Walk on the Dark Side!

Being out in the countryside after dark can be an exhilarating experience and, far from being something to fear, night navigation can be great fun!  Navigation at night or in poor visibility conditions such as fog and mist or darkness can be challenging as we can only see features a short distance away and features on the map become harder to discern on the ground.  It can also be unsettling if you are not prepared. With a focus on micro navigation skills our Night Navigation workshops aim to give you confidence to navigate competently and safely in poor visibility conditions.

Take your first tentative steps into the darkness with our Dusk into Night Navigation Experience, or develop, improve and test your navigation skills on a Night Navigation Workshop.

Night Navigation

Being out in the mist and fog or as darkness falls can be unsettling if you are not prepared.  As the mist, fog or night-time falls, accurate navigation skills are key to knowing where you are at all times. 

This training walk is aimed at people who want to develop and practice the skills and strategies required to safely navigate in low visibility conditions.  It is suitable for those with some competence using map and compass and who would like to develop more advanced techniques.

We meet after sunset for introductions, safety briefing and equipment discussion and then set out into the darkness to develop and practice our micro navigation skills and strategies.  As we search for features in the dark using compass bearings and pacing we will give you plenty of tips and guidance along the way.

Dusk into Night Navigation

This fully guided training walk is a great introduction to low visibility navigation techniques.  It is ideal for people who have some basic experience of using a map and compass.

We meet shortly before dusk for introductions, briefing and equipment discussion.  Before setting out in to the dark we will have some time to introduce you to micro navigation techniques essential to finding our way in the darkness. We will then go in search of some features on the map to practice and test out your new skills.

This activity is also a unique chance to walk in the Chilterns at night.  If we are lucky we may get to do some star gazing or to spot and hear the local wildlife (owl, deer, fox, badger etc).

What do I Need

Night Navigation training takes place outdoors. You need to bring:

• Map - OS Explorer 171 Chiltern Hills West (we recommend the Active Map in case of wet weather)

• Compass (the Silva Expedition 4 compass is ideal)

• Head Torch/s and spare batteries

• Warm and waterproof clothing, including gloves that enable you to use a compass

• Snacks and drink

• Personal first aid kit

You may also wish to bring a notebook and a camera. An information and advice sheet, including what to wear and what to bring with you, is provided on booking.