Navigation for Beginners - 1 Day

In this one day Beginner Navigation Course we will work on ensuring you are comfortable with using a map to navigate around footpaths and bridleways in Upland and Lowland areas.  This course is ideal for those who have little to no experience of navigation, as well as those who are familiar with using well waymarked trails, but want to become more comfortable and proficient at heading on to less well marked footpaths, bridleways and other trails. 

​

Your Instructor for the day will be a highly experienced, passionate and professional Mountain Leader (ML) or Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI).  

​

All of our instructors are highly trained and experienced in teaching Navigation.  Your instructor will also be carrying emergency gear such as emergency group shelters, first aid kit etc.

​

We will focus on:

• Understanding your map and reducing map 'noise' (knowing what information to look for and what to ignore).

• Orientating the map, and understanding how it relates to the world around you.

• Understanding basic use of a compass.

• Perfecting the use of the D's of Navigation (Distance, Duration, Direction,  Destination)

• Navigational errors.  How to spot when you've made an error and how to relocate yourself on your map.

​

Structure of the day

​

We will begin at 0930.  This will normally be in a pleasant cafe somewhere close to the location listed on the course date (Our courses usually run from the Ambleside/ Coniston/ Glenridding are).  We will spend a little time getting to know each other and our maps while having a cuppa before heading out into the hills.  We endevour to spend as much time outside as possible, so if the day is particularly pleasant we may skip the cafe.

​

We believe in giving everyone the time they need to learn, ask questions and become comfortable with the focus points of the day.  Therefore the day will move at a relaxed pace, with everyone getting the opportunity to ensure they have fully grasped each new skill before we move on to another.

​

​

What do I need/ How fit do I need to be?

​

I am sure it will come as no surprise that the day is likely to involve quite a lot of walking.  It is not mandatory for us to aim to summit any mountains, however you should expect plenty of uphill walking on a variety of terrain and not just wide, flat trails. 

​

Equipment:

• Walking Boots/Shoes with good socks

• Rucksack

• Water

• Waterproof Jacket AND Trousers

• Appropriate walking clothing (no jeans or tracksuit bottoms)

• Enough warm clothes

• Hat and gloves if needed

• Sun cream (if needed)

• Personal Medications

• Cash/Card

• OS 1:25000 Map for the area (if unsure which you need please ask).  Maps are available to rent for £8 per day

• Compass. Available to rent for £4 per day (or £10 when combined with a map).

​

​

Make it a 2 Day Course

Combine your 1 day beginner course with our 1 day Intermediate course the next day.  By combining with our 1 Day Intermediate courses, which run the day after our Beginner course you  will gain a much more comprehensive set of skills and knowledge.

 

By Combining the two the price is discounted to only £85 for the two days.  

​

​

​

DATES:

​

14th March - 4 Places Remaining

​

6th April - 6 Places Remaining

​

11th April - 3 Places Remaining

​

18th May - 5 places Remaining

​

27th May - 6 Places Remaining

​

6th July - 6 Places Remaining

​

3rd August - 6 Places Remaining

​

​

Contact us for more information or to book.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​