Navigation Skills Course

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.

Booking Enquiry

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