Chasing Peaks

Adventure - Experience - Expedition

What We Do

The outdoors is at the heart of what we do. Be it taking you out on your first taster of what the Great British countryside has to offer or teaching you the skills to explore it yourself with confidence. We strive to deliver not only an enjoyable day for all but leave you wanting more and kindle that adventurous spirit that sits inside every one of us. There is an adventure out there for anybody and we all have a hidden passion in us just waiting to be discovered.

Our base is on the South Coast covering Hampshire, Dorset, West Sussex and Surrey. Many of our courses and non-mountain activities find a home around here and with excellent transport links it's easy to join us. Many of our walks and courses make use of the numerous national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty along the South Coast. Couple this with some of the sunniest weather in the British Isles and you find a winning combination.

For our mountain based activities we frequently venture into Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Lake District. While we have excellent climbing along the Dorset coast we often venture into the climbing heaven that is the Peak District for the full immersive experience.

All instructors working with us are suitably qualified, experienced, insured and equipped for the relevant activities. They also bring along bounds of enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors. We can't always guarantee local instructors, but where possible we use local staff to minimise our impact on the environment and provide our clients with the "native" experience.

Navigation Courses

Navigation is a quintessential skill in the outdoors. Knowing where you are planning on going, how to get there and where you actually are can make the difference between a nice day out and a nightmare.

Our navigation courses cover all the basics from reading and using a map, using and caring for a compass, GPS considerations, natural navigation features, timings, planning and low visibility strategies. We see your navigational brain as a toolbox and with every course you take you add more tools into the mix to choose from in future.

Starter Navigation (Beginner)

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 2 days
Cost: from £75 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:8
Distance: 5-8km per day
Ascent: 100 - 250m per day
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Who is it for?
  • You want to learn how to navigate comfortably
  • You want to go out in areas that are unfamiliar to you
  • You may have used maps before but got confused
  • When you navigate you feel your navigation lacks structure
Possible locations?
  • Most Lowland countryside in Britain
  • Particular favourites of ours are:
    • The South Downs and North Downs
    • The New Forest and Ashdown Forest

Using largely man-made features we will be taking you on a journey along Britain's many trodden paths. Our focus will remain firmly on the map and how it relates to our surroundings while steadily increasing the level of detail used. While we will touch on compass basics, we believe that the fundamental secret of effective navigation is to read your surroundings and relate them to your map.

Find out more about Starter Navigation (Beginner)

Improver Navigation (Intermediate)

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 2 days
Cost: from £100 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:6
Distance: 8-12km per day
Ascent: 200-350m per day
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Who is it for?
  • You want to improve your navigation
  • You want to learn to use a compass
  • You have some basic navigation knowledge
  • You want to walk away from paths and tracks
Possible locations?
  • Areas of open access countryside such as:
    • New Forest
    • Brecon Beacons
    • Dartmoor
    • Peak District

Designed to provide you with the majority of navigational strategies, this course will see you walking off the beaten tracks and paths in no time. Building on your existing map reading knowledge we take a close look at the finer details while also introducing you to basic compass work and some more advanced strategies. Alongside technical navigation skills we will also be covering off some personal walking topics around planning, kit and conservation.

Find out more about Improver Navigation (Intermediate)

Mountain Navigation (Advanced)

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 2 days
Cost: from £120 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:4
Distance: 8-12km per day
Ascent: 500-650m per day
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to use contours as your primary navigation
  • You want to be able to navigate in low visibility
  • You want to tackle remote countryside
  • You are competent at navigating on paths and tracks
Possible locations?
  • Mountainous and remote areas of the British Isles
  • Our particular favourites include:
    • Snowdonia, particularly the Carneddau and the Moelwynion
    • Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains
    • Lake District, particularly the Western Fells
    • Dartmoor, especially the military ranges in the North

Now that you have had some time to learn to listen to the voice at the back of your head we will introduce you to the final round of navigational techniques. By using some of the features and techniques you already know and applying them differently we aim to nurture a spirit of experimentation. Good navigators in the outdoors are not only solid in their fundamental skills, but also willing to apply these skills in ever changing ways depending on the problem they face.

Find out more about Mountain Navigation (Advanced)

Low Visibility Navigation

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: An evening (3-5 hours)
Cost: from £30 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:4
Distance: 3-4km
Ascent: 50-200m
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Who is it for?
  • You can take and follow bearings
  • You want to build your confidence navigating in low visibility
  • You want to develop a solid strategy for coping with sudden changes
  • You want to practise existing skills and knowledge in a controlled environment
Possible locations?
  • (Small) areas of open access land
  • We focus on strategies not distance, so the areas needed are surprisingly small
  • Our local favourites are:
    • Queen Elizabeth Country Park
    • New Forest

Most people can navigate when they can see, but what if your vision extends only as far as your headtorch can shine? What if you suddenly find yourself lost in the dark or surrounded by thick fog? Since navigating in the dark is likely to happen at the end of a day, possibly after something went wrong earlier on, the skills required and techniques used should be practised at least once in the safety of an organised exercise. The workshop runs over one (albeit long) evening. Needless to say a headtorch is an absolute must for this one.

Find out more about Low Visibility Navigation

Guided Walks

Whether you are looking to tackle a section of unknown path in the lowlands, cross one of Britain's beautiful moors or scale one of our finest peaks, we take the stress of staying safe and sound off your mind. A guided walk with us not only ensures you have a knowledgeable and experienced guide with you to keep you safe. All of our guides are passionate about nature and our surroundings and love sharing that passion with you.

Lowland Walks

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 1 day
Cost: from £35 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:12
Distance: 4-12km
Ascent: 50-250m
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Who is it for?
  • You want to explore a new area
  • You want to enjoy a day with friends or family without having to worry about things
  • You want to venture off the beaten track
  • You want to link a few pubs or tea rooms without the hassle of planning
Possible locations?
  • Anywhere on the paths and tracks of the British lowland countryside
  • Some of our popular destinations include:
    • South Downs, North Downs and Surrey Hills
    • New Forest, Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight
    • Ashdown Forest

Our lowland walks are characterised by footpaths, tea rooms and pubs galore - mostly. Whether you simply want to explore your surroundings without having to worry about keeping track, or achieve a specific walk, we will happily be with you every step of the way. Our guides have the skills and experience to either stay on the paths or take you on an adventure off-road - where we are allowed to. In doing so, they can help you explore nature from a new angle while safe in the knowledge that everything is under control.

Find out more about Lowland Walks

Coastal Walks

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 1 day
Cost: from £40 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:8
Distance: 8-16km
Ascent: 50-600m
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to explore a stretch of coastline
  • You want to learn about some of our coastal heritage
  • You don't want to plan and organise too much
  • You want to enjoy a day out with friends or family
Possible locations?
  • Anywhere along the GB Coastline
  • Particular favourites include:
    • South West Coast, including the South West Coast Path
    • Pembrokeshire Coast
    • Dorset and Jurassic Coast
    • Sussex and Kent Coast

The British coastline has drawn our people and tourists to the sea for generations. Some of the most beautiful walks these islands have to offer hug the coast, winding their way from bay to bay. We love our coast and would love to take you on a journey through nature and time. Be it a circular walk taking in one of the many sections of coast path available or accompanying you along one of the more complex and undulating sections during a longer trip, we will gladly join you. Please note that we do not offer coasteering or any water related activities.

Find out more about Coastal Walks

Hill and Moorland Walks

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: One day
Cost: from £40 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:8
Distance: 12-18km
Ascent: 150-600m
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Who is it for?
  • You want to venture off the beaten track
  • You want to experience the peace of the uplands
  • You want to reconnect with nature
  • You want us to plan and organise the day
Possible locations?
  • Most Hill, Moorland and open Heathland areas in the British isles
  • Our favourites include:
    • New Forest (Wildlife, World War I and World War II history, Aviation history)
    • Dartmoor (Wildlife, Solitude, Historic Settlements)
    • Peak District (Plane wrecks, Dams, History of climbing)
    • Brecon Beacons (Quarries, Romans, Normans, Neolithic Forts)

The seemingly bleak moorlands of the UK with their rolling and identical looking hills can be a daunting endeavour, even for experienced walkers. These areas, away from the beaten track hide plenty of secrets with stories to tell about a country steeped in history and tradition. Whether you want to explore the remnants of our various historical conflicts or go plane wreck spotting, we will guide you and do our best to share what we know with you. However, any of our moorlands are beautiful places in their own right and will seldom disappoint.

Find out more about Hill and Moorland Walks

Mountain Walks

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: One day
Cost: from £50 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:6
Distance: 14-30km
Ascent: 400-1000+m
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to tackle a mountain walk or journey
  • You want someone to take care of you
  • You want to enjoy a quality day in the mountains
  • You want to increase your mountain confidence
Possible locations?
  • Some of our favourite mountains and areas include
    • Brecon Beacons (Pen Y Fan, Black Mountains)
    • Snowdonia (Snowdon, Glyderau, Carneddau, Moelwynion)
    • Peak District (Kinder Scout, Dark Peak)
    • Lake District (Helvellyn, Scafell Pike, Western Fells)
    • Scottish Highlands (Ben Nevis, Lochaber, Glencoe, Cairngorms)

Whether you fancy tackling one of the nation's favourites or want to experience the blissful quiet of its secret peaks the choice is yours. We will introduce you to the fascinating upland flora and fauna around us, point out the sights and share our top tips on how best to move in the mountains. You never know we may even share one of the many myths surrounding our mountains or our "best pub in the valley" secrets with you. Whichever peak or area you choose we promise to make the day memorable not only for the peak but the journey itself.

Find out more about Mountain Walks

Scrambling Days

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: One day
Cost: from £55 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:4
Distance: 8-16km
Ascent: 500-900m
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to experience the thrill of scrambling
  • You want to go on a true mountain adventure
  • You are a sure footed and fit hill walker
  • You want an experienced hand to help you along
Possible locations?
  • Some of our favourite classic scrambles
    • Tryfan North Ridge and Bristly Ridge
    • Crib Goch and the Snowdon Horseshoe
    • Llech Ddu Spur
    • Pavey Ark (Jack's Rake)
    • Swirral Edge and Striding Edge (Helvellyn)
    • Cuillin Hills (Isle of Skye)

Experience the thrill and sense of adventure of a true mountain journey. Step into the footsteps of alpinists with our scrambling day, getting as close to "real" climbing as possible without the need for ropes or technical equipment. Discover a new world of fun and achievement away from walking routes and reconnect with nature through your hands as well as your feet. Whether you want to learn about scrambling or tackle a classic mountain route, we can help you feel on top of the world and actually "climb" the mountain.

Find out more about Scrambling Days

Long Distance Trails

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: From one day
Cost: from £35 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:8
Distance: 10-30km
Ascent: depends heavily on the path
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Who is it for?
  • You want to walk a long distance path or parts of it
  • You want someone to guide you along
  • You want to take a mental break along a tricky section
  • You want some tips in preparation for a longer journey
Possible locations?
  • Some popular paths include
    • Southwest Coast Path
    • Hadrian's Wall Path
    • Offa's Dyke Path
    • South Downs Way

There are a variety of long distance trails and national trails in the UK. These trails wind their way through some of the most beautiful countryside the nation has to offer while allowing those who walk upon them to rest their head in relative comfort along the way. If you would like to tackle a particular way get in touch and we will discuss your requirements. We can train you to be a confident walker, capable of walking these trails yourself or accompany you along the way. Maybe you just need someone to guide you for one section, in which case we will be happy to help you out.

Find out more about Long Distance Trails

Indoor Climbing

Indoor climbing is one of the most rapidly growing sports at the moment. Where previously climbing centers were few and far between, recent years have seen more and more dedicated climbing facilities being opened by climbers for climbers. Alongside the big roped centers more and more unroped bouldering facilities are being opened around the country, elevating climbing into the realms of a full body sport similar to swimming. In fact climbing and swimming complement each other perfectly for a rounded and balanced fitness regime.

Learning the basics in the safety of a controlled indoor environment can help with putting potential nerves at ease and focus on the really important bits - keeping yourself safe. Whether you enjoy indoor climbing in its own right or eventually venture out onto the rock is entirely up to you, though the basic skills required are the same in any case.

Taster Sessions

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 3-4 hours
Cost: from £45 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:9
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to try out climbing in a safe environment
  • You want to introduce somebody to climbing
  • You want to surprise someone with "something different"
  • You want a fitness activity that is not the gym

 

Possible locations?
  • Indoor climbing centres
  • School climbing walls
  • Leisure centre climbing walls

Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK at the moment. While most of us will have climbed a tree when we were a child, the world of indoor climbing walls often appears daunting. Whether you want to take your first steps towards becoming a competent climber or simply want to "try something new", our taster session will give you a general idea of what to expect. Simply enjoy some time going up and down the climbing wall in a friendly and relaxed environment. Whether with friends, family or on your own, our instructors will take care of you, so you don't have to worry about "knowing the ropes".

Find out more about Taster Sessions

Beginner Course

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 2x 3 hour sessions
Cost: from £65 per person
Ratio: 1:2 to 1:9
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to be a self-sufficient climber
  • You want to be able to keep other climbers safe
  • You have been bouldering but want to learn "the ropes"
  • You want to be able to take your friends climbing
Possible locations?
  • Indoor Climbing Centres
  • Leisure Centre climbing walls
  • School climbing walls

"Learning the ropes" means taking a clear step towards becoming a competent and self-sufficient climber. Literally holding another person's life and well-being in your hands is no time for experimenting and half-hearted learning. Our beginner course is designed to ensure you will be a valuable and trustworthy climbing partner. Rather than trying to cover every aspect of climbing there is, this course focusses on the absolute basics and ensures they are understood and absorbed by you.

Find out more about Beginner Course

Learn to Lead

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 2x 3 hour sessions
Cost: from £65 per person
Ratio: 1:2 to 1:6
>
Who is it for?
  • You are a competent top-rope climber
  • You can comfortably top-rope climb most grade 5 climbs
  • You want to learn to lead climb safely and competently
  • You want to learn to belay a lead climber safely
Possible locations?
  • Major indoor climbing walls

Lead climbing truly is the pinnacle of indoor climbing. Our learn to lead course will equip you with all the knowledge you need to not only climb safely with the rope below you, but also belay a lead climber safely and efficiently. In addition to the technical content we will also introduce some more advanced climbing and movement skills which not only make lead climbing easier, but also more enjoyable.

Find out more about Learn to Lead

Outdoor Climbing

If you have climbed indoors, then the obvious progression would be to tackle the real stuff. Real rock is not only a different material to climb on, but also a very different style of climbing. The unpredictability of nature and the lack of coloured routes adds an extra dimension to your climbing and requires additional focus.

Never climbed indoors before? Not a problem - traditionally, long before climbing centers existed, the entry into outdoor climbing was (you guessed it) outdoor climbing.

Taster Sessions

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 3-4 hours
Cost: from £60 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:9
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to try real climbing
  • You (ideally) don't want to climb indoors
  • You want a fun time doing something different
  • You want to surprise someone with a fun activity
Possible locations?
  • Popular locations include
    • Portland and Swanage
    • Peak District
    • Dartmoor
    • North and South Wales

Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK at the moment. Whether you want to take your first steps towards becoming a competent climber, dip your toe into the world of "real rock" or simply want to "try something new", our taster session will be perfect. Simply enjoy some time going up and down the rock face in a friendly and relaxed environment. Whether with friends, family or on your own, our instructors will take care of you, so you don't have to worry about "knowing the ropes".

Find out more about Taster Sessions

Guided Sessions

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 1 day
Cost: from £100 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:2
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to get a taste of real rock climbing
  • You want to experience traditional climbing
  • You want someone to show you hidden climbing gems
  • You want a guaranteed competent climbing partner for the day
Possible locations?
  • Popular locations include
    • Peak District
    • Dartmoor
    • Swanage and Portland
    • North and South Wales

Primarily designed for indoor climbers who fancy a "taste of real rock", our guided days will take you on a journey up some of the country's most iconic crags and climbs. Working in small ratios, our experienced guides will deliver a personal climbing day, tailored to your experience, ambition and desires. Whether you want to second them to understand gear placements better, just fancy a relaxed day of climbing at an unfamiliar venue or are eyeing up a specific route, your guide will be your competent climbing friend for the day.

Find out more about Guided Sessions

Expeditions

Ever wondered what it feels like to be carrying your home on your back, almost like a tortoise? With us you can do exactly that. On our overnight expeditions we introduce you to the joys of wild camping, that is camping away from civilisation and entirely self-sufficient in the middle of nowhere. Wild camping is exciting, pure and peaceful. Perfect therefore to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Wild camping

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 2 Days (including 1 night)
Cost: from £95 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:6
Distance: 8-16km per day
Ascent: 300-600m per day
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to experience solitude and peace
  • You want to sleep under the stars
  • You want to be or become self-sufficient
  • You want to experience the ultimate outdoor adventure
Possible locations?
  • Remote or mountaineous areas
  • Favourites include
    • Snowdonia
    • Dartmoor
    • Lake District
    • Brecon Beacons

Wild camping involves carrying all the required kit for the days walk and nights sleep on your back. This includes the tents, sleeping bags, food, cookers and other various bits and pieces. Watch the stars from your tent as the light pollution we have all become accustomed to fades into the distance and listen to nature after dark. For many who try wild camping it becomes almost like a drug, the solitude and peace when out miles from civilisation is exhilarating and sobering at the same time. Perfect therefore to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Find out more about Wild camping

Outdoor Training

At Chasing Peaks we believe in self-propelled and self-reliant challenges. While we do not offer challenge events directly, we do offer the training to prepare you for your own personal challenge and equip you with the skills to complete it safely.

Please contact us with your intended challenge so we can further discuss your requirements. If you haven't decided on a challenge yet we may also be able to provide you with some ideas for lesser known challenges that don't simply follow the herds of "three peakers".

Outdoor Skills

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: One day
Cost: from £35 per person
Ratio: 1:2 to 1:12
Distance: 6-8km
Ascent: 50-100m
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to "reconnect with nature"
  • You are unsure of how to stay safe
  • You want to entertain your family/friends
  • You want some new ideas for activities
Possible locations?
  • Anywhere with some open forest
  • In the past we have used
    • New Forest
    • Surrey Hills
    • Dartmoor

This is the perfect course if you are a bit unsure about this whole "reconnecting with nature" thing and would like a guiding hand to take you on your first steps. We will cover all the basics you need to keep yourself on the right track. We will show you some of the tricks of our trade to planning a day out and make sure you know what to do if things go wrong. Alongside the planning aspects we also cover very basic navigation, first aid and emergency procedures, as well as basic shelter building and fire safety.

Find out more about Outdoor Skills

Mountain Skills

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: 2 days
Cost: from £120 per person
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:4
Distance: 8-10km per day
Ascent: 400-800m per day
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to venture into the mountains
  • You find the mountains intimidating
  • You are unsure of how to stay safe
  • You want to take a step up from the hills
Possible locations?
  • Mountain and upland areas of Britain
  • Popular locations include
    • Dartmoor
    • North and South Wales
    • Lake District
    • Peak District

To the inexperienced, the mountains can be a daunting place with their sheer drops, steep slopes, raging rivers and changeable weather. This course will teach you how to recognise problems and dangers before they affect you and how to cope with them should you still encounter them. We will introduce you to basic mountain navigation, steep ground tactics, how to recognise changes in the weather, basic mountain first aid and what to do when things have gone badly wrong. After this course you will be well equipped for your very own mountain adventure.

Find out more about Mountain Skills

Challenge Training

The basics:
Difficulty: 
Duration: from 1 Day
Cost: on request
Ratio: 1:1 to 1:12
>
Who is it for?
  • You want to tackle a specific challenge
  • You want to be self-sufficient and skilled
  • You want to know what you are doing
  • You want to enjoy the challenge of preparing for one
Possible locations?

This will depend on your challenge

Our challenge training will consist of a bespoke training combination from our various training offerings. We will work with you to ensure all the basics are covered, while tailoring the training venues and situations to the ones you are likely to encounter along your chosen path. To this end it is nearly impossible to list the exact nature, ratios or duration of this training here without knowing your intentions beforehand. So please, give us a shout so we can informally discuss your challenge with you.

Find out more about Challenge Training

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What do our difficulty values mean?

Suitable for beginners with little or no previous knowledge and experience.
For walking activities you should be able to walk at a slow to average pace continuously for 30 minutes.

Suitable for intermediates with basic knowledge and previous experience.
Walking participants should be able to walk at an average pace continuously for 1 hour.
Climbing participants should be able to pass a belay test and/or demonstrate good bouldering practice.

Suitable for those competent at and comfortable with the basics of the activity.
Walking participants should be able to walk at an average pace and ascent rate continuously for 1 hour.
For mountain activities, you should be a little sure-footed and not hugely afraid of heights, as activities may include short sections of exposure and steep ground.
Climbing participants should be able to comfortably and competently top-rope grade 5 climbs or boulder the equivalent.

Suitable for experienced participants with above average fitness and knowledge.
Walking participants are expected to be able to walk at an average pace and rate of ascent continuously for 1 hour over broken terrain.
For mountain activities you are expected to be sure-footed, have a moderate head for heights and be happy with longer stretches of moderate exposure.
Climbing participants are expected to competently lead climb/belay and climb grade 5 indoors (or the equivalent boulder grade).

Suitable for very experienced participants with high degrees of fitness and above average knowledge of the basics.
Walking participants are expected to be able to walk to Naismith's rule (3-4km/hr + 1min/10m ascent) steadily for long periods of time over broken and complex terrain.
For mountain activities you are expected to have a good sense of balance, be sure-footed and happy with long stretches of, at times severe, exposure.
Participants are expected to show high levels of competence and self-sufficiency in their disciplines.

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Our current private course price list:
For the prices listed here, we deliver a private booking just for you, on your chosen date and time. Where practical we will deliver the booking in your chosen location, though any areas outside of our usual operational areas may incur extra travel costs. We will let you know should this be the case. You will receive a full breakdown of costs with your quote.
Scrambling£180 for the first 2 participants, £45 for each additional participant

A significant portion of the day is spent scrambling in complex, rocky and steep terrain.

Mountain Walk£180 for the first 4 participants, £45 for each additional participant

Most of the day is spent walking in the mountains, though short sections of scrambling and steep terrain may be encountered.

Hill Walking£170 for the first 4 participants, £25 for each additional participant

Days involving no possibility of scrambling and encountering rocky or steep terrain.

Lowland Walking£160 for the first 6 participants, £20 for each additional participant
Beginner Navigation£390 for the first 4 participants, £75 for each additional participant

2 days learning the fundamentals of navigating with map and compass.

Intermediate Navigation£410 for the first 4 participants, £100 for each additional participant

2 days intermediate navigation, learning to navigate off path and across open countryside.

Advanced Navigation£360 for the first 2 participants, £120 for each additional participant

2 day advanced navigation course learning to navigate in mountaineous terrain and remote countryside.