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4-Day Navigation & Wild Camping Course – Lake District, UK
Master the art of navigation and reconnect with nature in one of the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Join us in the heart of the Lake District for an unforgettable 4-day journey combining traditional navigation skills with natural navigation techniques, all while wild camping in the mountains.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is open to everyone, regardless of background or prior experience. Whether you're completely new to navigation or looking to deepen your mountain skills, this course offers a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
What Makes This Course Unique?
Our blended approach makes this course unlike any other:
Traditional Navigation: Learn to confidently use map and compass in varied terrain.
Natural Navigation: Read the landscape, sky, plants, and other natural signs to find your way – no tools required.
Wild Camping Skills: Set up camp in remote areas and live comfortably in the hills.
Mountain Living: Get hands-on experience with stoves, shelter systems, and leave-no-trace practices.
Course Breakdown: Day by Day
Day 1 – Foundations & First Steps
Meet at base location in Buttermere at 1pm.
Introduction & gear check
Basics of map reading: symbols, contours, scales
Wild navigation walk: intro to natural signs
Camping for tonight is on the campsite with showers, toilets, wifi etc.
Camp setup, stove use & safety, group dinner
Day 2 – Into the Hills
Compass use & bearings
Pacing and timing techniques
Identifying features in the landscape
Observing sun movement, plants, wind direction
Navigate to first wild camp spot
Day 3 – Challenge & Confidence
Route planning and solo navigation tasks
Natural navigator challenges: follow clues in the land
Wild camp in a remote mountain spot
Evening reflection and story-sharing
Day 4 – Journey Out & Consolidation
Sunrise navigation session
Group-led hike back using learned skills
De-brief and personal development planning
Farewell & return to base by 2pm
What You’ll Learn
Practical map & compass confidence
Reading terrain & interpreting natural signs
Decision-making in the outdoors
Campcraft & lightweight living skills
Problem solving, resilience, and self-reliance
What's Included
Instruction from qualified, experienced and friendly Mountain Leaders
FREE compass for every participant
Support before and after the course
What You’ll Need
Personal kit list provided upon booking
A sense of curiosity and adventure
No prior experience required
Accessibility & Inclusivity
We’re committed to making the outdoors more welcoming. If you have specific needs (financial, physical, cultural, or otherwise), please reach out and we’ll do our best to support you.
Book Your Place
Location: Lake District, UK
We meet and host the first preparation day in Buttermere before traveling on day 2 to start the wild-camping element. We’ll selected the exact area of the Lakes we’ll hike and camp in based on the weather at the time, so we may need to drive a little ways on the morning of day 2 to make the best of the environment.
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights. 1pm Day 1 to 2pm Day 4. (1 Night on a campsite in the Buttermere, 2 nights Wild Camping in the Lake District)
Price: £350
Questions? Contact us at theteam@howlbushcraft.co.uk
Ready to navigate with confidence?
