Navigation courses

 Introduction to Map and Compass: Build Confidence in Outdoor Navigation.

Finding your way in the countryside
Step into the world of navigation with our Introduction to Map and Compass course - a hands-on, beginner-friendly experience designed to help you feel confident exploring the outdoors. Whether you're preparing for a countryside walk, supporting learners in outdoor education, or simply curious about how maps and compasses work together, this course offers practical skills in a relaxed, inclusive woodland setting.
Held in scenic locations across Staffordshire and Derbyshire, this course is perfect for families, educators, home-educators, and anyone looking to build foundational navigation skills through nature-based learning.

This course beautifully complements our Bushcraft and Map & Compass training.
Explore direction-finding through nature, then deepen your skills with advanced navigation or bushcraft-based learning.

? What You’ll Learn:
• Map Orientation & Symbols
Learn how to orientate a map to match the landscape, interpret key symbols and features, and understand how maps communicate terrain.
• Compass Basics
Discover how to use a compass to find direction, take bearings, and work alongside your map to stay on track.
• Time & Distance Estimation
Practice estimating how far you’ve travelled and how long your route will take - essential for safe planning and pacing.
• Route Planning & Terrain Awareness
Explore how to choose suitable routes based on terrain, group needs, and environmental conditions. Learn how to adapt your plan as you go.
• Landscape Interpretation
Begin to read the land around you - from hedgerows and field boundaries to woodland paths and elevation changes. Build confidence in recognising natural cues.
• Trauma-Informed, Inclusive Approach
Our teaching is gentle, supportive, and designed for all learners, including SEND participants and those new to outdoor experiences.

? Course Details
• Location: Staffordshire countryside, with options in Derbyshire
• Duration: One-day course
• Price: £65 per person
• Course Ratio: 1 instructor to 6 participants
• Next Course Dates: 15th August 2026
• Booking: Email info@forestroutes.co.uk for a booking form or call us to chat - we’d love to help you find your way

? 2-Day Advanced Navigation: Moorland & Hill Terrain
Step beyond the well-marked paths and into the wild. Our 2-Day Advanced Navigation Course is designed for those ready to deepen their map and compass skills in open, challenging terrain. Held in carefully chosen locations across upper moorland and lowland hills, this course helps you build confidence navigating landscapes where trails are faint, features are subtle, and direction-finding becomes essential.

Whether you're preparing for upland adventures, supporting learners in outdoor education, or consolidating your existing skills, this immersive experience offers practical strategies for navigating open ground with clarity and confidence.

This course beautifully complements our Bushcraft and Map & Compass training.
Explore direction-finding through nature, then deepen your skills with advanced navigation or bushcraft-based learning.

? What You’ll Learn:
• Reading Contours & Terrain Interpretation
Learn how to read and visualise the landscape using contour lines. Understand elevation, slope, and landform features to make informed decisions on the move.
• Using Grid References
Master the art of pinpointing your location and planning routes using six-figure grid references - a vital skill for accurate navigation.
• Compass Skills & Taking Bearings
Develop precision in using a compass to take bearings, follow directions, and stay on course across open terrain.
• Advanced Navigation Strategies
Explore techniques such as aiming off, attack points, and relocation strategies to maintain confidence even when paths disappear. Learn how to navigate using subtle features and environmental clues.
• Open Ground Navigation
Practice route planning and decision-making in areas where footpaths are faint or absent. Build resilience and adaptability in unfamiliar terrain.
• Trauma-Informed, Inclusive Approach
As with all Forest Routes courses, this session is delivered with warmth, patience, and inclusivity - ideal for educators, SEND learners, and anyone seeking a supportive learning environment.

? Course Details
• Duration: 2 days
• Location: Upper moorland and lowland hill terrain (Peak District or similar)
• Price: £110 per person
• Course Ratio: 1 instructor to 6 participants
• Next Course Dates: 
• Booking: Email info@forestroutes.co.uk for a booking form or call us to chat — we’d love to help you find your way.

? Natural Navigation: Discover Direction Through Nature
Step into the landscape and let nature guide you. Our Natural Navigation Course is a half-day experience that teaches you how to use the signs and patterns of the natural world to find your way — without relying on maps or compasses. Linked closely to bushcraft, this course helps you interpret the environment around you to make smarter, smoother decisions on your journey.
Whether you’re building on skills from our standard navigation or bushcraft courses, or simply have a broader interest in the countryside, this session offers a fresh perspective on how to read the land and travel with confidence.

This course beautifully complements our Bushcraft and Map & Compass training.
Explore direction-finding through nature, then deepen your skills with advanced navigation or bushcraft-based learning.

? What You’ll Learn:
• Using Nature to Find Direction
Learn how to use the sun, shadows, wind, trees, and terrain to establish orientation and direction - even in unfamiliar settings.
• Landscape Interpretation for Easier Travel
Discover how to read the shape, texture, and flow of the land to choose routes that are safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
• Environmental Clues & Seasonal Signs
Explore how plant growth, animal behaviour, and seasonal changes offer subtle guidance for navigation and decision-making.
• Complementary Skills for Bushcraft & Navigation
This course builds beautifully on your existing outdoor knowledge, adding depth and nuance to your bushcraft and map-based navigation skills.
• Trauma-Informed, Inclusive Approach
As with all Forest Routes experiences, this course is delivered with warmth, patience, and accessibility - ideal for SEND learners, educators, and anyone seeking a gentle, confidence-building connection with nature.

? Course Details
• Duration: Half-day course
• Location: Staffordshire countryside or nearby woodland settings
• Price: £40 per person
• Course Ratio: 1 instructor to 6 participants
• Next Course Dates: 
• Booking: Email info@forestroutes.co.uk for a booking form or call us to chat - we’d love to help you find your way.

Please email info@forestroutes.co.uk for a booking form and to register your interest in this course or if you prefer talking to someone give either of us a call.