Course Information

If you want to know about what to expect or what you need to bring own a course, then this is the page.  If after reading through this page, you still have questions, then give a call or drop me a line.

Generally speaking there’s nothing terribly technical needed for a walking weekend or navigation course. If you’re a regular walker you’ll know how difficult it is to get it right – it can be warm and sunny one minute and wet and windy the next.

Bring your regular walking kit for the time of year but maybe add another couple of layers into the mix in case the weather changes it mind.

If you’re new to walking there are a few rules to stick to. Wear layers rather than one thick garment. Layered clothing helps trap warm air and can, of course, be peeled off gradually as one gets warm. On your legs, avoid jeans at all costs.  Feet – boots with good grip on the sole is almost essential for the high moors; walking shoes, again with good grippy soles, are fine for the limestone if you don’t need ankle support but be aware that conditions may make their use difficult.

Waterproofs, suncream, insect repellant, hats, gloves, shorts etc etc. I could go on but wear sensible clothing for the conditions.

The Silva Navigation School no longer loans out maps or compasses for courses.

You will need to bring a Dark Peak (OL1) (for all silver, gold and contour only courses) and White Peak (OL24) (bronze courses and one-day courses) Explorer map (1:25000 scale).

You will need to bring a compass with you (one per participant).  I recommend a Silva Compass which can be bought from my website (please allow up to 10 days for delivery).  They can be bought elsewhere online and in outdoor shops if course, too!

If you have any concerns about the physical requirements of the courses or holidays please refer to the accessibility statement.  Please call or email me for further details.

Finally, of course, I recommend you buy a copy of one of my navigation books as this will form the basis for the weekend’s instruction. Further details on the books page.

Accommodation in Tideswell is not included in the price of the Silva Navigation School courses but there is plenty in Tideswell and the surrounding area to suit all tastes and budgets from pubs and bed and breakfast to self catering.

For B&B and self-catering accommodation in and around the village see the Visit Tideswell website.

There is a nearby Youth Hostel (Ravenstor) and a campsite just on the edge of Tideswell near Little Hucklow (Bushey Heath Farm 01298 873007) and another in Blackwell, just off the A6, 3 miles from Tideswell. 

Accommodation must be booked directly and not via The Silva Navigation School. For details of accommodation further afield go to the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s web site.

The weekends are based at The Anchor Inn on the edge of Tideswell, which serves excellent food. Food is served from 6 pm each evening. Most people choose to join us from 6 pm onwards, where we can swap tales and get to know each other (the evening tuition starts at 7.30 pm).

If you think you might be late or prefer eating later, then this is usually possible. Please order your food before the evening session starts (which usually finishes by 9 pm at the latest). You can of course make your own meal arrangements.

N.B. Meals are not included in the price of the weekend.

Lunches may be available from your accommodation or there are suitable shops in the village.

Travel Planner

For a comprehensive travel planner website that covers both public and private travel options visit Travel Line. Enter Tideswell or SK17 8JZ as the destination.

Please note that despite the fact that we run Navigation Courses, we take no responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of information given on external websites.

Most weekends are run by Pete Hawkins, a qualified mountain leader, freelance journalist and the author of “Map and Compass; the Art of Navigation” an “Navigation; Techniques and Skills for walkers” and “Navigating with a GPS; effective skills for the outdoors” all published by Cicerone. He has been teaching map and compass skills for over thirty years and led walking holidays around the world for 17. He has written extensively for Britain’s leading walking magazine, Country Walking. Pete’s approach is a practical one, based on years of teaching the subject.

He’ll be joined by suitably qualified and experienced tutors, some he’s worked with for many years. Together they’ll give you a thorough grounding in the skills necessary for effective navigation.

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