We specialise in small groups (no more than 1:6) so that we can achieve the best ratios enabling you to learn more.

On our courses we will cover the essential skills to help you navigate simply and efficiently in low or bad visibility. On beginner/intermediate courses we spend around 1hr or so indoors learning the basics of map reading, the scales used, what contours lines are as well as how grid references work and taking compass bearings from a map and then using them in the outdoor environment. The rest of the day is then spent outside on and off marked paths and tracks.

At the next level up on intermediate/advanced we will refresh the basics at the start of the day before heading straight outside in to the local hills and mountains.

We use the Ordnance Survey 1;25000 scale map of Snowdonia, Its map number is OL17.

Some of the things we cover on our courses are:

The Grid system and Grid References
Symbols for Public Rights of Way and the CROW Act
Contour Lines
Map Scales used by hill walkers
Work out personal pacing lengths over 100 metres
Micro Navigation - techniques which concentrate on using short distances and/or navigating to smaller features on the ground.
Use of the compass to take bearings from a map
Macro or large area navigation techniques
Pacing distances
Estimating times taken using Naithsmiths Rule
Walking on general compass bearings and dead reckoning bearings
Aiming off
Hand-railing features
Attack points
Identifying Spurs and Re-entrants, and other Physical Features
Other important information for the hill walker

Night Navigation Sessions

These are evening sessions that can be added to any of our normal navigation courses or taken separately. The session focuses more on micro navigation, pacing and timing as well as getting you used to walking and map reading with a head torch on and working with the shortened distances that you may, or may not be able to see! Navigating in the dark or in very bad visibility needs and extra degree of awareness and on this session you will learn simple steps to help keep you focused and safe when navigating with a map and compass at night. These evening sessions usually last around 4hrs. Maximum teaching ratio 1:6.

2008 Course Dates

One Day courses cover Beginner to intermediate level and Two Day courses cover intermediate and advanced on the second day.

Beginners/ Intermediate

Intermediate/ Advanced

Course Dates 2008: Brecon Beacons

Please contact us for dates as these courses are run on demand, generally we need a minimum group size of 4 for a course to run.