Name: Beginners Navigation Workshop
Start: 2025-08-29T09:30:00+01:00
End: 2025-08-29T14:30:00+01:00
Location: Sunnybank Social Club

Here at Abigail’s Trails we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefit of mental and physical health that being in nature can bring. Our main aim is to assist people in exploring the great outdoors safely, confidently and respectfully. If you feel you lack the skills, knowledge and experience to head out and start exploring the Rossendale Valley and beyond, then this Beginners Hillwalking course will give you the core skills and confidence required.
This workshop is aimed specifically at those completely new to hill walking, so absolutely no experience will be necessary, but you should have a good general level of fitness. On this course you will learn the important basic skills you need to get started hill walking, in a small, friendly and relaxed group setting. Each course will have a maximum of 8 and a minimum of 2 participants.
You will spend the whole time with Abi, a fully qualified NNAS instructor who will lead the course at a comfortable pace, so you can develop your confidence in hill walking and navigation without stress!
The course is approx. 5 hours long and begins with an indoor, skills-based teaching session of approx. 2 hours at Whitwell Bottom Community Centre, in the heart of beautiful Rossendale. We will then venture out onto the surrounding moorland of Rossendale to practice and refine your map reading skills. Total walking distance will be 2.5 - 3 miles.
You will learn about:
• Gear choice and what to carry
• Different types of maps
• Map symbols and how to identify land features on an OS map
• Orientating the map with and without a compass..
• Using scale to measure distance and estimate how long a walk will take.
• Choose simple navigation strategies and routes.
• Use relocation techniques using the land around you
• Understand access rights and responsibilities including the Countryside Code.
• What to do in an emergency
Tickets cost £33 per person or £60 for 2 people booking together.
Tea / Coffee and biscuits will also be provided before we head outdoors. Maps and Compasses are provided, but you will need sturdy walking boots/shoes and outdoor clothing suitable for the weather.
Children (11+) welcome, but must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Please ensure you have read and agreed to our Terms and Conditions and GDPR Privacy Notice prior to booking.