beginners' navigation, Saturday 14th February 2026

I am a mountain guide (registered with the Mountain Training Association as a Mountain Leader), an NNAS-qualified navigation instructor, and a Duke of Edinburgh instructor for hiking expeditions. I love teaching navigation at all levels, from complete beginner, to training future mountain guides in advanced techniques.

On this beginners' session we'll look at:
• map symbols
• how to hold the map
• demystifying the compass and what it can do for you
• distance on the ground and distance on the map
• demystifying contours: visualising slope and height
... and if there's time we'll look at:
• working out where to go next when you do know where you are
• working out where you are when you're not sure ("relocation")
Maximum six participants; minimum: two; participating children of participants are welcome.

Update: as of 23rd January, there are already three particiants by another route, so there are only three places left.

Meet at the Courtyard Café in Ashton Court in Bristol at 0900. For the first hour or so we'll be indoors, then we'll go outdoors to practise some basic techniques. Please dress very warmly: we are going for a navigation session, not a hike: there will be a lot of standing around!
Please bring your own protracting compass -- that's one with a transparent baseplate. I'll provide the maps for the session (an A5 extract of the Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 map), but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Courtyard Cafe, Ashton Court, Bristol, United Kingdom

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