Navigation Skills

Learn how to navigate in the hills when the mist comes down on this weekend navigation course. The great outdoors can be explored freely and safely in the knowledge that you know where you are, where you are going and how you will get there. The same basic principles can be applied to any form of map or navigation work, whether in a Scottish forest, on a Chiltern hill, on a mountain bike, competitive orienteering or leading a group of children on a walk.

The course is intended for those from novice to intermediate levels, who wish to improve their navigational skills. The course structure follows the training system used for the National Navigation Award Scheme. The NNAS offers a coherent system by putting map and compass together and presenting a progression of straightforward skills, which build up confidence on a firm navigational foundation. This system provides a pathway to encourage people to develop their navigational skills in stages. Each of three skill levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) represents a level of proficiency that is recognised by a certificate valid to a national standard. The course aims to enable participants to navigate to Silver Level.

Participants should expect to walk 6-8 miles each day over moderate terrain.

Kathryn Jackson is a qualified mountain leader and experienced instructor in a number of activities, including navigation and expedition training.  Kathryn trains the Lake District National Park Authority volunteers in navigation and keeping themselves safe in the hills and is also Deputy Team Leader for the Kendal Mountain Search and Rescue Team.  This has given her some insight into when things can go wrong in the hills. In her spare time she enjoys adventure racing - a means of combining running, biking, kayaking and navigation with my competitive streak!  

In teaching navigation Kathryn aims to take away any sense of it being a black art, taking it back to simple tools and looking at the appropriate times to use them. She creates an open atmosphere allowing everyone to progress at their own pace and ask questions on the areas they find more challenging. 

If you would like to contact Kathryn about the course, please e-mail her on kathryn.jackson@talktalk.net

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