A scientific study led by Mathew White of the University of Exeter Medical School in 2019 found that spending 120 minutes a week in nature significantly increased reports of good health or high well-being. Its very well documented these days that spending time in natural surroundings for exercise or to relax can be greatly beneficial for our physical and mental health.
However, there are valid reasons as to why you may have reservations about heading out on foot- getting lost, not having the confidence or skills to venture somewhere new or on your own, or a close call when you have been out. So to combat these reservations OAC can deliver several options. Taking a guided walk is a perfect way to leave behind the stresses of planning and navigating yourself, or sign up to a navigation course to learn the skills and build confidence in getting out independently.
Spaces are limited so please let me know if you’d like to come along. As the season progresses I will also be working to create some social events, community events and women’s sessions, so if you have any questions or aren’t sure which session is suitable for you just ask the question.
Navigation Workshops
Available all year round across Dartmoor, Exmoor, Cornwall and further afield, maximum group ratio 1:8
Beginner Navigation Workshop
A one day workshop introducing you to maps, map keys and scales and the foundation skills of keeping safe in the outdoors using the tools you have. This will include some simple compass work, identifying and using features of the landscape and use of tools such as measuring distance, duration and how to plan your adventures effectively.
This is suitable for beginners and creates a fantastic foundation to find confidence in planning and accessing new routes and beginning the journey in developing your navigation skills.
Intermediate Navigation Workshop (1 or 2 day course)
A one day workshop building upon your basic navigational skills. This will venture into terrain off the beaten track and hone skills in accurate compass work. We will introduce a variety of techniques that will provide you with a toolbox of navigational methods and discuss and practice why and where each method would be most appropriate. This workshop can also be delivered across two days to really make the most of learning and practising skills under instruction.
NNAS – National Navigation Award Scheme
NNAS is a great scheme for those who wish to achieve a nationally recognised certificate, or are perhaps preparing for future training and qualifications. The courses run across two days and are structured to include some classroom time and an assessment across Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards
As a NNAS Tutor I am able to deliver Bronze and Silver Awards under the providership of Break on Through Adventures. If you would like to arrange a course please fill out a contact form.
All outdoor sessions are available to book as an individual or as a group but may have minimum participants required in order to run – send an enquiry as we often have people waiting for dates to become available.
Guided Walking
Available all year round, arranged with the weather forecast in mind, exploring an area of interest or objective of your choice
Group or 1:1 guided walking – Priced as bespoke
If you would like to get out and explore an area with no concerns of planning and navigation yourself, a guided walk offers the perfect opportunity to access those adventures. These days can be tailored to your interests taking in historical sites, searches for wildlife, fantastic cafes or local village pubs. Examples of routes available include:
Dartmoor Tors – tick off as many tors as you would like, across the north of the moor there are several idylic hikes that offer stunning circular routes from Belstone, Sourton, Princetown, Postbridge and Widecombe in the Moor.
Fur Tor – venture to Dartmoors most remote tor approached from Postbridge or Mary Tavy
Dunkery Beacon and Doone Valley, Exmoor – Explore some of the beautiful rolling countryside across Exmoor and the rugged Somerset and Devon coastline.
Or set your sights on something further afield exploring our mountainous national parks such as Snowdonia or The Lake District.
Multi-day hikes – Priced as bespoke
Available all year round, arranged with the weather forecast in mind, exploring a trail of your choice
Feel like a longer route with over night stays or camping factored in? There are a wealth of stunning longer trails across the south west, take them on in full or tackle them in sections.
Abbots Way – Dartmoor east to west.
Two Moors Way – Devon’s north coast to south coast crossing Exmoor and Dartmoor
Coleridge Way – Follow in the foot steps of writers of the 18th century romantic literary movement, visit the scenes that inspired poetry and idyllic villages steeped in history throughout The Quantocks, Brendon Hills and Exmoor.
South West Coast Path – An incredible variety of rugged cliff sections to sandy bays punctuated by picturesque south west villages and towns.
Saints Way – Cornwall’s North to South Coast following Celtic Cross way-markers from Padstow to Fowey.
Outdoor Adventure Connection 