Walk on the Dark Side!

Being out in the countryside after dark, far from being something to fear, can be an exhilarating experience. However, navigation at night or in poor visibility conditions such as fog and mist or darkness can be challenging as we can only see features a short distance away and features on the map become harder to discern on the ground.  It can also be unsettling if you are not prepared. As the mist, fog or night-time falls, accurate navigation skills are key to knowing where you are at all times.  With a focus on micro navigation skills and strategies, our NNAS Night Owl course aims to give you confidence to navigate competently and safely in the dark and in poor visibility conditions (and it will also help to sharpen your daytime navigation).

Our Night Navigation training usually takes place in the Chiltern Hills near Goring and Streatley, or Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

What to expect

Night Owl is suitable for people with some competence using map and compass and who would like to develop and practice more advanced techniques. It is ideal for people who:

• have previously attended a navigation skills course, such as the NNAS Silver or Bronze Navigator Awards; or

• are woking towards an outdoor leadership award; or

• have plenty of experience navigating with map and compass in good visibility conditions

We will be navigating along tracks and paths through a mix of farmland, woods, and village, and some pathless terrain across parks and areas of open access.

​What's included:

• Night-time navigation skills training - 4 hrs duration (at least 2 hrs in darkness)

• Expert tuition from a qualified experienced leader and NNAS approved tutor

• Small group (max 4 people) for a safe, personal learning experience

• Use of OS map and compass, if required

• NNAS Night Owl e-Certificate on successful completion

What we will cover

We meet shortly before dusk for introductions, briefing and equipment discussion.  Before setting out in to the dark we will introduce (or refresh) some navigation techniques essential to finding our way in the darkness. We then set out into the darkness to develop and practice our navigation skills and strategies. 

Key skills we will cover:

• Adapting our navigation strategies to help stay on course

• Spatial awareness in low visibility and nighttime conditions

• Accurate distance estimation - speed, timing, pacing at night, and dead reckoning

• Accurately follow compass bearings in the dark

• Using contours

• Relocation techniques

• Appropriate kit and equipment

You will be given plenty of guidance and tips along the way.

This activity is also a unique chance to walk in the Chilterns at night.  If we are lucky we may get to do some star gazing or to hear and spot the local wildlife (owl, deer, fox, badger, etc).

What do I need

Night Navigation training takes place outdoors. You will need to bring:

• Map - OS Explorer 171 Chiltern Hills West (in a waterproof map case, or the ‘Active Map’)

• Compass (the Silva Expedition 4 compass is ideal)

• Head Torch/s and spare batteries

• Watch (other than your mobile ‘phone!)

• Warm and waterproof clothing, including gloves that enable you to use a compass (it can get cold at night!)

• Snacks and drink

• Personal first aid kit

Map and compass can be provided if required. You may also wish to bring a notebook and a camera. A course briefing and information pack is provided prior to the start of the course.

Age Limits:

This open course is intented for adults. For private bookings we operate a minimum age 16 - U18s must be accompanied by parent/guardian who shall be responsible for them at all times during the activity.