Nav & Natter (Navigation for Women)

Our evening ‘Nav & Natter’ workshops are for WOMEN only.  They offer a space where women can develop and practice their map reading and navigation skills in a women’s only environment.  Here, you can be safe and be yourself, ask questions and gain the confidence to create and enjoy your own adventures in the great outdoors.

Whether you are a complete beginner, or wanting to refresh or refine some skills, these bite-size practical workshops aim to help build confidence in a relaxed, supportive, and encouraging environment. 

Nav & Natter workshops is also available for private booking. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

What to expect:

We walk about 2 – 3 miles and progressively introducing aspects of navigation, such as making sense of the map and relating it to the features around you, map setting and compass work, knowing where you are, distance and timing, route planning strategies, learning the lingo of navigation, and more!  Each walk will have a different focus and can be tailored to you.  There is plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions, and for having some fun! 

Small group (max 6 people) to ensure that you get the most out of the session.

Activity Fee: £15 per session, or £40 for a block of three (see course dates).

What do I need:

• OS Map Explorer 171 - Chiltern Hills West, and compass (we have plenty of spares if you would like to borrow - just let us know)

• A good, comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots

• Comfortable warm outdoor clothing, including waterproofs in case of rain

• A small rucksack for personal provisions, including snacks and water

• Drink and food for personal consumption during the walk

Joining instructions and activity information will be provided before the day. Please read our ‘Need to Know’ before booking.

Participation Statement:

Walking, even at low level, is an activity with a danger of personal injury. There are many variables including, but not limited to, weather, personal fitness level, terrain features and outdoor experience that must be considered prior to walking. By booking this activity you, and those you are booking on behalf of, acknowledge and accept these risks and are responsible for your own actions.

Bookings, and your participation on the day, are accepted on the understanding that you, and those you are booking on behalf of, have a reasonable and suitable level of physical and medical fitness and ability to take part in the activity. If you have any concerns about your readiness to take part, please discus this with us before booking.

Covid-19 Risk: If you think you may have any symptoms linked to COVID-19 please do not come to the walk. Check Government guidance. We recommend participants carry a face covering and hand sanitiser.

Your Instructor:

Your instructor will be Philippa, an experienced outdoor professional and accredited NNAS course provider. She will expertly guide you through your navigation skills training in a relaxed and encouraging environment. To ensure that you get the most out of the activity, the Instructor-Participant ratio is 1:6 (max).

Course Location and Duration:

These evening sessions takes place in the South Oxfordshire Chilterns around Henley - see course dates for venues. The mix of rolling hills, farmland and woodland provides a perfect environment for learning and developing your navigation skills.

We start each session at 6.30 pm, and finish by 9.00 pm.

Weather:

We will review the weather forecast the day before and will contact you if we have to change our plans. This, however, is only likely if we consider the weather conditions to be a real risk to our safety. Please ensure that you check the weather forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! No refunds will be made if you decide not to walk due to weather conditions. If you need advice, please get in touch.

Cancellation:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel and event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund or transfer to another course.

By You: We require 21 days cancellation notice prior to the event, otherwise we will charge you a cancellation fee as below.

• 50% of the total paid where cancellation takes place up to one week prior to the day of the activity; or

• 100% of the total course fee where cancellation takes place within the final week before the commencement of the activity or course; or

We will accept reasonable requests to transfer to another programmed activity. Such requests must be made in writing at least 7 days prior to the booked activity and are subject to a £5 fee.