Empower yourself to walk off the beaten track. Build confidence to explore new places. Learn map and compass skills in an experiential and practical way. We will also discover other ways to feel your way through the landscape e.g.: natural navigation.
Recent participants said 'Brilliant day practicing navigation skills - map reading, taking bearings and pacing distances to hidden features, then picking the best routes across the open moor. The day was lead in a very friendly and welcoming way with lots of information shared and the opportunity to learn in a non-pressured environment.'
'I had a great time...with Emma and Verran. They were friendly, approachable and knowledgeable walk leaders who made the morning very useful as well as good fun. I'd definitely say the walk brushed up my very rusty map and compass skills. I'm now looking forward to going out onto the moor to practise! I also really enjoyed the chance to meet and chat to the rest of the group who were all lovely. I'd highly recommend this walk.'
'Fantastic morning. Expert help to learn to map read, use a compass and feel the environment. Emma and Verran put the small group at ease and gave plenty of friendly help and advice, adapting the morning to the groups needs and pace. Wonderful meeting other like minded people who can't wait to enjoy the moor with more confidence. Highly recommended . Thank you.'
Tickets
Fee: £40 per adult. Bring a friend/partner and get a 10% discount off your tickets!
Group size is limited to ensure a personalised learning experience so pre-booking is essential
Further Information
Facilitators: Verran Townsend, qualified walking guide and navigator who, along with 'Dartmoors Daughter', loves to encourage and enable others to experience the wildness and beauty of Dartmoor.
Level: Moderate. The walk is approximately 3-4 miles with a relaxed pace and many stops to practice navigation techniques, but you need to be happy spending approximately 3 hours in hilly moorland terrain.
Meeting point: Car park at Bel Tor corner close to Sharp Tor, about 15 minutes drive from the Ashburton turn-off on the A38. Grid reference for the car park is SX694731. Nearest postcode is TQ13 7PS but please don't rely on this to get you to the exact location. There is sometimes an icecream van with large plastic cone at the entrance to the carpark. Please get in touch if you need directions. Car sharing is recommended.
What to bring: Map (OL28 Ordnance Survey map of Dartmoor), compass, lunch, drink, sunscreen, warm layers, hat, gloves, waterproof clothing (even if the forecast is fine!) and sturdy walking boots.
For advice on compasses, Silva is recommended and a good source is Dartmoor National Park Visitors Centres or Dash4it.co.ukwww.dash4it.co.uk/accessories/accessory-type/compasses.html
Any of the following would be fine: Silva Starter 8; Silva Field; Silva Ranger; Silva Expedition 4.
Fee: £40 per adult. Bring a friend/partner and get a 10% discount off your tickets!
Group size is limited to ensure a personalised learning experience so pre-booking is essential - Click here to book: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navigation-training-for-beginners-or-refresher-tickets-45644616276
Cancellation policy: The event will go ahead come rain or shine. In fact rain and fog are great training aids! Sorry no refunds if you are unable to attend.
Risk: No liability accepted for accidents or incidents
'Wonderful time walking on Dartmoor, learning skills that inspired a deeper awareness of the land around me as well giving me tools to feel more confident to explore. Teachers were both informed and friendly and the pace of walking and learning was spot on. Could have stayed out longer!'