Beginners' Navigation & Map Reading Course – Lake District

Meeting Locations & Times

Our navigation course begins at Hestead House, in the grounds of Brathay Hall near Ambleside, where you can check in from 17:00 on Day 1.

Your Large Outdoors instructor will welcome everyone before we enjoy dinner together at 20:00, followed by an introduction to the course.

Accommodation address:

Hestead House
Brathay Hall
Clappersgate
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 0HP

Please note that Hestead House is located within the grounds of Brathay Hall.

Travelling by Train

Windermere railway station is the most convenient station for guests travelling by public transport.

We offer a complimentary collection from Windermere on Day 1, making it easy to join the course without bringing a car.

Station Pickups

Our complimentary collection from Windermere railway station is at 15:30 on Day 1.

You can request this during booking or contact Large Outdoors afterwards to arrange it.

Station collections must be booked in advance.

Travelling by Car & Parking

Free parking is available at the accommodation.

If you're driving, you can make your own way to Hestead House and check in from 17:00.

Transport During the Trip

We'll aim to complete as much of our practical navigation training as possible on walking routes accessible directly from the accommodation.

We also have a Large Outdoors minibus available throughout the course, allowing us to make short journeys to other suitable training locations when required.

All transport between the accommodation and our training locations is included.

Ferries & Boat Transfers

There are no scheduled ferry or boat transfers on this course.

Departure & Return Travel

On Day 3, we'll enjoy a full day of practical navigation training before finishing between 14:00 and 16:00.

We'll provide a complimentary return transfer to Windermere railway station for guests travelling by train.

If you're using public transport, we recommend booking a flexible or open return ticket to allow for changes to our finishing time.

Important Travel Information

Please arrange your station collection in advance so we know to expect you.

There are no additional travel requirements or arrangements for this course.

Accommodation Location

We'll be staying for two nights at Hestead House, located within the grounds of Brathay Hall near Ambleside, in the heart of the Lake District.

Accommodation address:

Hestead House
Brathay Hall
Clappersgate
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 0HP

Accommodation Type

Hestead House provides hostel-style accommodation in a cottage setting, offering a relaxed and sociable base for our navigation course.

We'll have space to enjoy meals together, relax after our training days and chat about everything we've learned.

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements

Accommodation is in shared bedrooms with bunk beds.

Please be aware that all beds are bunk beds, so you'll need to be comfortable using this type of accommodation.

Room Options

The following room options may be available, subject to availability when booking:

• Shared Female Room – Share a bedroom with other female guests.

• Shared Male Room – Share a bedroom with other male guests.

• Twin Room – For two guests booking together, with separate bunk beds.

Bathrooms

Hestead House has a mixture of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities.

Not all bedrooms have their own bathroom, so some guests will need to use shared facilities.

Bedding & Towels

Bedding is provided at the accommodation.

Please bring your own towel.

Breakfast

A continental breakfast is included on both mornings, with a selection of:

• Cereals

• Toast

• Fresh fruit

• Yoghurt

Tea and coffee are also provided throughout your stay.

Packed Lunches

Packed lunches are included on both Day 2 and Day 3, so there's no need to purchase lunch supplies for either training day.

We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and a few additional snacks to enjoy while we're out practising our navigation skills.

Evening Meals

Evening meals are included on Day 1 and Day 2 and will be enjoyed together at the accommodation.

It's a relaxed opportunity to get to know your fellow walkers, discuss the day's learning and enjoy a sociable evening.

Tea and coffee are provided, but alcoholic drinks are not included. You're welcome to bring your own drinks to enjoy with dinner.

Vegetarian, vegan and meals made using gluten-free ingredients can be provided. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking.

Accommodation & Meals

Included:

• 2 nights' hostel accommodation at Hestead House, near Ambleside

• Continental breakfast on Days 2 and 3

• Packed lunches on both training days

• Evening meals on Days 1 and 2

• Tea and coffee at the accommodation

Not included:

• Alcoholic drinks

• Additional snacks and refreshments purchased during the course

Guiding & Support

Included:

• Experienced Large Outdoors navigation instructor throughout the course

• 2 full days of practical navigation training in the Lake District

• Tuition in map reading, compass skills, route planning and navigation techniques

• Ordnance Survey maps and compasses provided for use during the course

• Practical outdoor exercises with guidance and support from your instructor

Transport & Transfers

Included:

• Complimentary collection from Windermere railway station at 15:30 on Day 1, when booked in advance

• Transport between the accommodation and training locations where required

• Return transfer to Windermere railway station on Day 3

Not included:

• Travel to your chosen meeting point at the start of the course

• Onward travel from Windermere at the end of the course

Additional Costs & Exclusions

Not included:

• Personal travel or activity insurance

• Optional activities or excursions outside the course programme

• Personal purchases and other expenses during the weekend

This Lake District Navigation & Map Reading Course is graded Leisurely Plus.

Although we won't necessarily be walking long distances, we'll be exploring a variety of terrain as we practise our navigation skills outdoors.

The Leisurely Plus grade reflects the type of ground we'll be walking across rather than the distance or speed of our walks.

We'll move at a relaxed, leisurely pace throughout, with frequent stops for demonstrations, discussions and practical exercises. The focus is on learning navigation skills, not covering miles.

Terrain & Conditions

We'll use a mixture of established footpaths, grassy hillsides, open fellside and uneven countryside terrain around

Walking Clothing & Footwear

We'll be spending much of our time outdoors, practising navigation skills across a variety of Lake District terrain. Although we won't necessarily be walking long distances, we'll be on uneven ground and may spend periods standing still while learning and practising techniques.

We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable, waterproof walking boots with good grip.

• A waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers.

• Comfortable walking trousers or leggings.

• Warm layers, such as a fleece or insulated jacket.

• Walking socks.

• A warm hat and gloves, particularly for cooler weather.

• An extra warm layer for stops and outdoor navigation exercises.

What to Carry on Walks

You'll need a comfortable day rucksack for carrying your essentials during our training days.

We suggest packing:

• A reusable water bottle.

• Additional snacks for both days.

• Your packed lunch, which we'll provide.

• Any personal medication you may need.

• A fully charged mobile phone.

• A small personal first aid kit.

• Sunglasses and sun cream, depending on the weather.

• A waterproof cover or dry bag to keep belongings dry.

Clothing for Accommodation

Hestead House provides bedding, but please bring your own towel.

Pack comfortable clothes and footwear for relaxing at the accommodation and enjoying our group evening meals. There's no dress code.

Trip-Specific Extras

This is a practical navigation course, so a few additional items will be useful:

• Maps and compasses – We provide everything you need for the course, including Ordnance Survey maps and compasses. However, you're very welcome to bring your own if you already have them and would like to learn how to use your own equipment.

• Notebook and pen – Useful for making notes about navigation techniques and anything you'd like to remember.

• Reading glasses – If you normally use them for reading small print, remember to bring them for working with detailed maps.

• Map case or waterproof map cover – Optional, but useful if you already own one.

• A small torch or headtorch – Handy around the accommodation and during darke

Booking Confirmation

Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.

Deposits & Balance Payments

If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.

Your Trip WhatsApp Group

Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.

It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.

Joining is entirely optional.

Final Details

A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.

Keeping Up to Date

Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.

We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.

Is this navigation course suitable for complete beginners?

Absolutely! This course is designed for people who have little or no experience of map reading and navigation. We'll start with the basics and gradually build your skills over two days, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and practise what you've learned.

Do I need to bring my own map and compass?

No. We provide Ordnance Survey maps and compasses for use throughout the course, so there's no need to buy any equipment beforehand.

However, if you already own a map or compass, you're very welcome to bring it along. Your instructor can help you become more familiar with using your own equipment.

Will we be learning indoors or outdoors?

Most of our learning will take place outdoors, using the Lake District countryside as our classroom.

Your instructor will explain and demonstrate different techniques before giving you opportunities to practise them yourself. We'll combine short explanations with practical exercises, rather than spending hours sitting in a classroom.

Will I learn how to navigate without relying on my phone?

Yes! One of the main aims of the course is to help you become more confident navigating with a traditional map and compass.

You'll learn how to interpret the landscape, follow routes, take bearings and work out your position without depending entirely on GPS or navigation apps.

Will I be able to navigate independently after the course?

By the end of the weekend, you should have a much better understanding of the essential skills needed to plan and follow walking routes.

Everyone learns at a different pace, and becoming a confident navigator takes practice. This course will give you a foundation to build on during your future walks.

How physically demanding is the course?

Although the course is graded Leisurely Plus, we won't necessarily be covering long distances.

The grade reflects the variety of terrain we'll be exploring, including uneven paths, grassy hillsides and open fellside.

We'll move at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops for demonstrations and practical exercises. The emphasis is on learning rather than walking long distances or climbing mountains.

Can I join the course on my own?

Absolutely! Most people who join Large Outdoors book on their own, so you'll be in good company.

We'll be learning together in a small, friendly group, and our shared accommodation and group meals provide plenty of opportunities to get to know everyone.

What if I've already done some map reading?

You're very welcome to join if you already have some basic navigation experience but would like to refresh your skills or improve your confidence.

Your instructor can help you practise techniques you're less familiar with and offer additional challenges where appropriate.

Will we be climbing mountains?

This isn't a mountain-climbing weekend. We'll choose suitable Lake District terrain that allows us to practise navigation techniques safely and effectively.

We may explore open fellside and hilly countryside, but the focus is on developing navigation skills rather than reaching summits.

What happens if the weather is poor?

Navigation is an important skill in changing weather conditions, so we'll normally continue training in rain and typical Lake District weather.

Please bring suitable waterproof clothing and warm layers, as we'll be spending time outdoors and may be standing still during exercises.

If conditions make a particular location unsuitable, your instructor will adjust the training programme or choose an alternative area.