Ilam Park: 2026 Guided Walks: Map Reading for Beginners
Join us for the day and learn a skill that has been used to travel the world for thousands of years!
- Booking essential
Fed up of following a dot on your phone screen? What will you do if your battery dies? How will you find your way if there's no signal? Leave your phone in your bag and learn the basics of map reading with our expert guide.
Join us for a half-day navigation skills walk starting at Ilam Park, where you will build your confidence in using a map and compass with the guidance of our walk leader, Mike. Together, we will explore the history of maps, explore key skills in map use, explore the symbolism used on maps and how they relate to the landscape and navigate a short walk through the local area; perfect for those who enjoy walking and wish to explore further without using a mobile phone but may lack experience in map reading. During this session, you will gain valuable knowledge on how to use an OS map, understand its features and symbols, and learn how to plot your own routes in the future. We grade our guided walks A, B or C depending on how challenging the walk will be. This walk is graded B - a medium walk with some hilly terrain. The walk will be approximately 4 miles Voucher is included for 10% off at Ilam Tea Room and free car parking redeemable on the day of the walk.
This event, like all our events, is open to members of the National Trust and non-members. Money raised goes back into looking after the White Peak.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £10.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
Event suitable for adults.
- Meeting point
Please meet in the stableyard where you will find our toilets and close by to the Manifold Tearoom.
- What to bring and wear
Wear sturdy shoes and come prepared for the weather, that might be sunhats or raincoats. Please bring plenty of water and a packed lunch.
- Accessibility
Route involves some slopes and hilly sections.
- Other
There is no admission charge for entry to Ilam Park and for our guided walks your car parking is included in the price of the ticket. Please note no dogs on this walk due to the nature of this walk managing navigation skills.
Upcoming events
Ilam Park: Spring Highlight: Easter Adventures back in time!
To kick off our 200 years of Ilam Hall celebrations, travel back in time to play, create and build on our fun filled Easter trail!
Dovedale: Spring Highlight: Easter Adventures at Dovedale
Celebrate Easter at Dovedale this year with a trail with a giant difference! Hunt down 10 giant eggs along the valley and learn about nature along the way.
Ilam Park: Little Explorers Club
Step into the countryside with your little one at Ilam Park’s free monthly preschool nature club. Each session is set in the Coach House, with gentle adventures into nature, hands‑on seasonal crafts, and cosy story time.
Dovedale Big Litter Pick
Join us for a few hours at Dovedale and get your steps in, picking litter along the valley so the National Nature Reserve remains a great place for nature and people alike.