Do I need any previous navigation experience?

Not at all. We start from absolute scratch and assume no prior knowledge.

Will I really learn to navigate in one day?

Yes. You'll gain practical skills you can use immediately. Many participants go on to navigate their own routes confidently after this course.

What fitness level do I need?

You should be comfortable walking slowly for around 5 hours with a day pack. We take regular breaks and the focus is on learning, not speed.

Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for the weather, sturdy walking boots or shoes, and layers. I'll send a full kit list when you book.

A day pack, water, lunch and snacks. I provide maps, compasses, and all learning materials.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We run in all but extreme weather. Learning navigation in different conditions is valuable. I'll guide you on appropriate clothing.

Is this only for women?

Yes, this course is designed as a supportive space for women to build outdoor confidence together.

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Map reading and navigation workshops for women

Learn practical navigation skills and have fun with like-minded women

See upcoming sessions

Build confidence with OS maps and compass skills

Think you have a terrible sense of direction? Fed up with being told you can't read a map?

This course is designed to give you the confidence and skills to navigate safely outdoors in a lowland environment - starting from absolute scratch if needed.

What's included in the workshop?

What you'll gain during a map and navigation workshop

Confidence to explore the outdoors independently
Skills you can use immediately on your own walks
Community with supportive, like-minded women
Connection with nature and the landscape around you

I'm ready to book map reading day

"I absolutely loved it. No question I asked was too silly, Elspeth explained everything clearly and efficiently and I left the course feeling confident in my map reading skills. But more than that I had such a wonderful day, met new people and learnt so much from Elspeth. I actually left feeling like a completely different person and very inspired." Lauren

"It was a great day, fun and skill building and I've put the skills into practice since - WIN WIN WIN." Helen

"I've fallen in love with maps." Sally

"The amount of knowledge packed into a single day was incredible. I learned things I didn't even realise I needed to know, and now I can confidently read an OS map! I immediately went for a walk through the woods this morning putting everything into practice." Hayley

What attendees have said about my map reading workshops

What's included in Map Reading and Navigation Skills workshop?

🌿 Full day practical course (09:30-15:30)
🌿 Expert instruction from a qualified Lowland Leader
🌿 Small group size (maximum 8) for personalised attention
🌿 All maps and equipment provided
🌿 Foraging insights along the route
🌿 A relaxed, encouraging atmosphere

You don't need to be super fit, but you should be comfortable walking slowly for around 5 hours with a day pack.

No previous experience needed - we genuinely start from scratch.

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Upcoming Map Reading and Navigation Skills Workshops in Surrey

"I learnt loads today and feel confident to use my new map reading skills for my next hike." Caroline

"What a wonderful day! I'm feeling inspired and energised after spending the day with Elspeth learning to read a map. Not only did I learn tons, but I had lots of laughs and great conversations with like-minded women. I immediately signed up for a different course as I love her approachable and inclusive teaching style." Shana

"I feel much more confident with navigation and am excited to continue learning! I would definitely recommend her courses to anyone wanting to learn new skills or connect more deeply with nature. I feel nourished!" Hannah

"Really enjoyed the day getting to know my way around an OS map and dispelling my fears and beliefs that I have no sense of direction! Am looking forward to putting my new knowledge into practice!" Julie