This is the Introduction to Mountain Navigation Course that we run. If you enjoy the outdoors, being able to read a map and navigate effectively is undoubtedly an essential skill. As well as being fundamental to your safety, it’s also helpful in planning more interesting days out and exploring areas you otherwise wouldn’t access. In itself, it can be rewarding and satisfying to navigate successfully around the route you intended.
Course Aims
This course is aimed at starting to equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to navigate in the outdoors in good weather conditions. It’s the foundation course that will help prepare you before you learn to tackle more demanding navigation conditions which are covered in more advanced courses.
What will I learn about? – Examples:
* Map basics including symbols and scales
* ‘Setting the map’ in order to follow ‘linear features’ such as paths and tracks
* Looking at contours on the map, to help you interpret major landforms on the ground such as hills and valleys
* Simple use of the compass
* Measuring distances on the map then judging these on the ground using ‘timing’ and ‘pacing’
Is this the course for me?
No previous navigation experience is necessary in order to take part in this course. The course focuses on teaching navigation, not covering long distances – so it isn’t physically demanding. However, we may still be walking in moderate hilly terrain so a basic level of outdoor fitness will be beneficial.
How long does it last?
The Introduction to Navigation Skills course lasts for two days, starting at 9.15am and finishing around 5.00pm on each day. We are happy to sit with you in the evening on the second day to review learning and guide you in terms of your next steps.
Outline Programme
We will always try to be flexible and tailor courses to suit the groups learning needs, but here’s a general outline.
- We’ll meet up in the morning and quickly chat about your aspirations and experience over tea /coffee, followed by a brief indoor session
- We then head off outside to spend the majority of each day undertaking practical learning.
- We’ll incorporate indoor sessions, reviewing learning over a brew and cakes.
- At the end of the second day, there will be the opportunity to wind down in the evening at the pub where we can review learning at an informal session!
Using different types of maps and venues helps to accelerate learning. We try to break the days up using several venues. These will be no more than a short drive apart and we can car share as necessary.
Where are the courses?
Our Navigation courses take place within the stunning surroundings of the Lake District, but we’re conveniently located to take groups further afield into the wilds of the Northern Pennines or into Southern Scotland. Please drop us an email or give us a ring to talk through what you’d like to do.
Group size and instructors
To ensure you get the most out of the experience, there will be no more than six course participants to at least one fully qualified Mountain Leader and we will often use additional instructors where possible.
What about equipment?
Included in the cost of the course, we will supply Maps & Compass (if you have your own, you are welcome to bring these).Equipment you will need to bring along for the course:
- Sturdy waterproofed boots
- A waterproof top and trousers and a warm layer
- A pair of gloves and a hat
- Water bottle – (If you also bring a flask, we’ll be happy to provide free tea or coffee)
- A Packed lunch
- Personal medication
Course Price
£ 119 per person – This covers:
- Course fee
- Use of any equipment provided by us
- Tea/Coffee & Cakes during indoor sessions
- Detailed course notes (and photographs where applicable)
- Free email enquiry service for 12 months after the course
Full details and instructions will be provided when we receive your course booking.