By: Blonde Two
Dartmoor Courses
We offer a range of navigation courses, Dartmoor wild camping courses and Dartmoor experiences within the stunning scenery of Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor offers 368 square miles of beautiful countryside but many people do not have the confidence to venture off the beaten path and experience her wilder side.
But Dartmoor is for everybody!
We firmly believe that, with the right outdoor skills, Dartmoor can be for everybody, and our courses and experiences have been designed as learning experiences that encourage safe exploration and build independence. Whether you are interested in learning to navigate using a map and compass, experiencing wild camping on Dartmoor for the first time or just having some fun and exploring the landscape, we have the Dartmoor course for you.
If you have any questions, check out our FAQs at the bottom of this page!
Dartmoor beginner navigation courses 2023
We run navigation courses for adults, and really enjoy hearing about our trainees’ adventures; which to date include solo bivvy nights, long distance footpaths and wild camping adventures.
Successful navigation relies on a set of key skills and, with over 25 years of expedition teaching experience behind us, we know exactly how to pitch training to suit our group. If you want to learn to use a map and compass in a fun and relaxed environment with like-minded people, our beginner navigation courses are for you.
‘I’ve found it! This is like magic!’
Learning to navigate using a map and compass is like learning to drive, it gives you freedom. Freedom to explore safely and enjoy walking, running, cycling, and even wild swimming off the beaten path.
All of our trainees comment on how relaxed, friendly and fun-filled our Dartmoor navigation courses are, and all of them finish the day with improved skills and renewed confidence. We are looking forward to meeting you. Join us on one of our 2023 scheduled courses or get in touch to find out about bespoke courses (we also offer night navigation courses – please see below).
Sunday 8th October 2023
Come along and learn the basics of map and compass navigation. Enjoy a morning inside learning navigation skills, and then come with us out onto Dartmoor to put what you have learned into practice. No previous experience required, and we can lend you maps and compasses.
Cost: £60
Location: Princetown, Dartmoor
Time: 10:30 – 15:30 (approx)
Date: Sunday 8th October 2023
Previous Experience: no previous map and compass navigation experience required
Contact: Lucy Atkins (B1)
Dartmoor night navigation courses (adults)
Friday 10th November 2023
Navigating at night is the perfect way to hone your existing navigation skills. Find out what Dartmoor looks like (or doesn’t look like) at night and join us for this fun and exciting evening navigation session on East Dartmoor. For adults with some previous map and compass experience (or those who want to find out what Dartmoor looks like at night).
A fun way to gain extra confidence.
There’s no better way to hone your navigation skills than to try them out in the dark. A new experience with skilled guidance. Plus lots of laughter and absolutely no scary stories!
Cost: £60
Location: East Dartmoor
Time: 18:30
Date: Friday 11th November 2023
Previous Experience: Some previous navigation experience required but you don’t need to be an expert.
Contact: Lucy Atkins (B1)
‘I’m so pleased I’ve done that. Everything looks so different at night.’
Dartmoor wild camping weekends (adults)
Saturday 12th August and Sunday 13th August 2023 (£140)
‘That was the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had!’
Here on Dartmoor we’re really lucky to be the only place in England where there is a legal right to wild camp (an activity better described as backpack camping). However this doesn’t mean that you can camp anywhere on Dartmoor or that you don’t need to learn a few basic wild camping safety and environmental rules.
Our wild camping weekends are a great mix of fun and challenge and we make every effort to tailor them to meet the needs of our participants with safety, packing, food and navigation advice.
Are you looking for a new experience?
Dartmoor wild camping has been renamed Dartmoor backpack camping by Dartmoor National Park Authority and we agree. Wild camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the environment but it should always be done in a manner that looks after that environment, and doesn’t cause disturbance to other visitors.
If you fancy swinging your rucksack onto your back and setting off (not too far) to a lonely Dartmoor location, this is the course for you. We can offer help, advice and loads of fun, and we even have equipment available for you to borrow. Find out how to wild camp on Dartmoor the right way, and open up a whole new world of exploration and outdoor enjoyment.
Cost: £140
Location: Dartmoor
Time: 12:30 (Saturday) – 12:30 (Sunday)
Date: Saturday 12th August and Sunday 13th August 2023
Previous Experience: no previous experience required (we will advise you on kit and have some available to lend).
Contact: Lucy Atkins (B1)
Frequently asked questions
I’m a bit nervous, do I need to worry about anything?
Our courses are all about learning in a really fun and relaxed way. We like to laugh (but not at you) and all our clients go away saying how much fun they’ve had with us.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry but we’ve decided not to accept dogs on any of our courses (with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs)
How good do my navigation skills need to be?
We tailor our courses to suit participants. Our day navigation courses are for anyone from absolute beginners to people with a few rusty skills. To get the most out of our night navigation course, you need to have a few map and compass skills but you don’t need to be an expert (attend a day navigation course first and you’ll be set up for the night one).
I’m just starting out. Can I borrow some equipment?
We can lend you almost anything you need for either our navigation or wild camping courses. We bring compasses and maps along as standard but if you want to borrow camping equipment or clothing, please give us as much notice as possible.
How far are we going to walk?
We don’t walk very far for any of our courses. We also make sure we stick to a pace that everyone is happy with. Our courses are about enjoyment and learning, not strenuous exercise.
What sort of terrain will we be walking on?
We use footpaths, lanes and short sections of open moorland. If you’re concerned about walking off paths, we recommend bringing (or borrowing) a pair of walking poles.
Where will we be starting and finishing?
Our day navigation and wild camping courses all start at the wonderful Dartmoor Visitor Centre in Princetown. Our night navigation is at an East Dartmoor location.
Will I be able to park at the start of the course?
Yes. There is charged parking in Princetown for our day navigation and wild camping courses. The parking for our night navigation is currently free.
How many other people will there be on my course?
We like to keep things small and friendly so we have a maximum of ten people (often less) on our day navigation course, six on our night navigation course and six on our wild camping course.
Is it possible to get to Dartmoor via public transport?
The answer to this question is ‘yes’ but it won’t be the most simple journey you’ve ever made. Take a look at the Visit Dartmoor travel pages for more information.
Will there be toilets at our wild camping site?
Sorry no, this is real wild camping. You don’t need to worry though. We’ll all do the right thing and ‘go’ before we go, as well as take you through how to go to the toilet in a remote camping location.
I know I’m going to have lots of questions, will it be okay to ask them?
Absolutely yes! That’s what we’re here for. No question is a silly one, we’ve been around a while and have already answered most of them.
I can’t attend on any of those dates, can I arrange some separate tuition?
YES! We also offer bespoke courses. The rate will depend on how many people you can get together. Please get in touch to find out more.
For more information please contact us:
Email: admin@twoblondeswalking.com
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