Introduction to Route Planning & Navigation

October 17 - 19th 2025

We have planned an amazing weekend based from Ollerbrook Farm Bunkhouses, this event is run by women, for women and non-binary folk.

Here's what to expect;

We'll meet at the bunkhouse on Friday evening after 17:30. We know a lot of people will be coming after work so it'll be a chance to chill and get settled while everyone arrives. We'll enjoy a group dinner in the evening with a chance to start to get to know each other. Your host from Bird Outdoors will run through the plan for the weekend with you and look at some basic map work.

Saturday morning will start with a group breakfast.

You'll recap some of the information from the night before with your Mountain Leader for the weekend. The group will then head out into the surrounding hills to practice the skills learned in the morning.

You'll then head back to the bunkhouse for a refresh then a whole group dinner.

Sunday morning will be our last group breakfast of the weekend before spending the day out on the hill practicing the skills learned from the weekend so far.

Who's the weekend aimed at?

First and foremost this weekend is aimed at women and non binary folk who feel comfortable in a space that centers the experience of women.

This weekend is an introduction to navigation and map reading so is aimed at those with little to no experience in these areas. The plan for the weekend is to start gaining confidence in getting outdoors whether that's with friends, on your own or as part of a group. If you're unsure whether this is suitable for you please drop us an email _ info@birdoutdoors.com

What do we cover?

• identifying and understanding symbols on an OS map
• basic map reading skills including orientating the map and grid references
• using the orientated map to identify land features and indicate direction of travel
• using linear features (e.g. paths and tracks) 
• measuring distance on a map
• calculating how long a route will take
• planning a route, using route cards
• what to take in your day pack

What's included in the ticket price?

• 2 nights stay at the Ollerbrook Farm Bunkhouses _ we have the Nabs View Bunkhouse as private hire so it will only be our group all weekend. There are three shared bedrooms with bunkbeds.
• All meals for the weekend - all meals provided will be vegan/vegetarian
• Parking on site for cars and bikes
• Qualified Mountain Guide for the whole weekend.
• Whatsapp group for all attendees to meet prior to the event

What isn't included?

• Travel to and from the Ollerbrook Farm Bunkhouse
• Snacks for the weekend
• Any clothing or equipment (if this is going to be a barrier to your attendance please contact us as we may be able to help)

What do I need to bring?

Any clothing or equipment (if this is going to be a barrier to your attendance please contact us as we may be able to help)

• sleeping bag or duvet _ bunk has a mattress with fitted sheet and a pillow with pillow case
• towel
• backpack
• comfortable walking boots
• hiking clothes (plus an extra layer for when we're out)
• hat and gloves
• waterproof coat and trousers
• comfy clothes for back at the bunkhouse
• water bottle and/or flask for hot drink
• pen and paper/ note book
• eye mask and ear plugs for communal sleeping! 

Community Funded place:

Through our Bird Outdoors Community Fund we are offering one space on this course free of charge to someone who would otherwise not be able to attend the weekend. If you would like to take advantage of this place please email us on info@birdoutdoors.com

Minimum numbers:

This event needs a minimum of 8 people booked on to run. Minimum numbers have now been reached - this event is going ahead. 

Cancellation policy:

You can secure your spot with a £100 deposit, which is fully refundable until we confirm that the trip has met its minimum number of participants. After that point, refunds are available up to 45 days before the event.

Within 45 days of the event, refunds or credit are no longer available. However, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else, provided the event is suitable for them. If we have a waiting list, we can offer your ticket to those on the list and issue you a refund if it’s taken.

Please note your 10% first order discount code cannot be redeemed on this event.

If you have any questions at all about the weekend please drop us an email - info@birdoutdoors.com