Monday – Arrival
All arrive at Eastfield Lodge in the afternoon for homemade cookies and tea in the lounge. Join us in the evening for pre-dinner drinks and delicious canapes before a two course dinner to get to know each other better. David and Penny will enlighten you on the details of the course and be on hand for any questions throughout dinner. The weather may have an influence on the order in which we do the course but this itinerary should be a good guide.
Tuesday – Basic Navigational Skills
After a good breakfast, we will cover a small amount of map theory before heading off locally in the Dales to continue the navigation syllabus. This includes maps and scale, grid references, reading the land features and contours, orientation specific skills with ample opportunity to practice and gain confidence. With a maximum of 12 guests to two instructors we should be able to hone these skills. Packed lunches will be enjoyed on the hills before further consolidation around the table at the end of the day with tea and cake.
Evening – Tonight a three course dinner will be served with wine included to relax after the concentration of the day.
Wednesday – Practical Navigation Skills
Breakfast will be followed by a day in the hills with the focus on practical skills. Route finding and familiarity with the maps are essential skills which you can learn and practice with support and expertise. Lunch will either consist of a packed lunch or a buffet depending on our expected location at that time. It may be necessary to cover more theory back at the lodge and the weather and group needs will lead this.
Evening – A delicious cake and hot showers are in order on your return. The evening then involves you all working together to plan a route for the following day and to discuss what has been learnt so far before a two course supper.
Thursday – Basic Navigational Skills Assessment
With the route planning completed, there will be a chance to refresh the skills learnt on Tuesday as well as to learn new skills of accurately measuring distance, timing and pacing, relocating and more specific direction finding. Later it will be necessary to finish in the “classroom” with a look at equipment, legislation and access rights and a summary of the syllabus and get out for a brief and relaxed assessment. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion. Certification will follow before an optional trip to sample some local Yorkshire gin or a pint of Wensleydale Ale.
Evening – For our last evening, Henry will arrange for us to dine at a local restaurant in the market town (Pay individually) where you can celebrate your success and plan your next hill climb!
Friday - Departure
A leisurely breakfast before departure.
- National Navigation Silver Award – No dates currently booked but if you have a group of 6 or more please get in touch.
It is not possible to book this special Itinerary online. To book or if you have any questions regarding the Navigation Course, please call Henry or Penny on 01969 623196.
Terrain
The routes can include tracks, rocky paths, heather moor and muddy fields. We try to avoid roads but sometimes short sections are necessary.
Kit
The appropriate footwear is vital as well as a good waterproof coat, warm layers, hats and gloves or (even in the Dales) sun cream, a sunhat and sunglasses on occasions. Please be suitably prepared for every type of weather as it can change suddenly in the hills. We advise guests to bring a flask and a sandwich tub. We provide each guest with an Eastfield Lodge sustainable water bottle to reduce our use of plastic.
Fitness
There is no need for a high level of fitness as the nature of the course means frequent breaks whilst walking in order to cover aspects of the teaching. However, everyone on the course should appreciate that they are joining a group, who will learn in different ways. No previous navigation skills are needed.
Travel to the Lodge
Arrival on Monday can be from 4pm and by car is less than 30 minutes drive from the A1. The Lodge has limited parking but parking locally is convenient. The North East Rail link runs from Edinburgh to Kings Cross stopping at Northallerton where a taxi journey can link you to Leyburn. The buses run from Bedale but the service stops at 4pm.
N.B. The SatNav can guide guests around to the back lane which runs behind the Lodge and this is very narrow. The entrance to the Lodge and Car Park is directly from the main road into Leyburn between the Petrol Station and the Church.
Walk Days
Although some walks start near Public Conveniences, this is not often the case. Toilets are accessed with a 20p inside the National Park but wild wees are sometimes the only option! Car Parking in the Park currently in 2022 cost £4.50 for the day but we will usually work from the lodge and you will not therefore be required to drive.
The adventures we've had...
The Navigation Course costs £650 per person with 15% discount for two people sharing a King, Double or Twin Room.
It is not possible to book this special Itinerary online. To book or if you have any questions regarding the Silver Navigation Course, please call Henry or Penny on 01969 623196.
The Navigation Course costs £650 per person with 15% discount for two people sharing a King, Double or Twin Room.
This includes:
- All Professional Instruction for 3 days
- 3 Evening Meals with wine included
- 3 Packed Lunches (with sandwich filling choices)
- 4 hearty Yorkshire Breakfasts
- Your own Eastfield Lodge Water Bottle
- Prosecco & Canapes on the first evening
- Afternoon Tea and Cake each day
- Accommodation in the Lodge for 4 nights
- All equipment, maps, compasses and literature
- Registration and Certification for the Award
Not Included:
- Independent Travel to and from Eastfield Lodge on arrival and departure
- Dinner on the last night in Local Restaurant
- Any additional drinks or snacks in tearooms or pubs