This is Lola, my walking companion, when I am not leading
navigation courses.

About this & that!

Jim Haskell

I am originally from Kent, where I served as a police officer for 28 years. Alongside my career, I developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors, beginning with solo mountain backpacking at the age of 16.

During my time in the police, I became involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, where I instructed young people in navigation skills and First Aid. To lead groups on Gold Award expeditions, I obtained the Mountain Leader Certificate and spent a decade guiding teams in remote and challenging terrain.

After retiring from the police, I ran a successful handyman business for eight years before moving to Crete, Greece, for five years of well-earned rest. There, I enjoyed exploring the Cretan mountains during the cooler months.

I have since returned to the UK and now live in North Yorkshire, close to some of the country’s most outstanding landscapes — the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, and Lake District. Inspired by this setting and my background in leadership and outdoor instruction, I founded Map Skills – Moors & Dales, offering professional training in map and compass navigation.

Mountain Leader

To become a Mountain Leader, there are set requirements.
Before taking part in the five-day training course, you must first have logged 20 mountain days – there are in specific areas, all over 600 meters high, which you record in your logbook.
You then take part in a five-day training programme, where you are given training and an insight of the standards that need to be met.
Between the Training Course and the Assessment Course there needs to be a period of at least a year, where you are required to have 40 quality mountain days, of which 8 days must be spent camping (backpacking).
You then apply to be assessed, which takes place over 5 days, where you are observed in all aspects of mountain safety and leadership. Including: –
Leadership responsibilities & decision making,
Route planning & weather prediction – this includes a river crossing.
Hazards & emergency procedures.
Equipment – checking that you are carrying suitable equipment for you to look after the group, and that members of the group are carrying appropriate equipment for the terrain and weather.
Navigation – to be able to navigate in all weather conditions and at night to a 10 metre square accuracy.
Hazards on steep ground – assessed for the ability to set up basic rope techniques for ascending & descending steep ground. Confidence roping.
Finally, a 3-day backpacking expedition, where you are assessed for group management, and an emphasis on navigation. Including a night navigation assessment.

First aid

Whilst I was in the police I was a First Aid Trainer and carried out the duties of a Police Support Unit First Aider, in public order situations.
A requirement to become a Mountain Leader is to hold a current First Aid Certificate.
Having founded Map Skills – Moors and Dales – I thought it was only correct to up my skills level, to meet the demands of outdoor first aid.
If you become injured, no matter how slight or serious, whilst up in the moors, fells, or mountains, professional assistance may be 2 to 3 hours away.
I therefore carry an extensive first aid kit and know how to use it.

Book a course today! Before the best day of your life becomes your worst!

Technology is incredible—but it isn’t infallible. A drained battery, a broken device, or a lost signal can turn adventure into danger in seconds, which is why you should master the basics in map and compass navigation.
Our Map & Compass Course gives you confidence, safety, and independence.
Sign up today – after your next trip may be too late.