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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

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Adult £10.00

The basics

Booking number

Call 0344 249 1895

Accessibility

Route involves some slopes and hilly sections.

Meeting point

Please meet in the stableyard where you will find our toilets and close by to the Manifold Tearoom.

Suitability for children

Event suitable for adults.

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.

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.

Contact info

White Peak Estate Office

Upcoming events

Ilam Park: Highlighted Event: Earthly Delights Art Installation 

A new and exciting art installation is coming this summer! Celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Ilam Hall, Earthly Delights intertwines the stories of the past and present with an hub of plantlife.

Event summary

on
26 Jul to 6 Sep 2026
at 09:30 to 17:30+ 42 other dates or times

Ilam Park: Highlighted Event: Summer of Play 

Summer of play is back! Join in the festival feeling and explore the many exciting play opportunities for all ages, from tiny tots, to not so grown ups all for free!

Event summary

on
26 Jul to 6 Sep 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 42 other dates or times

Ilam Park: Earthly Delights: Drop in craft workshop 

Visit the Earthly Delights installation, then drop in and get creative with us!

Event summary

on
29 Jul to 19 Aug 2026
at 10:00 to 12:00+ 7 other dates or times

Ilam Park: Family Guided Walk: Geology, Archaeology and Landscape 

Ever wondered about how this magnificent landscape was created? want to learn more about the people who first called it home, and how you can spot their marks on the landscape? This is the walk for your family!

Event summary

on
30 Jul to 29 Oct 2026
at 10:00 to 14:30+ 1 other date or time