Map Reading Courses
Our Map Reading & Navigation Courses are perfect if you want to learn or improve your map reading and compass skills. You will learn to navigate safely in mountain or lowland environments. We will give you the tools and confidence you need to plan and enjoy your own hiking adventures.
Snowdonia Map Reading & Navigation Courses
All our Map Reading & Navigation Courses take place in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park.
Beginners Map Reading Course description
This course is ideal for those who have little or no navigation experience. You will learn to use a map and compass so you can confidently follow the right footpath and not get lost even in poor visibility.
You will learn:
- To identify and follow footpaths
- How to navigate in poor visibility
- Map symbols
- Identifying large and small features on a map
- Orienting the map
- Taking and following a bearing
- Interpreting contours
- Basic handrailing techniques
- Measuring timings (using Naysmiths rule)
- The Grid System and Grid References
Improver Navigation Course description
This course is ideal for those who want to refresh and improve their map reading and compass skills. If you have a few 'mountain days' and want to take your navigation skills to the next level then this course is for you.
You will practice:
- All the skills from the Beginners Map Reading Course
You will learn about:
- Navigation techniques away from footpaths-
- Measuring distance with pacing
- Catching features and their practical application
- Relocation techniques
- Micro Navigation
- Aiming off
- Boxing around obstacles
Please contact us to arrange this course.
Advanced Navigation Course description
The Advanced Navigation Course is perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds and get off marked footpaths with confidence. It is also suitable for people wishing to do their ML (Mountain Leader) training or as a refresher before their assessment.
You will practice:
- All the skills from the Beginners Map Reading Course & Intermediate Navigation Courses.
You will learn:
- The importance of contours and how to use them to proficiently navigate
- To identify and use smaller map features
- Night Navigation
- How to use 'dead reckoning'
- Planning and following a multi-leg route on complex terrain
Cost includes
- Qualified and experienced Instructor
- Map and compass (for the day)
Cost excludes
- Personal walking kit
- Food and water
- Accommodation
- Car parking
- Transportation
Please contact us to arrange this course.