NIGHT Navigation

Learn how to navigate safely after dark with a hands-on night navigation course in the Mendip Hills focused on real-world map, compass, and low-visibility travel skills.

Quick Facts

Mendip Hills, Somerset
9:00pm – approximately 12:00am
Suitable for beginners and aspiring Mountain Leaders
Practical night navigation training
Small group instruction
Qualified Mountain Leader instructor
Full kit list provided before the course
£15 per person

Course DETAILS

Who Is It For?

This course is designed for:

Beginners wanting to learn map and compass skills
Hillwalkers wanting greater confidence after dark
People wanting to improve navigation in poor visibility
Outdoor enthusiasts preparing for longer or more challenging routes
Mountain Leader trainees preparing for assessment
Anyone wanting practical navigation experience in a supportive environment

The course is suitable for complete beginners while still offering useful practice and feedback for experienced walkers and Mountain Leader trainees.

Experience Overview

Learn to Navigate with Confidence After Dark

Night navigation is one of the most valuable skills for anyone spending time in the hills and mountains. The course explores how navigation changes once visibility disappears and how to travel safely and effectively after dark.

The session begins with practical navigation theory, route planning, and compass work before progressing onto a guided night journey through the Mendip Hills. As darkness falls, you’ll apply navigation techniques in realistic conditions while learning how to interpret terrain, maintain direction, and make sound decisions in limited visibility.

The Mendips provide an ideal environment for developing these skills safely, with varied terrain and accessible navigation challenges suited to both beginners and experienced walkers.

Small group instruction allows plenty of opportunity for questions, feedback, and hands-on learning throughout the evening.

What You'll Learn

Typical course content may include:

Map and compass basics
Compass bearings and direction taking
Reading contours and interpreting terrain
Navigation in low visibility
Pacing and timing techniques
Using handrails and catching features
Route planning strategies
Micro-navigation skills
Headtorch use and night movement techniques
Staying safe while navigating after dark
Decision-making in poor visibility

Mountain Leader trainees can also use the session to practise assessment-style navigation techniques and receive feedback from a qualified Mountain Leader.

Location

The course takes place in the Mendip Hills, Somerset, with the exact meeting location confirmed after booking.

The area provides an excellent mix of accessible terrain and realistic navigation challenges for learning and refining navigation techniques after dark.

What's Included?

Qualified Mountain Leader instruction
Practical navigation coaching
Guided night navigation experience
Small group learning environment
Personal feedback and support
Pre-course information and kit list

Participants will need suitable outdoor clothing, warm layers, a compass, and a headtorch. A full kit list will be provided before the course.

Experienced & Supportive Instruction

With small group instruction and plenty of time for discussion and feedback, the course creates a relaxed environment for learning and improving navigation techniques after dark.

TuFa aims to provide approachable, professional instruction with a strong focus on safety, sound decision-making, and enjoyable learning experiences in the outdoors.

Courses are led by a qualified Mountain Leader, with sessions adapted to both beginners and Mountain Leader trainees.

Instructors are insured and DBS checked.

Availability & Booking