A professionally designed and delivered course by Hiking Highs tailored to the needs of those just starting out on their navigation journey in the fells. 

Date: 16th March (on 13th March there will also be an on-line Zoom Navigation Intro at 7pm) 

Time: 08:30 for a 09:00 start

Finish: 16:00 approx

During the day you will delve into Navigation like you never have before, pouring over maps, unlocking the ‘code’ for Ordnance Survey and Harvey maps & making the connection between the two and also the varying scales, alongside getting some proper 'practical' training in.  Loosing the fear of being ‘lost’ allows you to keep a strong head in poor weather conditions or as the hour of darkness may come upon you on your days out - remember you are never ‘lost’, you just need to work out where you are… we like to call is ‘mislocated’!  

The route will be 10km-15km as this course is about learning, not about the run.

What will you learn?

• How to read a map, understand contours & features
• How to use a compass in conjunction with your map
• How to orientate your map
• How to relate land features around you accurately to your map
• How to use features along your chosen route to identify your location at any given moment
• How to set a bearing
• How to re-locate, should you become miss-placed (we don't like to say lost!)
• How to use timing and pacing in order to find your chosen control point/location
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Countryside Code, knowledge of what equipment is suitable for the fells and emergency procedures that are relevant
• Some safe navigational techniques
• Identify hazards

What are the benefits?

• Gain a deeper understanding on how to use a map & compass in order to navigate a chosen route, across different scales of maps.
• Grow your confidence to take people further afield, but with-in your qualification's perimeter's
• Increase your earning potential by being able to plan breath taking routes outside of any event or races… but to take yourself on a journey to explore the hidden corners of fells and most of all HAVE FUN!

Who is it for?
Speedy fell walkers or trail or ultra runners who would usually follow others and would like to start to understand the map for themselves.  This is an entry-level course into navigation for personal development. No qualifications are needed in order to participate on this course.

What to bring 

• Compass, WITH magnifying glass - message us if you would like advice to buy one, we sell SILVA compasses with a discount.
• Harvey/BMC 1:40'000 map of the Lake District or Ultramap XT40 - East - Hiking Highs can post you these maps out as we are a harveys supplier (£10)
• Ordnance Survey 1:25'000 OL5 Map or the Lake District Dinky Map - Central Lake District, which is fully waterproof and light weight, we can supply this also (£10)
• Full waterproof cover (Jacket and Pants), these must be taped seems, please call to discuss if you're not sure - these are you emergency layer even on a gorgeous day
• Clothing suitable for the countryside & time of year - We will not be moving quickly, so please account for that in your clothing selection.  
• Suitable footwear for wet ground, off road running shoes with good ‘lugs’, trail grip please
• Hat & Gloves 
• Head torch - for emergency although we will aim to be back before dark
• Lunch, day-food & a water flask

Meet your coach & founder of Hiking Highs - Nicky Merrett

Nicky lives at the foot of Helvellyn, and the Helvellyn Massif is her playground all year round.
As an accomplished Nordic Walking Coach & walk leader, Nicky found her clients were keen to explore the higher fells, so took the next step to qualify as a Mountain Leader in 2018. She found herself being inspired by her clients, pushing their boundaries and giving an all round uplifting experience to all who walk with her. 

Nicky also teaches Navigation to a high level, helping fellow hikers to loose the fear and gain confidence in maps to explore further and off the beaten track.

There's always a story with Nic, and knowledge of the surroundings in which they walk. There is a huge excitement for Nic to give folk the tools in order to achieve and gain confidence in the fells. Hikers have joined her on many walking holidays, both high and low level all over The Lakes.

Nicky lives with her youngest son and daughter in the heart of the fells above Glenridding. She has 4 children, 2 grandchildren, who all share her adventures on the fells.  The Helvellyn Massif is Nicky playground and back garden!
See our About Us page to find out more.

View the Course Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.

View the Course Cancellation / Refund Policy.

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