Map Reading & Navigation Skills for Women - Beginner friendly (Level 1)

Gain the confidence to plan and navigate your own walks Love hiking but feel unsure about reading maps or planning your own routes?

This friendly, hands-on course is designed for women who want to take control of their own adventures, learn essential navigation skills, and feel more independent outdoors.

Set in the beautiful woodlands and rolling hills of the Ashridge Estate, you’ll join a small, supportive group and learn step-by-step alongside other women.

Your Instructor:
I’m Erika – an NNAS-qualified navigation tutor, outdoor first aider, and member of search and rescue with over 6 years’ experience leading women’s walks. My goal is to create a relaxed, encouraging space where you can build confidence while having fun.

When & Where:
• Meet: 10 AM at Ashridge Monument Café
• Finish: 3:00 PM
• Parking: Free on-site
• Lunch: Stop at the outdoor café (food not included) or bring your own packed lunch
• Facilities: Toilets available at the café
• Distance: Approx. 10 km on woodland and hill paths – can be uneven and muddy

Cost £45 per person – all equipment provided
Plus meetup booking fee - OR book directly HERE

What You’ll Learn:
- Read and understand OS maps, including key symbols, scales, and rights of way
- Plan and follow a walking route using paths, tracks, and landmarks
- Line up your map with the landscape so it makes sense at a glance
- Use a compass for the basics – to keep yourself on track
- Estimate distance and timing for a walk using simple pacing and time checks
- Spot “checkpoints” (like woods, road crossings, or churches) to confirm you’re on the right path
- Use natural features (like rivers, ridges, or valleys) to avoid overshooting your route
- Gain the confidence to enjoy walks without relying solely on your phone

This is about building skills step by step, in a relaxed women-only group, where you can ask questions, practice together, and celebrate progress as you go.

What to Bring
- OS Active Map 181 & compass (provided, but bring your own if you have them)
- Notepad & pen for notes
- This course will go ahead in all weather, so dress appropriately. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Check the forecast and bring sun cream, a hat, or sunglasses for warm days, and waterproofs, a warm hat, and gloves for cold or wet days. (I recommend bringing extra layers as will not be walking as much as you would on a hike)
- Wear trousers or leggings to reduce the risk of tick bites and nettle stings. Avoid denim or cotton.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Open-toe shoes are unsuitable.
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, lunch, and snacks, as there may be no opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route.
- Public toilets may not be available on the route.

Sign-Up Form: If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation is not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: [https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058 ](https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058)

Preparation and Fitness: You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.

Our Guides: Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience. Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.

Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at https://adventurewomen.co.uk. Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions.
For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs.

Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs.

About Us:
Adventure Women UK is an outdoor pursuits club that empowers women to explore, grow, and connect through shared adventures. Our supportive community welcomes women from all backgrounds, offering experiences that inspire, uplift, and redefine what it means to be an adventure woman. Questions? Please visit our FAQ page (under the “more” section) OR drop us a message if you have any questions.