Map Skills - Moors and Dales, Navigation Courses
North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales
One day Map and Compass Navigation Courses in North Yorkshire, for walkers, hikers, backpackers and wild campers. Where you will learn to read a map and navigate using a map and compass.
The courses are held in various locations across the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales,
National Parks.
Learn to read a map, then navigate, safely and easily by using simple to use and easily remembered techniques.
Basic to Advanced navigation courses available.
- Do you lack the knowledge and skills to navigate safely using a map & compass?
- You have an Ordnance Survey map, but can you ‘really’ read it?
- Learn the 5 D’s of Navigation – Direction, Distance, Duration, Description & Destination
- What are contours? Can you recognise features, valleys, spurs, and the shape of hills?
- In an emergency, could you provide a 6-figure grid reference to Mountain Rescue?
- Can you use a compass to take and follow a bearing?
- Have the skills to know where you are, and where you’re going!
- Book a Navigation Course and learn those skills.
Course prices: £89 for a full day of one-to-one instruction, reduced to £53.00 per person when booked as a group of four.
It’s more fun when booked with friends and family. Prices vary with the number of participants.
What’s new on the website: –
On joining the course, you now also receive a free lanyard with safety whistle and navigation beads – Navigation Page
YouTube video of latest backpack on Backpacking page
Suggested kit lists for backpacking and day walking – there is a shortcut button to the ‘Equipment page’ at the bottom of this page.
No need to forget a thing! Download the file or print off a copy.
A route planning PDF to print off on the Navigation page.
A new cafe opening soon in Hawnby, 9 miles east of Osmotherley, on the North York Moors – The Hawnby Store & Tearoom , for details press the Cafes Button.
A new Testimonials page – A link at the top & bottom of this page.
Last updated 11/07/2025
Why book on a One Day Map and Compass Navigation Course in North Yorkshire
Outdoor Safety and Adventure – Avoid getting lost. Whether you are hiking, wild camping, backpacking, or off-road cycling, it is essential to know where you are and where you are going. In addition, learn how to plan effectively for longer trips in the wilderness.
Furthermore, learn to read a map—a traditional and still highly valuable skill, even today.
Explore remote areas; rather than following the crowd, discover more by forging your own path!
Emergency Preparedness – There’s no need to rely solely on electronic gadgets. In case your GPS fails, you should know exactly what to do. For instance, be able to provide your grid reference in the event of an emergency.
Military or Guiding – Find your way. Ask yourself: What direction are you heading? (Both in MILS and degrees.)
Next, consider the distance: how far do you need to travel? Then, think about the duration—either in paces or time.
Additionally, note the description: what should you see along the route? Tick off waymarks as you progress. Recognize your destination by using catching features, a predetermined time, or a distinct physical object.
Moreover, be aware of any potential dangers along the route and know how to avoid them.
Personal Development – Learn a new, traditional skill. As a result, build your self-confidence in the outdoors. There’s no need to rely on electronics.
Beyond navigation, using a map can also support interests in history, sports such as shooting and fishing, and environmental awareness.
Why - Map Skills Moors & Dales?
Your instructor, Jim Haskell, has over 30 years of experience as a mountain leader.
Importantly, the emphasis is on assisting you to learn—Jim will be by your side, supporting you throughout your journey. And of course, the aim is to have fun too!
The skills you learn are highly relevant to all the mountainous areas of England, Wales, and Scotland.
At the same time, we focus on keeping things local to the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales—areas that are intimate and close to where Jim lives and spends much of his time outdoors.
In addition, we keep group sizes small. As a result, there is less disturbance to wildlife, and you’ll be able to see and appreciate so much more.
Moreover, each individual gets the time and space to learn and practice every new skill. You’re not just shown something once—you get to practice, and then practice again. This repetition is so important!
After the course, feel free to phone or email with any questions you may have.
If at any point you’re unsure about something, just ask or speak up. Jim has extensive experience working with people who are neurodivergent, and as such, you will receive thoughtful and tailored support.
What’s more, the course offers great value for money. You’ll be sent a pre-read PDF before the course, have access to a map and compass during the sessions, and receive a laminated booklet summarizing all the skills you’ve learned—to keep for future reference.
Finally, be sure to check for available discounts!
[P.S. I am a lot better at teaching navigation, than building websites.]
New - Beginners Backpacking and Wilderness Camping Adventure Courses
Have you ever thought about going Backpacking and Wild Camping, but have been put off by the initial expense, only to find it’s not for you?
We now offer 2 day or more taster expeditions, so you can try, before you buy. Give it a go! Get all the details here.
Previously used Course Locations. Not all locations are listed
These are only suggested locations within the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. You will be consulted on what location will suit your needs most & your convenience.
One Day Map and Compass Navigation Courses in North Yorkshire
What you will receive
After booking your one-day Basic Navigation Course in North Yorkshire, you will receive a pre-course training manual via email. This will be sent as a PDF file, which you can download and either read digitally or print for convenience.
Reading through this manual will provide you with a foundational understanding of map and compass navigation. We will revisit and expand on these concepts in more detail during the in-person portion of the course, before beginning practical navigation exercises.
In addition, you will be sent detailed joining instructions, including a recommended kit list to help you prepare for the day.
On the day of the course, you will also receive a laminated booklet. This handy reference guide will reinforce what you learn throughout the day and includes useful tools such as distance/time estimation tables and ascent/descent timing charts.
9.30 a.m start at cafe location for a hot drink, to discuss the basic navigation skills course notes you were sent.
To practice giving 4 & 6 figure map references together with 500 square metre & 100 square metre reference letters.
A kit check, to ensure your clothing is suitable and you’re not carrying too much or little.
9.45 to 10 a.m. We should be out practicing our new skills.
The days are not strenuous to allow for concentration on navigation, but still in challenging terrain. Plenty of time for breaks, as the course can be mentally taxing.
4.30 to 5 p.m.. course concludes, debrief.
One day Basic Course
This Course is for those who wish to learn to navigate with a map and compass, safely in the outdoors, especially in upland and remote areas. Aimed at the complete beginner or those with limited experience of navigating using a map and compass. Discover about : –
- map scales
- signs & symbols
- contours
- setting / orientating the map, so what you see on the ground is on the map
- 4 & 6 figure grid references
- distance, timing and pacing
- the parts of a base plate compass
- how to take a map and compass bearing & follow them
- about magnetic deviation / declination & how to allow for it.
- the 5D’s of navigation: – Direction, Distance, Duration, Description, Dangers
- putting these all into practice. So you can follow a route with confidence
After completing this course you should be able to locate yourself within a 100 metre square or a 6 figure grid reference. The basic one day course costs £89 as a one to one course. If booked as group booking, discounts are available, up to a maximum of 4
One day Advanced Course
This course is for those who have already completed the basic course, and spent time practicing those skills.
Or those who have been using a map & compass for some time and want to hone their skills.
An assessment of your existing skills will be made, and gaps in your knowledge or skills will be updated.
You will learn to use ‘Micro-navigation techniques’ of : –
- aiming off
- attack points
- handrailing
- funnel features
- way marks & transit points
- dog legging
- boxing
- leap frogging
- using back bearings
- slope aspect & shape
- resection technique
- relocation [finding your location when ‘lost’]
- Naismith’s rule & variants
- How to plan a route & card
- How to follow a bearing in white out conditions or fog
More precise navigation practice. After this course, you will be able to locate yourself within 10 square metres or an 8-figure grid reference.
The advanced one-day course costs £89 as a one-to-one course. If booked as a group booking, discounts are available, up to a maximum of 4 persons.
The easiest way to book a course is for you to follow the booking link above.
Book a date and you will be contacted to confirm the booking.
We will then confirm the number of participants, normally a maximum of four, and arrange the location of the course.
(The maximum of 4 persons is not set in stone, please give me a phone call or email.)
The course may not be suitable for children under 12 years of age. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Children aged 12 to 17 years, accompanied by an adult, receive 50% off.
Young adults aged 18 to 24 years are statistically most likely to call Mountain Rescue, you receive 25% off.
Discounts applied for groups booked at the same time, 20%, 30% & 40%, for 2, 3, or 4 people.
See the full list of prices with discounts on the Navigation Course Page.
You will then be contacted via email or phone to confirm the booking and sent a payment link via email.
You will be sent a payment link to make a 25% deposit to secure the date, via Sumup/Square/PayPal
The remaining 75% is required to be paid 7 days before the course date.
Or if you are not sure what date you want, just email, phone, or text us
or fill out the contact form with your enquiry
07597165258
admin@map-skills-moors-and-dales.co.uk
“We learnt so much, during the day, far more than we expected. Jim was able to answer all those questions that video's & books can't.”
The Masterman’s