Beginner’s Guide to Map Reading & Route Planning
Learn to explore with confidence
Are you new to the outdoors or unsure how to use a map or compass? This workshop is designed for complete beginners and those with limited experience who want to feel more confident planning and navigating their own walks safely.
You’ll gain the essential skills needed to enjoy the outdoors independently, understand the landscape, and make informed decisions to stay safe while exploring. This will be a smaller group to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and able to take away the skills required to feel confident.
What we’ll cover:
Making sense of map scales, symbols, and key features
A simple introduction to contour lines – what they show and how to read them
How to find and use grid references to pinpoint locations
Understanding direction and recognising features in the landscape
How to orient your map using natural features and a compass
Planning a safe and suitable walking route based on your ability and terrain
Identifying straightforward, low-risk paths and avoiding common hazards
A clear guide to the Countryside Code and knowing where you can and can’t walk
The basics of weather awareness and how it affects your route
Choosing the right gear for comfort and safety outdoors
An intro to useful digital tools, including OS maps and outdoor tech subscriptions.
Overview
We will start our learning in Hucking, near Maidstone, with a outdoor learning session about maps and navigation. From here we will head to the North Downs Way and take it in turns to navigate sections of the route. Full support will be giving, so no need to feel unsure. You will have learnt the skills necessary to be able to do this confidently.
New or nervous to come solo?
We totally understand how you feel! In fact, around 80% of our members come to the group solo, and most of them make friends in no time at all. Our group is warm, welcoming, and supportive, and you’ll quickly find that everyone is open to chatting and getting to know each other. We have a wide variety of life experiences among us, so there’s always something to connect over. You’ll be at ease before you know it! Walking with us is not just about keeping active; it’s about making new friends and building a supportive community within nature. We can’t wait to welcome you!
📅 Date: Saturday 26th July
⏰ Time: 10am
💷 Cost: £25
📍 Location: Meeting at Hucking (full details in the booking confirmation email)
⏳ Duration: Please allow approx 5 hours including breaks. Please note timings are approximates.
🌄 Terrain: Woodland and paved paths
📏 Distance: We will walk approx 4 miles at a slower learning pace. This area does have hills.
🍽️ Food & Drink: Please ensure you have all food you will need and enough water for this walk. We’d recommend 1.5L. We will stop for a lunch so please bring some food with you.
🚽 Toilets: There may be toilets along the route but please be prepared for nature breaks (ie a tree!).
🐕 Dogs: Well behaved on lead dogs are more than welcome to this event but there will be a fair amount of stopping.
🚶♀️ Walk Leader: I am a fully trained Lowland Leader with a enhanced DBS (available upon request) and trained in outdoor first aid. I am also trained and qualified in nutrition, wellness and female health. MJ Outdoor Adventures is fully insured. Your safety is our priority.
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