FAQ’s

All prices include the guidance and tuition from me, a qualified mountain leader and navigation tutor. I have full public liability insurance, I am DBS enhanced checked and am current in industry recognised outdoor first aid.
You will be provided a map and compass on navigation courses unless you choose to bring your own.
Personal clothing and equipment, food and drink is not included. Accommodation is not provided unless expressly stated in a multi-day activity.
Once you book you will always have pre and post course support for as long as you need it.

There are no age restrictions on walks or navigation courses, but children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. If you would like to make a booking for a child under 14 on a navigation course, I would advise you contact me in advance to discuss. Otherwise, I absolutely welcome young people and encourage their outdoor learning and adventure!

Dogs are not permitted on navigation courses to ensure that all participants have the best possible environment for learning.  Well behaved dogs that will be kept on a lead at all times are permitted on walks with prior agreement.

For most courses and walks you will need a basic level of fitness and be able to walk for a few hours on undulating terrain. For courses and walks in mountainous areas you should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable walking uphill. You will not need to be an athlete (I am not!) and I will always tailor the pace of the day to ensure everyone, at every level of fitness, is comfortable and without embarrassment.
If you have any disabilities, visible or not, or have any other specific needs, then please get in touch with me to discuss and I welcome the opportunity to adapt all of my courses and walks to be achievable by everyone.

For the Silver NNAS award, it is not a complete beginner course, so you should have some experience of using a map and be comfortable following marked paths and trails. Knowing commonly used terminology for navigation is not necessary, but could be helpful. We begin the Silver with a recap of Bronze skills so you can be reassured that you will be up to speed by the time we move on to more advanced navigation techniques away from paths.
For the Gold NNAS award, ideally you would have already completed a Silver award or have completed the Mountain Leader or Hill and Moorland Leader training course. If in any doubt then please contact me to discuss.

My walks and navigation courses will go ahead in most weather conditions, even if it is raining. However, if there is particularly inclement weather such as strong winds, heavy rainfall or storms, that I feel would make the day dangerous, then I may alter the route to avoid the bad conditions or postpone the day. I will endeavour to make that decision no less than 24 hours prior to the event, however, I may have to make the decision at any time before or during an event for your safety. If that happens before an event then you would be offered an alternative date or a full refund – see my booking terms and conditions.

Airbnb | Holiday rentals, cabins, beach houses & more

For Chilterns based courses and walks here are some suggested options (I am not affiliated with any of them and cannot make any assurances):

Camping
White Mark Farm, Caravan & Camping Site, Watlington, Oxfordshire
Chiltern Retreat – Rural Camping in the Chilterns – Rural Campsite in the Chiltern Hills
Home Farm Camping Glamping and Caravan Site

B&B / Hotel
The George & Dragon, Marlow – Hotel & Gastro Pub in Marlow (Marlow)
The George & Dragon (West Wycombe)
Travelodge in Marlow Hotels in Marlow
4 star Hotel in Watlington near Thame | Mercure Thame Lambert Hotel
The Fat Fox Inn | rooms in Watlington | 13 Shirburn Rd, Watlington OX49 5BU, UK

For Eryri courses here are some suggestions, although there are countless others! (Again, I am not affiliated with any of them and cannot make any assurances):

Camping
Bryn Tyrch Farm Campsite | Campsite | Book Now Bryn Tyrch Farm, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy LL24 0EL
Gwern Gof Isaf – Campsite in Snowdonia
Garth Farm Campsite, Capel Curig near Snowdon in Snowdonia
Dolgam Campsite and B&B near Betws-y-Coed / Capel Curig in Snowdonia

B&B / Hostel / Hotel
Plas y Brenin | National Outdoor Centre | Courses in Snowdonia ⛰️
Tyn-y-Coed Hotel | Traditional Welsh Inn | Zip World
The Rocks at Plas Curig, Snowdonia Hostel, North Wales
YHA Idwal Cottage Hostel | Cheap Bangor Youth Hostel Accommodation
Travelodge Bangor and Caernarfon Hotels in Bangor

I have full public liability insurance, but I would advise you to consider your own personal accident and cancellation insurance. The BMC offers travel and trekking insurance https://services.thebmc.co.uk/insurance