Bespoke Training built around your group.
Practical skills. Real terrain. Real conditions.
Skill Level: No experience necessary — this course welcomes complete beginners through to confident navigators.
Course Fee: From £55 per person — see the full breakdown below.
Locations: The Chiltern Hills, Peak District and the New Forest.
Group Size: 3–8 people per course, kept deliberately small so everyone gets hands-on attention and learns effectively.
Can’t make it to one of these locations? Nationwide training is available, though costs may vary.
Who is this training for?
The bespoke group training courses are designed for adults who want to become more capable and confident outdoors.
It’s particularly suited to:
- Walking clubs and adult rambling groups.
- Groups of friends who enjoy hiking together.
- Outdoor clubs and organisations.
- Groups preparing for longer walks or expeditions.
- Outdoor professionals (Search and Rescue, Leaders, etc.)
Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have some experience, the training can be adapted to your group’s needs.
Where does the training take place?
Our training courses are usually held in the Chiltern Hills, Peak District or the New Forest, however, we can discuss a location that works for your group, taking into account where you’re based, your experience and the type of terrain you want to learn in.
Training takes place outdoors, using suitable countryside and terrain to practise navigation in realistic conditions. This can be in the lowlands, hills or mountains.
If you have a particular area or upcoming trip in mind, let us know when you enquire.
Why train with intothesticks?
Our training courses are run in a very comfortable, laid back fashion, ensuring everybody is confident to try new things and ask questions.
Groups are kept fairly small in order to give everybody ample time to practice and receive dedicated time from the instructor.
Training focuses on:
- Practical learning: develop skills through real navigation exercises.
- Your group’s objectives: focus on the skills you actually want to use.
- Confidence and independence: understand how to make decisions when navigating.
- Useful, transferable skills: apply what you learn to future walks and adventures.
All courses are run by me, James, a highly experienced instructor and mountain leader who has worked with high performing emergency service teams and operated in some of the most challenging environments around the world.
Testimonials:
‘Loved it! Liked James’s relaxed approach which makes everyone feel comfortable.’
‘James has excellent teaching skills and was very patient with students. He is very calm and explains things slowly, and is very encouraging.’
‘A patient and thorough teacher, who also gives you lots of scope to practice and develop.’
‘I cannot emphasise enough how excellent James is as an instructor…It’s almost as though he teaches by stealth’
‘Lucky to have instructors of this calibre’
‘James is an excellent instructor. Extremely personable’
Course Options
Navigation Training to Suit Your Group
No two groups are the same, so this course is shaped around your group’s current ability, the terrain you want to explore, and the skills you want to build.
Here’s an overview of the course options and what each one typically covers:
| Half Day Course | Full Day Course | Two Day Course |
|---|---|---|
| Understand map symbols, scale and contours. Orientate your map using the landscape and a compass. Take and follow basic compass bearings. Spot useful features and landmarks. Start planning simple walks with real confidence. | Everything in the Half Day course, plus: Map interpretation and contour reading. Compass bearings and direction of travel. Route planning and navigation strategy. Relocating yourself if you lose your bearings. Using terrain features to navigate efficiently. Building the confidence to navigate independently. | Everything in the Full Day course, plus: In-depth map interpretation and route planning. Precise compass work and bearings. Navigating varied terrain. Relocation techniques and decision-making under pressure. Practical exercises tailored to your group’s goals. Applying your skills to longer walks and future adventures. Night navigation (if required). Each group member earns either an NNAS Bronze or NNAS Silver qualification* |
| £55 per person* | £100 per person* | £150 per person* |
*NNAS qualification level depends on the training you require.
*Prices may vary slightly depending on your group’s needs — including location, number of participants and training goals.
Not sure which course fits your group? Reach out using the form below and I’ll help you find the right fit.
Ready to Book? Get in Touch
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
You’ll receive an information pack with a full kit list once you book a course.
We strongly recommend bringing:
- Basic outdoor walking gear (including good waterproof jacket and trousers)
- Comfortable worn in walking boots or walking shoes
- At least 1L of water for each day and a packed lunch and snacks for the trail
- Suitable clothing for the weather: warm layers, spares, woolly hat/sun hat, gloves, sunglasses
- We provide maps and compasses for you use during the course but if you have your own, then bring them along.
Jeans, wellington boots and heels are not recommended.
We reserve the right to ask you not to continue if you’re not properly prepared. If you’re unsure what to bring or whether it’s suitable, please ask before the course — not on the day.
What do I need to know before I attend your course?
No navigational experience required — we’ll start from the basics and support you every step of the way.
It’s worth reading the Countryside Code beforehand — we’ll also cover it during the course.
For further reading, we recommend ‘The Ultimate Navigation Manual’ by Lyle Brotherton.
YouTube is also a great resource for navigation skills — see a playlist created by intothesticks.life right here.
Can I bring a dog?
We absolutely love dogs. As this is a bespoke group, as long as everybody is happy for a dog to be present, we’re happy too.
What happens when I book a place?
You’ll get a confirmation email with full details of your course and what to bring.
What happens if I cancel my booking after paying?
This is bespoke training, so a fair amount of work goes into designing your course before you turn up on the day.
Depending on the notice you give us, we’ll arrange a refund — the percentage depends on how much notice we receive.
Longer than 4 weeks before course: 100% refund
Refund percentages drop 25% each week after that:
3 weeks before course: 75% refund
2 weeks before course: 50% refund
1 week or less before course: 0% refund
