Navigation Skills Course
Navigation is one of the most important of all outdoor skills.
This course is aimed at people who want to learn or refresh their navigation skills.
These map & compass skills are essential to keeping yourself safe among the Scottish hills, by keeping to a safe route and always maintaining awareness of where you are; all without being reliant on fickle technologies such as GPS.
Navigation is also a fascinating subject in itself, and a very satisfying one to put into practice.
What You’ll Learn
- Map Reading
Understanding how the map relates to reality. Learn to read contour lines like the back of your hand.
- Grid References
Learning how to give your exact location, and why it is important.
- Compass Skills
Taking bearings and sightings, then putting them to use.
- Distance, Speed and Timing
Keeping track of how far you have come and how far you have to go.
- Relocation
You don’t know where you are. Now what? Figure it out.
- Route Planning and Navigation Legs
Working out the most effective way to get from A to B
- Mental Mapping
Explore how navigation works in the mind – how we find our way, why we get lost, and why GPS can lead you into trouble as well as to safety.
Private Course Options
1 Day Course
Designed with beginners in mind. We will focus on the most essential skills needed to walk Scotland’s hills. We will develop our skills in straightforward terrain with plenty of navigational features.
Price: £250
2 Day Course
Builds on the essentials developed on day one. We will have more time to practice our skills and cover different navigational techniques. Try navigating some more challenging/interesting terrain.
Price: £350
Location
We are based near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park. Our navigation courses are designed with hillwalking in mind so we will typically visit the northern Cairngorms. Other locations available by request.
