Teaching Navigation: Practical Ideas for Outdoor Tutors is an insightful and highly practical guide designed for anyone responsible for helping others build confidence and competence in the outdoors. Rather than presenting navigation merely as a technical skillset, the book positions it as an empowering tool; one that fosters independence, awareness, decision-making, and a deeper connection to the natural world. For educators, youth leaders, outdoor instructors, and even experienced adventurers looking to improve how they teach, it is a thoughtful resource filled with both inspiration and actionable strategies.
This updated handbook by Nigel Williams, supports the Tutor Training Course for the National Navigation Award Scheme and complements the NNAS Outdoor Navigation Handbook for Tutors.
The contents have been developed to support anyone teaching navigation, in schools and colleges, youth and voluntary organisations or training leaders and instructors in the professional outdoor sector. Written by Nigel Williams who spent 20 years as Head of Training at the Glenmore Lodge.
One of the standout qualities of the book is its clarity. Navigation can be a daunting subject for beginners, especially when terms like ‘bearing,’ ‘declination,’ ‘handrails’ and ‘contours’ get thrown around. The author breaks these concepts down into digestible explanations without oversimplifying or glossing over important nuances. More importantly, the book shows how to teach these concepts in a way that feels intuitive and engaging rather than intimidating. Step-by-step progressions moving from basic orientation to more complex route planning give tutors a clear roadmap for structuring their lessons.
The practical activities are where the book truly shines. Instead of encouraging tutors to rely solely on classroom explanations or traditional map-and-compass drills, the author offers creative, field-tested ideas for active learning. Exercises such as ‘blind navigation,’ ‘micro-navigation scavenger hunts,’ ‘natural-feature pacing challenges’ and ‘decision-making pauses’ transform skills practice into dynamic, memorable learning experiences. These methods emphasize discovery over lecturing, helping students internalize skills through experimentation and reflection.
Equally valuable is the book’s emphasis on teaching philosophy. The author recognizes that navigation lessons happen in real outdoor contexts, often with unpredictable weather, mixed-ability groups, varying confidence levels and limited time. As a result there is a strong focus on adaptability. Tutors are encouraged to observe how participants learn, adjust their teaching style accordingly, and create an environment where mistakes are viewed as essential stepping stones. Safety is woven throughout these discussions not in a restrictive way, but as a mindset that enables both freedom and responsibility.
Another strength is the inclusion of troubleshooting advice. Anyone who has ever taught navigation knows the common pitfalls: students who rely too heavily on technology, struggle with translating 2D maps into 3D terrain, or lose confidence when their route doesn’t go as planned. The book anticipates these challenges and provides strategies to help tutors guide learners through frustration and back toward clarity. This reflective, learner-centered approach makes the book feel like an experienced mentor offering guidance rather than a manual dispensing instructions.
Overall, Teaching Navigation: Practical Ideas for Outdoor Tutors is a thoughtful, practical, and empowering resource. It successfully bridges the gap between technical navigation skills and effective outdoor education. Whether you’re leading youth groups, training adult learners, or simply helping friends become more confident in the wild, this book offers tools that will elevate both your teaching and your learners’ experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about teaching navigation, join our next NNAS Tutor Award course.
