Most of the course are instructed by me, Lizzy, a qualified Mountain Leader based in the heart of the Peak District. Occasionally, one of our small team of experienced instructors will also lead the course. All of our leaders are qualified, first aid trained, and fully insured.

A full kit list will be sent out before the walk. But in general we require everyone to have: 

• Rucksack
• Water
• Plenty of snacks 
• Warm layers & Waterproofs
• A small first aid kit with any personal medications
• The relevant 1:250000 OS Map – we recommend you have your own, which you can buy from us or if you prefer we can lend you one 
• A base plate complass with map measuring scales – we recommend you have your own which you can buy from us or if you prefer we can lend you one
• A waterproof map case if you don’t have the active all weather OS map

If you are struggling to get hold of any of these, please contact us. 

• Qualified, experienced and friendly walk leaders, all of which have public liability insurance and are first aid trained 
• Instruction and guiding throughout the day
• The opportunity to meet like-minded people 
• Pre-walk support/information from Whats Not To Hike 

• Not included:
  • Travel to/from the walk
  • Parking charges 
  • Food/drinks
  • Accommodation before, during or after the course
  • Maps and compasses

A kit list will be provided to you before the course but in general:

• Walking boots or trainers with a good grip
• Good socks
• Layers: base layer (e.g. shirt or t-shirt), mid layer (fleece jumper or similar) plus additional layers depending on the weather. Try to avoid cotton if possible as it isn’t great when wet.
• Trousers/shorts: No jeans 
• Waterproof coat
• Gloves, scarf, hat/sun hat depending on the weather. 

Please contact us at whatsnottohike@gmail.com if you don’t think you have the equipment/clothing. We are always happy to recommend appropriate kit at an affordable price, or it may be that we can lend it to you for the day. Our aim is to get as many people enjoying the outdoors as possible so we don’t want kit to be a limiting factor!

We work on the ratio of 1 instructor to 4 participants. This enables the group to remain a nice size for everyone to see demonstrations, get assistance and enjoy the day. We will never have more than 8 participants (2 instructors) on any course. 

I will let you know as soon as the course is confirmed. If there is only one person booked onto the course then it will be cancelled at least a week in advance. In this case, you can either transfer to another course or receive a full refund (please note that any additional expenses incurred cannot be refunded).

It is unlikely there will be toilets on the walk, but we aim to start and finish at a location where toilets are available. 

We are big dog lovers, but due to this being a training course we don’t allow dogs on it. However, if there are a few of you wanting to do this course with your dogs then get in touch as we are very happy to run a dog-friendly private course! 

We don’t walk long distances on these courses, as the emphasis is on teaching you navigation skills and how to be safe when out on a walk and then giving you time to put these into practise.  If you are unsure please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

All cancellations must be made by email to whatsnottohike@gmail.com.  If its 8 weeks before the date of the course/event, we will give a full refund, less 20% of the course/event cost to cover administration fees. 

If its less than 8 weeks until the course/event starts then once notified of the cancellation, WNTH will try to resell your course/event place(s) if the course/event achieves full capacity. If WNTH is able to re-sell your place(s) prior to the commencement date of the course/event, you will receive a full refund less 20% of the course/event cost to cover administration fees. Refunds will only be made after the commencement date of the course.

You are also welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else but please let us know at least 48hrs in advance as they will be required to complete the Medical Declaration and Consent Form.

In the event that its within 8 weeks of the course and WNTH is unable to re-sell your place(s) prior to the course commencement date no refunds will be given. To cover this eventuality we recommend an insurance policy that includes cancellation or curtailment of your course or trip

Yes, and it’s something we have done quite regularly for friends or couples! Please do contact us to discuss what you would like and for how many people. 

It is essential that you let me know about any medical conditions, injury or illnesses when booking and that you also let your instructor know at the start of the course. This information will remain completely confidential but it is essential to ensure the safety of you and other group members. 

All our instructors have professional indemnity and public liability insurance. However, you may wish to consider buying personal accident and cancellation insurance for yourself.  

Unless we consider it unsafe then the course happens in all weather. Certain parts of the course can be carried out in a café, such as looking at and discussing different types of maps, so if needs be we can try and time this with the worst of the weather. In poor conditions, we may adjust the timings or change the start location. Please note that we cannot provide refunds if you choose not to walk due to the weather. In extreme circumstances we may need to cancel the course– if we cancel then you will be offered a full refund or the chance to transfer to another course of the same value. We are not liable for any additional expenses incurred.  

These are all non-residential courses, however there are lots of nice B&Bs, hostels and hotels in the Peak District. 

It is great that they want to join. For participants aged 14 to 17, we ask that a parent or guardian also books a place on the walk. If you have children under 14, please contact us before booking. We have offered private whole family navigation days before so if this interests you then get in touch. 

Please don’t worry. We have a lot of people join our courses by themselves, and everyone is given a warm and friendly welcome. You will be joining a group of like-minded people all wanting to learn navigation, so you already have a common goal! 

The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a practical, non-competitive scheme designed for all ages to learn navigation skills and gain the confidence to get outside.  The NNAS Bronze award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework ( SCQF) at Level 4, and the NNAS Silver award at a Level 5. 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion of either award. Please be aware, this is not a leadership qualification.

You may not! But doing a navigation course with an NNAS instructor means that you can be assured that the instructor has the right qualifications, is using best practice techniques and has been accredited by NNAS to teach navigation. Accreditation means the NNAS quality assures the course.