Master Courses

Master Navigation Class – 3 day £180

09 - 11 August 2011

Navigation is the one area that leads to more trouble in the outdoors than virtually anything else. You shouldn't even consider going into real wilderness if you can't read a map properly. Unfortunately, many do. Countless numbers are lost or disorientated in Britain's hills and mountains every year and Mountain Rescue teams are regularly called out to deal with incidents where people have become lost. The navigation skills you develop on this course will enable you to step off the beaten path with confidence and enjoy yourself safely.

The navigation class is 3 full days in length and will take you from novice to very competent map reader. As any experienced map reader will tell you, it is vital to learn the basics and learn them well. Once you have these at your fingertips, you will be able to enjoy yourself much more, safe in the knowledge of being able to navigate effectively across mountain and moor.

The course will cover all aspects of basic map reading, including;

• different scales
• 4, 6 and 8 figure grid references
• contours and relief
• pacing
• magnetic variation
• resections
• distance, speed and time planning
• best practice in poor conditions / at night
• emergency navigation

As well as navigating your way to the top of Plynlimon and Cadair Idris during the course, you will also undertake an orienteering course (at your own pace!) For those who don't know, orienteering is the sport to take part in if you want to improve your navigation. A variety of courses are available for you to attempt, from the less strenuous undertaken completely on paths to the more complex, more physical cross-country ones. The choice is entirely yours.