Introduction to Digital Navigation

Outdoor Learning Courses

"It was such an enjoyable and informative morning. I’m quite confident I will never get lost again"

FIONA MURRAY

Have the confidence to explore new places with this hands-on outdoor session! Learn how to use a map app on your smartphone to find your way around so you can venture beyond familiar paths. This interactive learning experience will equip you with essential skills to plan routes, stay on track, and feel at ease in unfamiliar places.

What to Expect

During this 3 hour session you can expect to learn:

How to locate yourself on the map
How to create a live trace of your route
How to follow a pre-defined route
How to see if you’ve gone off-track
How to use the app to make route choices on the ground (eg if need an escape route or to go a different way from what was planned for any reason)
Understanding the map key – what do the different types of lines and colours mean
Openstreet vs Topographic maps – benefits of each
How to judge distance and therefore also time a route (or section of a route) will take
Tips for battery-saving
Free vs paid versions of mobile mapping apps
How to use these apps when you have no mobile signal

Venues/ Locations

The courses take place at various locations across Ayrshire, south west Scotland:

August, October & November 2025 – venue is Eglinton Country Park, near Kilwinning. There is plenty of free parking onsite. If using public transport the closest train station is in Kilwinning, 2 miles away. From there it is possible to cycle (approx 10 mins) or walk (approx 40 mins) or take a bus to Irvine Road/A737. From the bus stop the start point is approx half a mile /15 minutes away on foot. Eglinton Country Park is accessible by bike with good cycle parking onsite. It is located close to the National Cycle Network routes 7 and 73.

*Coming soon* New venue starting December: Dean Castle Country Park, Kilmarnock. There is plenty of free parking onsite. If using public transport, local buses stop on Glasgow Rd which is a 5 min walk from the park. Kilmarnock train station is approx 1 mile away from the park. There is also cycle parking available.

Good to Know

All participants are required to bring their own smart phone.

Pre-course information will be sent out to all registered attendees with detailed set-up instructions (saves time on the day).

The app used to demonstrate the above outcomes is Visorando, which is free to download and use. Following the course, attendees can resort to their app of choice or continue to use Visorando. All attendees of an Introduction to Digital Navigation session benefit from a 3 month trial of ‘Visorando Premium’, meaning you will have free access to all premium app features for that period. Read more about Visorando in this review.

To maximise your enjoyment of the experience, attendee numbers are limited to 5 per session.

This event is unsuitable for dogs.

The Route

We will cover a distance of approx 2.5 miles at a gentle pace, with frequent stops to discuss and learn. Expect a mixture of surfaced paths and woodland trails which can be uneven and muddy.

What to Bring

Dress for the changeable Scottish weather and lots of standing around! You may also wish to bring water and a snack you can eat whilst on the go. A fully charged mobile phone is obviously a requirement too.

Investment

£45 per person

Please read our Terms & Conditions page for more info.

Public Course Dates & Tickets

Private Courses

Private group courses for up to 5 people on a date that suits you. Ideal for staff or volunteers working with service users in the outdoors, or for members of walking groups and clubs etc. The course provides meaningful, practical and interactive CPD training. Completion certificate issued to each attendee.

£225 per course for up to 5 participants
Multi-course discount of 10% if booking 2 or more courses (ie for 10+ participants)
Location can be tailored to suit