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Step Up Your Navigation for Women in Exmoor

Holnicote House
With Compliments

■ Location: Exmoor

■ Duration: 4 nights at an HF Country House

■ Board Basis: Full Board

■ Travel Dates: Nov 2026, Nov 2027

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Choice of Walking Grade: 6 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 79kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£429

pp

Members From

£399

pp

Members Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
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Fancy taking your Navigation further then join us on this Step Up Your Navigation holiday for Women. The first day you’ll revisit essential skills from the Bronze syllabus before completing the NNAS Silver Navigator Award, you’ll learn how to navigate off-path using advanced map skills and compass techniques. This holiday is exclusively for Women and is ideal for those who have some Navigation experience and are interested in going straight to the NNAS Silver Navigator Award.

Accommodation

HF Country House
There’s plenty to look forward to at this beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. The location couldn’t be more perfect; within rolling-out-of-bed distance from Exmoor National Park and an easy drive from Dunster Castle, Coleridge Cottage, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, and the sandy delights at Porlock and Minehead. The walking opportunities here are standout, too, not least for the trails around the Quantock Hills, Dunkery Beacon, Bossington, and a section of the England Coast Path that takes you on a glorious journey along the county’s coastline.
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Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Moderate walking grade 6

Moderate walking grade 6

Longer full day walks with more ascent and varied terrain. Good fitness and agility are needed. Typically, 9-10 miles (15-16km) with around 1,500ft (460m) of ascent.

What You’ll Love

  • Having the chance to complete the NNAS Silver Navigator Award
  • Building on your navigation skills through practical indoor and outdoor exercises
  • Learning how to accurately use a compass
  • Joining a group of like-minded women
  • The expertise of a knowledgeable and experienced tutor
  • Staying at our country house
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 8 people to 1 leader)

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Registration with the NNAS

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

At 17:00 meet your leader and fellow guests in reception where you will have a welcome to the course.

Our first day will be spent as a refresher day covering some areas of the Bronze Navigator Award syllabus to help prepare you before completing the Silver Navigator Award. Some of the skills you will be covering are: 

  • Navigate using a variety of maps and scales. 
  • Use 4 and 6 figure grid references with worded descriptions to define the position 
    of a map feature and to locate a feature on the ground. 
  • Orientate the map using handrails, obvious point features and major landforms. 
  • Use linear features (e.g. paths, tracks, clear boundaries) as handrails in simple 
    navigation exercises. 
  • Relate prominent landforms such as large hills and valleys to corresponding 
    contour information on the map. 
  • Orientate the map by aligning a compass needle against grid north and be aware 
    that magnetic variation causes an inaccuracy. 
  • Use an orientated map to confirm the direction of travel. 
  • Use clearly identifiable features to confirm position along the route and to 
    recognise when the target has been overshot. 

Our days will be spent working through a range of practical indoor and outdoor exercises that will help us cover the Silver Navigator Award Syllabus. 

  • Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze Award in the context of Silver Award navigation strategies. 
  • Relate small hills, small valleys, prominent re-entrants and prominent spurs to their corresponding map contours. Use prominent hills, ridges, spurs and valleys as a means of navigation in good visibility. 
  • Use landforms and point features to orientate the map and as collecting and catching features. 
  • Use a compass to: Accurately follow a bearing; aim off; check the direction of handrails and other linear features. 
  • Deviate briefly from a compass bearing to avoid obstacles or difficult terrain and accurately regain the original line. 
  • Use back bearings to check route following accuracy. 
  • Measure distance on the ground in varied, open terrain using timing and pacing and make practical allowances for any discrepancies. 
  • Simplify legs using coarse navigation, attack points and fine navigation. 
  • Recognise dangerous or difficult terrain on map and ground. 
  • Plan and implement navigational strategies based on the above skills. 
  • Maintain route finding accuracy in poor visibility or darkness. 
  • Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques. 
  • Understand how personal fitness and nature of terrain affect route choice both at the planning stage and on the ground. 
  • Understand the potential consequences of fatigue and physical discomfort in demanding terrain and/or extreme weather conditions. 
  • Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid items for walking in open country in all weather conditions. 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Countryside Code, current access legislation and the environmental impact of walkers on the countryside. 
  • Understand the responsibilities of walkers towards other countryside interests such as farming, forestry and conservation. 
  • Understand how outdoor activities impact on the environment and how that impact can be minimised and sustainable use promoted. 

 Assessment for the Silver award is optional.

Pre course reading material:

OS map reading tips

Countryside Code

Mountain Rescue stay safe fact file

You will be outside for parts of the course and there will be some standing around outside so please bring warm clothing with you. You can expect to walk between 7 to 9 miles each day. 

The course includes map work exercises and walk planning in the evenings. Maps will be provided for use during the course, but you will need to bring a compass we recommend a compass which has a baseplate, 360-degree protractor, map measuring features, plus scales of 1:25k and 1:50k an example compass is the Silva Expedition 4. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. 

View all

Accommodation

Holnicote House

There’s plenty to look forward to at this beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. The location couldn’t be more perfect; within rolling-out-of-bed distance from Exmoor National Park and an easy drive from Dunster Castle, Coleridge Cottage, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, and the sandy delights at Porlock and Minehead. The walking opportunities here are standout, too, not least for the trails around the Quantock Hills, Dunkery Beacon, Bossington, and a section of the England Coast Path that takes you on a glorious journey along the county’s coastline.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Helping you enjoy the Great Outdoors - A natural focus on walks 

Walks talks and Discovery Points 
Our founder, country pastor turned social innovator, Thomas Arthur Leonard, was passionate about encouraging people to explore the countryside. His legacy continues in HF's continued focus on walking.  Many guests choose to travel with us on guided or self-guided walking holidays, and as such, evenings at our houses are often busy with walk leaders hosting various briefings and talks.  On guided walking holiday arrival days, there are walking information briefings before dinner, and for the duration of any guided walking holiday there will be a Walks Talk before (or on occasion after dinner), to go through the following day's walk options.  Self-guided walking guests, and those on special interest holidays (where there is free time to explore independently), are of course welcome to also join in these Walks Talks - please talk to the team locally if you have any queries. Our Discovery Points are filled with handy maps and route notes, designed to ensure everyone, not just those booked on a guided walking holiday, can enjoy the beautiful countryside settings that our HF houses enjoy.  

The walking day 
Prior to setting off on guided walks, our HF Holidays Leaders run through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure walkers have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.  

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You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

 •  32 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 43 guests minimum •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & high chair  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Two lounges  •  Garden with croquet lawn  •  Well-behaved dogs welcome on self-guided holidays  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation 

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Holnicote House has 32 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers. 

We love: The rooms in the main building or the thatched grounds, especially Rooms 1 and 4. The first floor rooms have fabulous views across Crawter Hill and Dunkery Hill. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Holnicote House

Address

Holnicote House
Selworthy
Minehead
Somerset TA24 8TJ

Tel: +44 (0)1643 862013

By train

The nearest station is Taunton.  

Check National Rail for train times and routes. 

By taxi

From Taunton train station it’s a 27-mile journey taking 1 hour.

For pricing, please contact Minehead Taxis directly.

Minehead Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Minehead Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1643 704123

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Holnicote House.

*Minehead Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By bus

The number 28 bus runs between Taunton station and Minehead, taking around one and a half hours. At Minehead, change to the number 10 bus to the Selworthy turn (at the end of Holnicote House drive). A two-minute walk along the drive will bring you to the house.  

For bus times, check Traveline. 

By car

There’s free car parking at Holnicote House if you decide to drive.  

From Bridgwater take the A39 though the southern outskirts of Minehead towards Porlock. You’ll find Holnicote House on the left about four and a half miles out of Minehead.  

By air

The nearest airport is London Heathrow. 

Take the train to London Paddington station where there are direct trains to Taunton. It’s a relatively straightforward journey that’ll should take around 2.5 hours.  

Bristol Airport is also an option. From here, you can take the bus and train to Taunton. 

Check National Rail for routes and train times. 

More Information

Weather conditions can change throughout the day, and conditions in the mountains may be cold and windy even in summer. Use the following list as a guide when preparing for your holiday.

Essentials

  • Suitable waterproof walking boots with ankle support and good grip

  • Waterproof jacket and waterproof overtrousers

  • Gloves and a warm hat, even in summer

  • Spare warm clothing, such as a synthetic insulated jacket

  • Comfortable walking clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)

  • Warm mid-layers, such as fleeces

  • Rucksack with a waterproof liner

  • Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre

  • Head torch or small torch for all winter walks and mountain walks throughout the year

  • Compass with a baseplate, a 360-degree protractor, map-measuring features and scales of 1:25,000 and 1:50,000, such as the Silva Expedition 4

  • Sun hat and sunscreen

Recommended

  • Cushioned walking socks to help prevent blisters

  • A first-aid kit, including plasters, blister treatments such as Compeed

  • Sit mat

  • Walking poles, particularly useful for descents

  • Insect repellent

  • Flask for hot drinks

  • Durable lunch box

  • Gaiters

  • Notebook and pen for taking learning notes

Carbon Footprint - 79kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Dates & availability

Step Up Your Navigation for Women in Exmoor

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2026

With Compliments Save £200 Per Person

9 Nov - 13 Nov 2026

4 nights. Trip notes

Selected Free Drinks & Free Double for Sole Occupancy Room - With Compliments T&Cs apply

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£629 £429

pp

Members

£599 £399

pp
Single rooms
Book Now

2027

15 Nov - 19 Nov 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£649

pp

Members

£619

pp
Single rooms

£689

pp

£659

pp
Book Now
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.

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