classroom and out on the trails. AMAZING value for money and feel confident going out planning my own routes. Great mix of theory and practical. Simon is a fantastic teacher and so knowledgeable. Will certainly be signing up for more courses!

Trevor Truck – Had an absolutely awesome weekend with Simon of Peak-Outdoor on one of their superb navigation courses. Information and detail was excellent along with the manner and professionalism in which the course was delivered is a credit to Simon.

I will definitely be back again.I have no hesitation in recommending Peak-Outdoor for any of your hiking or climbing needs!

Scarlette Webster – I’ve just completed the two day Bronze Navigation with Simon and I’ve both learnt so much from him and enjoyed every minute of it. Simon combines a number of teaching methods to understand theory and put it into practise. The pace of the course was great and Simon covered all the necessaries and more to stand me in good stead now with my navigation learning and application. I can’t wait to start planning some routes and putting my knowledge and skills to the test. I actually think anyone with a love for the outdoors would really benefit from a course like this. Thank you Simon for sharing your knowledge, passion and expertise. I’m looking forward to further study as well on Simons other courses