Navigation for Trekking
Skills course

+ Expert instruction on finding your way in the mountains
+ Helpful for summer trekking and general walking
+ An enjoyable group weekend trip

Latest news May 2013
We were thrilled to introduce our new navigation courses for 2012; now for 2013 we offer 3 dates in Spring and early Summer. Please join us for these enjoyable weekends. Thank you.

Join us for an enjoyable weekend course, to pick up essential elements of mountain navigation. We start from the basics of map and compass skills, then apply these to trekking in the mountains.

What the course is about
This course is for anyone who would like to learn or rediscover the essentials of mountain navigation. We focus on map and compass skills, which are the core elements of safe navigation in both UK and Alpine areas. We learn how to take bearings in order to walk in the correct direction, and how to relocate ourselves when unsure of our position. Particular attention will be paid to applying these key skills to a trek, with a focus according to the trekking plans of participants on each course. Using a GPS can be an interesting additional element but is not essential, so we keep to the key skills of map reading and compass work on this course.

What we cover
The course will include all of the following elements, although greater emphasis and time will be spent on certain ones. We learn how to:

Identify symbols on the map
Use a compass
Set a map
Take a 6-figure grid reference
Follow a bearing in the hills
Relocate ourselves if lost
How to speed up our navigation
Deal with likely scenarios on a trek

How to prepare
There are no pre-requisites and the course is open to all. We concentrate on the practical areas with a highly interactive approach. The course will be entirely outdoors in the Lakeland hills and participants should bring their normal walking kit.

Assessment
The course does not contain any assessment; it is purely instructional.

Where the course takes place
This two-day course involves two full days of walking, learning navigation skills outdoors in their proper context. We walk in the hills around Grasmere, which give us the right mix of terrain. Small hills like Silver How and Loughrigg Fell are ideal for navigation practice. Once you arrive at your accommodation on the Friday, no further transport is needed during the weekend. Full joining details will come in your info pack before the course.

Where we stay
Your accommodation is our super guest house in Grasmere. The group has breakfast together each morning. In the evening, you are free to explore town for dinner. Grasmere's small town centre is lively and has plenty of pubs and restaurants. Or, we can include dinner at your guest house.

Make it a longer trip
Please ask us about combining this course with any of our Lakeland trips, for a longer stay in the area... and time to consolidate new-found skills. For example, our 4-stage South Lakes Circuit goes near Grasmere, while our similar North Lakes Circuit gives a contrast in scenery. Or, join us on the Coast to Coast West to trek part of a famous trail.