Hi, I’m Cathy and I created Heads Up Adventures to help people build confidence with map reading & compass skills whilst experiencing the mental, physical and social benefits of simply being outdoors.
You can join my Nav & Natter walks and develop your skills in a variety of stunning locations in the South Downs. PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS, these sociable walks introduce you to all the basics of navigation, with plenty of opportunities to practice the skills with my support & guidance. I also run Sussex based guided walking weekends and an opportunity to join me for a weekend in the mountains.
Please have a browse through my website to see more details of what I offer and I hope you’ll feel inspired to get in touch and join me on the hills in 2026.
PS photo featuring the fabulous Hattie who often joins my walks & surely can read a map by now…
Navigation Courses
Nav + Natter
A taster session for complete beginners to get to know your map & open up a whole new world of walking.
- Half Day, 5 km, £45
- Full Day, 8 km, £65
Nav + Natter PLUS
A chance to refresh and progress your navigation skills, in particular focusing on route planning strategies and developing confidence with the compass.
- Full Day, 8 km, £75
- Half days available on request
NNAS Bronze Course -South Downs
The Bronze National Navigation Award is a practical hands-on award aimed at people with limited or no navigation experience. This is a two-day course covering map reading and basic compass skills with lots of time to practice outdoors.
Dates: 31st October – 1st November
Night Navigation
A fantastic confidence booster if you’ve done Nav & Natter or Explorer walk or already have some experience.
Sometimes walks can take longer than expected, or the fog comes in and you end up walking in poor visibility – a night nav session will give you more confidence in poor visibility.
Adventure Weekends
Choose from a selection of weekends encouraging you to embrace your adventurous mindset and try something new. Ranging from navigation-focused weekends to learning how to pack a rucksack & carry your kit to a semi-wild camp to a guided walk trip to the mountains. Whatever you choose, I guarantee you’ll have plenty of laughs, feel fantastic for being outdoors and make wonderful connections with like-minded people.
Carry Your Kit + Camp
Experience the wonderful freedom and liberating self-reliance of carrying all you need on your back for a short walk and a semi-wild overnight camp.
Gumber Bothy Experience
Take some time out with friends and enjoy guided walks in the glorious South Downs with an overnight stay at the unique & remote Gumber Bothy in West Sussex.
Expect incredible views, stunning sunrise & sunsets, lots of laughter and more!
Walk + YHA Weekend
The perfect weekend away for those who love a little more luxury at the end of a walking day.
This is a 1.5 day guided walking weekend on the South Downs, starting and finishing at YHA Southease near Lewes. It’s a full day out on the Saturday followed by a relaxing, sociable evening at the YHA, and a stretch it out 5km walk Sunday morning, heading home by lunchtime.
Introduction to the fells and mountains of the Lake District
Gather a group of friends & enjoy up to 2.5 days of fantastic guided walks near Ambleside.
This weekend is aimed at people who want to expand their walking experiences & feel immersed in a mountain environment without necessarily hiking up the highest peaks.