Outdoor Skills Workshops

Building confidence in the outdoors starts with the right skills. These beginner outdoor skills sessions are designed to help you feel safe, capable, and confident while exploring nature. Whether you're new to hiking or looking to improve your knowledge, you’ll learn practical techniques such as map and compass navigation, route planning, basic navigation techniques, and essential outdoor safety skills. This hands-on learning approach focuses on real-world experience, helping you understand how to read a map, interpret terrain, and make confident decisions while out on the trail.

Perfect for beginners, these outdoor skills courses cover the foundations of hill walking skills, navigation for beginners, and safe route finding, giving you the knowledge you need to explore more independently. You’ll gain the confidence to plan your own adventures, navigate unfamiliar landscapes, and handle changing conditions in the outdoors.

Whether your goal is to improve your hiking navigation skills, learn map reading and compass use, or simply feel more comfortable exploring the outdoors, these sessions provide supportive, practical learning that helps you build confidence step by step.

Filters

Beginner Navigation Skills Workshop

Want to feel more confident navigating in the outdoors without relying on your phone or GPS? This Beginner Navigation Day in the Peak District is designed to give you the essential map reading and compass skills you need to explore safely and independently.

Over the course of a full day in the hills, you’ll learn the fundamentals of map and compass navigation, helping you understand how to read a map, follow a route, and find your location if you become unsure of where you are. The workshops are kept to a small group of just four people, ensuring plenty of dedicated teaching time and opportunities to practise your new skills.

This beginner navigation course focuses on practical, hands-on learning so that by the end of the day you’ll feel more confident using a paper map, understanding the landscape around you, and navigating without technology.

The workshop is delivered in a relaxed, friendly style by a female qualified Hill & Moorland Leader, so you’ll have fun learning new skills without any pressure!

What you’ll learn

During the day we’ll cover the core skills needed for safe and confident navigation in the outdoors:

  • Understanding a map: symbols, scales, contours and orientation

  • Grid references and locating your position

  • An introduction to using a compass and checking direction

  • Measuring distance using pacing and timing

  • Following a route using a paper map

  • Taking and following a bearing

  • Techniques for relocating yourself if you get lost

  • Leading a short navigation section while others follow along (if you feel up to it!)

Please note this isn’t a formal qualification; it is a skills workshop designed to teach you beginner navigation techniques to help you feel confident when outdoors by yourself or with friends.

Workshop details

  • Location: Crowden, Peak District (Dark Peak area)

  • Dates:

    • Saturday 27th June 2026

    • Saturday 25th July 2026

    • Friday 21st August 2026

    • Sunday 27th September 2026

  • Duration: 1 day (approx. 9:30am – 4pm)

  • Group size: Maximum of 4 people

  • Price:

    • £50 per person (no map and compass hire)

    • £60 per person including map and compass hire

Exact meeting point and details will be confirmed nearer to the date.

Who is this workshop for?

This day is ideal for beginners who rely on GPS on their phone or watch and want to learn how to navigate using traditional map and compass techniques. No previous navigation experience is required.

What to bring

  • Snacks, water and lunch to keep you going through the day

  • Waterproofs, sun protection, hot and cold clothing options

  • Ordnance Survey Explorer OL1 – Dark Peak map (laminated Active Map recommended)

  • A compass

If you don’t already own these, you can hire them for the day by selecting the map and compass hire ticket option when booking.

If you are planning to buy a compass, basic models will work fine for learning, but if you intend to keep using it after the workshop it’s worth investing in a reliable model from brands such as Silva or Ordnance Survey (usually around £20).

A full kit-list for the day will be sent out on your booking confirmation.

from £50.00
Beginner Hiking & Outdoor Skills Workshop

If you’ve ever wanted to start hiking more independently but aren’t sure where to begin, this Beginner Hiking Skills Day in the Peak District will give you the knowledge and confidence to explore the outdoors safely.

This one-day beginner hiking skills workshop covers the essential skills every hiker should know before heading out on their own. From choosing the right kit and understanding mountain weather to basic navigation and emergency preparation, you’ll learn practical skills that help you stay safe and comfortable while exploring.

The day takes place in a small group of just four people, allowing plenty of time for questions, discussion and hands-on learning while out on the trail. By the end of the day, you’ll have a better understanding of how to prepare for hikes, plan routes, and make confident decisions in the outdoors.

Whether you’re completely new to hiking or want to build confidence before planning your own adventures, this day provides a supportive introduction to safe and enjoyable hiking in the UK hills.

What you'll learn

Throughout the day we’ll cover a range of essential hiking and outdoor safety skills, including:

  • Choosing the right hiking kit and clothing, including footwear

  • Mountain weather basics and how to prepare before heading out

  • Nutrition and hydration for longer walks

  • Essential emergency equipment and procedures

  • A basic introduction to navigation, including map overview and compass basics

  • Providing a grid reference using your phone and a map

  • Planning simple hiking routes

  • Techniques for walking safely downhill and general hill walking skills

Workshop Details

  • Location: Crowden, Peak District (Dark Peak area)

  • Dates:

    • Friday 26th June 2026

    • Saturday 11th July 2026

    • Friday 7th August 2026

    • Saturday 26th September 2026

  • Duration: 1 day (approx. 9:30am – 4pm)

  • Group size: Maximum of 4 people

  • Price:

    • £50 per person (no map and compass hire)

    • £60 per person including map and compass hire

Exact meeting point and details will be confirmed nearer to the date.

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is ideal for anyone who wants to start hiking independently or explore the outdoors with friends without relying on guided walks.

It’s designed for beginners who want to learn the foundational skills needed to hike safely, including planning walks, understanding the environment, and feeling confident making decisions outdoors.

No previous hiking or navigation experience is required.

What to bring

  • Snacks, water and lunch to keep you going through the day

  • Waterproofs, sun protection, hot and cold clothing options

  • Ordnance Survey Explorer OL1 – Dark Peak map (laminated Active Map recommended)

  • A compass

If you don’t already own a map and compass, you can hire them for the day by selecting the map and compass hire ticket option when booking.

If you are planning to buy a compass, basic models will work fine for learning, but if you intend to keep using it after the workshop it’s worth investing in a reliable model from brands such as Silva or Ordnance Survey (usually around £20).

A full kit-list for the day will be sent out on your booking confirmation.

from £50.00

No results found

No results match your search. Try removing a few filters.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Not at all. These courses are designed specifically for beginners who want to build confidence in the outdoors. Everything is explained step by step, and you’ll have plenty of time to practise the skills throughout the day.

  • You don’t need to be super fit, but you should be comfortable walking for a few hours at a steady pace. The focus of the day is learning outdoor skills, not covering long distances so there will be plenty of time throughout the day stood still or sat in the group whilst we’re learning.

  • You’ll receive a full kit list after booking, but generally you should bring:

    • Waterproof jacket + trousers

    • Suitable walking footwear

    • Warm layers

    • Food and water for the day

    • Map and compass (unless hiring)

  • Outdoor skills are often most useful in challenging conditions, so workshops usually run in most weather. If conditions are unsafe or extreme, it may be rearranged and you’ll be contacted in advance.

  • Yes. When booking you can select the option to hire a map and compass for the day, which will be ready for you at the start of the day.

  • Groups are intentionally kept small (maximum of 4 participants) so everyone gets dedicated teaching time and the chance to practise skills properly.