Navigation Training and Map Reading Courses
We offer a range of practical navigation courses for individuals, groups and organisations, as well as bespoke private navigation coaching, all delivered by experienced instructors. Each course is tailored to suit your experience and objectives, it will build on existing navigation skills and create more competent and confident navigators.
Our courses are often based in the Brecon Beacons National Park where our instructors have an intimate knowledge of the terrain and most suitable learning environments. Our flexible approach also allows us to deliver navigation training at a location to suit you.
This navigation course starts off with a cuppa and brief theory session before heading out on the hill. That aim of the day is for you to be confidently using a map and compass by the end of the day.
You will cover –
- Map Types, Orientation & Scale
- Basic Map Features
- Grid References
- Basic Navigation Strategies
- Distance & Timings
- Basic Pacing
- Map to Ground Bearings
Price: £90 (based on minimum of 4 participants)
Next course dates: TBC
Our improvers course is for those who already have a good foundation of skills or have been on our Introductory course. The course will help you to apply your skills confidently and consistently. This day is spent outdoors focusing on Navigation in different hill, mountain and wild terrains.
You will cover –
- Detailed Map Features
- Advanced Navigation Strategies
- Contour Interpretation
- Relocation & Resection
- Map to Ground Bearings
- Basic GPS Usage
- Poor visibility strategies
Price: £90pp (based on a group of 4 attending)
Next course date: Runs on request.
Our comprehensive course allows for half a day to be spent indoors learning the theory that can be hard to grasp when battling the elements on the hill. We can then head out to put it all into practice, progressively moving on to more challenging terrain where advanced navigational strategies are required.
The second day is spent entirely on the hill, practising the tools and techniques needed for efficient navigation, and building on these skills. The 2-day course can be combined with a night navigation session (see below) for a complete mountain navigation education.
By the end of day two, you should be ready to head out independently, safe in the knowledge of your own skills.
Price: £175 (based on a group of 4 attending)
Next course date: Runs on request.
In poor visibility, like at night or in fog, your navigational approach needs to change. You can no longer rely on features that you can see in the distance, instead, you must rely more on tools like timing, pacing, bearings and using a solid strategy. This session will develop your micro-nav skills and make you more confident at navigating in adverse conditions.
This evening course simulates navigation in mist or fog by being out in the dark. It will be a memorable experience as the route will take us to several high points that provide spectacular views of the lights from Swansea.
Please note; We recommend that you have attended our Introduction to Navigation Course before booking on to this course.
Price: £90 (based on a group of 4 attending)
Next course date: Runs on request
We deliver specialist navigation training to a variety of groups who look for high-quality skills development from professionals. These include:
Military personnel – Those looking to improve their navigation techniques and add to skills taught by the military. Useful before selection assessments.
Event preparation – If you’re entering an orienteering or other navigation events then we can deliver specific training to help improve your skills and make you more prepared for what lies ahead.
OMM – The Original Mountain Marathon is a test of orienteering skill in extreme conditions. Competitors require great fitness, as well and mountain knowledge and excellent navigation skills. If you’re thinking of competing then we can help with your navigation and the mountain skills needed to make your race safer, faster and more fun.
Instructor training – Our staff are involved with the training and assessing of qualifications like the Mountain Leader Award. We have helped many candidates improve their navigation and move one step closer to becoming a qualified instructor. Mountain navigation is a key element of the assessment process and is the area where most candidates are deferred. Make sure that you’re properly prepared, learn from our experience and make your assessment just another enjoyable trip to the hills.
Young People – We are often asked by schools and youth groups for navigation training to prepare their young people for Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) and scouting expeditions. We can deliver training to any age group and from the basics of a map to advanced strategy in remote terrain.
Training Courses
Small Group (1-3) | £295 |
Medium Group (4-10)* | £95 pp |
*Discounts available for larger groups, contact us to find out more.
Here at Hawk Adventures, we make sure your booking process is as straight forward as possible.
Our ethos is Book It, Receive It, Enjoy It!
When your activity day comes, you’ll meet your instructor at or close to your activity venue and head off to enjoy your adventure!
Our post-activity card will let you know where to access your photos at no extra charge, and it also gives the opportunity to leave a review for us and let other people know what your experience with Hawk Adventures was like.
Then it is time to see what else we offer and start planning your next adventure.
- Multi award winning activity provider taking people on adventure since 1990.
- Great value – our full days last 7hours, half days for 3.5 hours. The photos we take are yours for Free!
- Our instructors are not only great fun to go on an adventure with, they’re also highly qualified, experienced and knowledgeable in the activities they deliver.
- We are inspected and hold a licence from the Adventure Activities Licencing Authority. Safety is paramount to us and our track record is exemplary.
- We provide all the safety equipment you need for our activities, including footwear for Caving and Gorge Walking.
- We are flexible and adapt to our customers’ needs. We want you to have the experience of a lifetime.