Navigation Courses in the Peak District
Learn to navigate confidently with a map and compass
Whether you’re new to hill walking or want to improve your existing navigation skills, our Peak District navigation courses will help you become a more confident and independent walker.
Based in the stunning Peak District National Park, our courses combine practical outdoor learning with friendly expert instruction. You’ll spend the day learning the skills you actually need on the hills — from reading a map and using a compass to planning routes and navigating safely across open countryside.
No previous navigation experience needed.
Navigation skills for every level
Our courses are suitable for complete beginners through to experienced walkers looking to develop their skills further.
You’ll learn in a relaxed, supportive environment with plenty of time outdoors practising the techniques you’ll use on your own walks.
Bronze Navigator Award
The perfect introduction to map reading and navigation
Our Bronze Navigator Award course is ideal if you’re new to navigation or want to build confidence using a map and compass.
You’ll learn:
✓ How to read an OS map
✓ Understanding grid references
✓ Using a compass
✓ Taking bearings
✓ Planning simple routes
✓ Navigating confidently on paths and tracks
No previous experience is required – this course is designed to give you the foundations you need to start exploring independently.
Silver Navigator Award
Develop your navigation skills and gain confidence off the beaten track
The Silver Navigator Award builds on the skills learned at Bronze level and introduces more challenging navigation techniques.
You’ll learn how to:
✓ Navigate using more detailed map information
✓ Understand contours and terrain
✓ Navigate away from obvious paths
✓ Plan and follow longer routes
✓ Improve your accuracy and confidence
A great next step for walkers who want to become more independent in the hills.
Straight to Silver Navigator Award
Fast-track your navigation skills and build real mountain confidence
Our Straight to Silver Navigator Award is our most popular navigation course, combining the essential skills of the Bronze Navigator Award with the more advanced techniques required for Silver level.
Designed for walkers who want to develop their confidence quickly, this intensive weekend course takes you from the basics of map reading and compass work through to navigating independently across varied terrain.
You’ll learn how to:
✓ Understand and interpret Ordnance Survey maps
✓ Use a compass confidently
✓ Take accurate bearings
✓ Plan and follow your own routes
✓ Navigate away from paths and obvious features
✓ Use contours and terrain to make better decisions
✓ Develop the confidence to explore further independently
Unlike many navigation courses that focus heavily on classroom theory, our Straight to Silver course is practical, hands-on and delivered outdoors in the Peak District.
You’ll spend the weekend putting your skills into practice with experienced mountain instructors, building the confidence and ability to navigate in real mountain environments.
Perfect for walkers who:
✓ Have some walking experience but lack navigation confidence
✓ Want to move beyond relying on phone apps or following others
✓ Are preparing for bigger mountain adventures
✓ Want to achieve a nationally recognised navigation award
Find out more about our ‘Straight to Silver’ Navigator Award courses.
Gold Navigator Award
Advanced navigation skills for experienced walkers
The Gold Navigator Award is designed for those who want to take their navigation skills further.
You’ll develop a deeper understanding of navigation techniques and learn to confidently plan and execute more complex routes.
Ideal for walkers preparing for bigger mountain days, long-distance routes or more challenging environments.
Why choose MountainXperience?
Expert instruction in the outdoors
Our instructors are experienced mountain professionals who know how to make navigation simple, practical and enjoyable.
Rather than sitting in a classroom learning theory, you’ll spend the day outside putting your skills into practice.
Small groups and personal tuition
We keep our course groups friendly and manageable, giving you plenty of opportunities to ask questions and practise your skills.
Whether you’re nervous about getting started or simply want to improve, we’ll help you build confidence at your own pace.
Learn in the Peak District
The Peak District is the perfect place to learn navigation.
From open moorland and dramatic edges to quiet valleys and paths, the landscape provides the ideal training ground for developing real-world navigation skills.
