Navigating & Orienteering Courses In The Peak District

One of the main draws of the Peak District is its hiking and walking. From multi-day hiking holidays across rough terrain to afternoons walking the copious well trodden paths, there is something for all abilities and fitness levels.

If you are looking to explore the less well known parts of the region, or develop your navigational skills, a map reading course in the Peak District is a great way to learn key skills. Courses typically include understanding contours and symbols, judging distance and route planning as well as using a compass and relocation techniques for if you find yourself lost.

Orienteering is a great way to practice your map reading skills, having you navigate your way between set markers. There are plenty of places offering both permanent and maprun courses appropriate for children to experienced navigators across the Peak District.

Sites include Black Rock and Cromford Moor as well as easy permanent courses on recreational grounds in Bakewell, Ashbourne and Matlock. Downloadable maps are available from the government Derbyshire Dales website.

The courses at National Trust stately home parklands offer a gentle introduction to orienteering, suitable for families and beginners, and in beautiful surroundings. Pick up a map from the National Trust shop at Ilam Hall and plot your way through the estate of snowdrops and bluebells and along the meandering River Manifold.

The imposing Longshaw Lodge near Grindleford sits below rugged moorland terrain and is surrounded by parkland and woods. Maps are available from the Visitor Centre cafe. Longshaw’s white and yellow standard controls are perfect for beginners.

Lyme Hall on the edge of the Peak District at Stockport offers more difficult courses. The medium-graded orange route takes in Lantern Wood and the Cage, or you can try the most technical brown route at almost five miles long over challenging terrain. Grab a map from the information centre.

For newbies one of the best ways to learn navigation and orienteering skills is to book a course with the Youth Hostel Association. The YHA Edale Activity Centre offers navigation training and certification with a weekend package that includes food and board.

Orienteering is also on offer. The activity centre is set in the beautiful Edale Valley surrounded by rugged high-level moorland including the Kinder Massif and Great Ridge.

Hathersage and Grindleford are both easily accessed by train. Below the edges, the orienteering courses take in a mixed terrain of pavement, road, gravel tracks, parkland and grassy slopes with courses based in Hathersage. There are also public toilet facilities in the village as well as excellent cafes to replenish your energy and look over your maps.

Weather is very changeable in the Peak District, with uneven paths becoming slippery and areas susceptible to fog. It is important to check the forecast and don’t be surprised if your kit includes waterproof boots, trousers and jacket as well as sunscreen and a cap.

While you are building your map reading skills, stick to more popular areas as phone signal can drop. Hikers in the Peak District are very friendly and will generally be happy to offer guidance if you do find yourself lost, but don’t rely on this if you are walking off the beaten path or on quieter days.