navigation
...not all those who wander are lost...
In summer conditions we are blessed with many visible features to navigate by, and hazards which, with good planning, are generally easy to avoid. That said, the weather in the mountains can be changeable, and even during the summer months it can be all-too-easy to become disorientated. Navigation is not about being perfect 100% of the time, and although we may strive to achieve this, it is just as important to be able to remain calm, be methodical, and problem-solve, during times of error or inaccuracy.
These courses will give you ability to get your navigation right, and also provide you with the confidence and skill to correct yourself, should you ever get it wrong.
All of the following courses are based out of Llanberis, in Snowdonia National Park, and will run from 8:45am til 5pm, unless stated otherwise. Prices are per person. Recommendations and advice for accommodation can be found at the bottom of this page. Meeting places will be confirmed at the time of booking. Typically the ratio of instructors to participants is 1:6 or less. If you are a larger group than 6, and/or an individual or group who wish to have a course run in your area, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations.
These courses will give you ability to get your navigation right, and also provide you with the confidence and skill to correct yourself, should you ever get it wrong.
All of the following courses are based out of Llanberis, in Snowdonia National Park, and will run from 8:45am til 5pm, unless stated otherwise. Prices are per person. Recommendations and advice for accommodation can be found at the bottom of this page. Meeting places will be confirmed at the time of booking. Typically the ratio of instructors to participants is 1:6 or less. If you are a larger group than 6, and/or an individual or group who wish to have a course run in your area, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations.
learn Navigation
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If you are a beginner, or may not have used a map for a little while, then this is the course for you. Learn the fundamental skills and principles of navigating, enabling you to feel confident to head out into the mountains on your own or as part of a group of peers.
✓ Understanding and orientating the map ✓ Recognising symbols and shapes ✓ Route planning ✓ Keeping track of where you are ✓ Contour clues ✓ Basic uses of a compass |
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Title:
Learn Navigation Learn Navigation 2-day 1:1 Private tuition 1:6 Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
6 6 1 6 |
Price:
£70 £120 £240p/d £65p/d |
Ratio:
1:6 1:6 1:1 1:6 |
Navigation improver
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If you feel like you know the basics, but wish to learn new techniques and improve your current skills, then this is the course for you. Positively build on what you already know, refreshing and adding depth to your pre-existing knowledge.
✓ Navigating by map alone ✓ Recognising features, and estimating distances ✓ Navigational strategies including pacing and timing ✓ Relocation tools, and grid references ✓ Contour interpretation ✓ Further uses of a compass |
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Title:
Navigation Improver Navigation Improver 2-day 1:1 Private tuition 1:6 Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
6 6 1 6 |
Price:
£75 £125 £240p/d £70p/d |
Ratio:
1:6 1:6 1:1 1:6 |
NAVIGATION MASTERCLASS
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If you can already navigate, but wish to take your skills to the next level, then this is the course for you. Analyse and refine key navigational techniques and apply them confidently wherever you go. There is always something new to learn and this course will prove it.
✓ Map memory, and different types/scales of maps ✓ Trustworthy vs un-trustworthy features ✓ Further navigational and relocation aids ✓ Navigating by contours alone ✓ Advanced uses of a compass ✓ GPS, and altimeter devices |
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Title:
Navigation Masterclass Navigation Masterclass 2-day 1:1 Private tuition 1:6 Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Dates on demand Please select preferred dates Please select preferred dates |
Spaces:
6 6 1 6 |
Price:
£80 £130 £250p/d £75p/d |
Ratio:
1:6 1:6 1:1 1:6 |
navigating at night
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If you are a competent navigator, but struggle when the visibility is limited, then this is the course for you. Apply your navigational skills in a safe environment and leave feeling confident to navigate in any level of visibility, from dense cloud to complete darkness. This course starts at 12:00 noon and ends at 8pm, so that we can progress our skills into darkness.
✓ Poor visibility navigational strategies ✓ Planning a safe route ✓ Using your compass effectively in poor visibility ✓ Contour interpretation when visibility is limited ✓ Relocation techniques and problem solving |
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Title:
Navigating at Night 1:1 Private tuition 1:6 Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please select preferred dates Please select preferred dates |
Spaces:
6 1 6 |
Price:
£50 £200p/d £45p/d |
Ratio:
1:6 1:1 1:6 |
- What is included in the price?
Instruction at the above ratios, tea/coffee at the start of the course, all emergency first aid equipment, and additional maps and teaching resources, where appropriate. - What is not included in the price?
Accommodation, food and drink for the day, personal insurance and personal equipment (unless stated otherwise). - What is the minimum number of participants required to ensure my course runs?
3 for all of the above courses at a 1:6 ratio. And, with fear of being obvious, 1 for 1:1 private bookings! - Who will staff my course?
Your course will be staffed by me or another fully qualified mountaineering and climbing instructor (MCI), or a British mountain guide (BMG). - Can I hire walking boots from you?
No, sorry. Because of vastly different shoe sizes from person to person, I do not stock a large range of walking boots. However, there are numerous shops and hire services available in the local area to your course, or you can Get In Contact if you need any more help acquiring a pair. - Can I hire a rucksack from you?
Yes, please arrange this at the time of booking. Rucksacks cost £20 per person, per day. A deposit of £75 to cover any damage or soiling of the materials is required. - Where can I stay?
There are a variety of options in Snowdonia, to suit everybody's tastes and budgets. There are many more options than the ones suggested below, and of the options suggested below, all operate independently from me:
Hostels - Plas Curig; YHA Pen-Y-Pass; Snowdonia Mountain Hostel.
Campsites - Bryn Llys; Gwynant campsite; Llanberis campsite; Gwern Gof Isaf; Gwern Gof Uchaf.
B&Bs - Glyn Peris; Snowdon View; The Ferns Guesthouse; 'Air BnB' options are also available. - What kit do I need to bring?
For all of the above courses you may be out in the mountains all day, and therefore will require the following:
1. Warm clothing, including suitable hats, gloves and sunglasses where appropriate
2. Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
3. Walking boots
4. Food, drink and personal medication
5. Small personal first aid kit, if required (to include things like blister plasters, suncream)
6. Mobile phone and whistle
7. Personal walking poles
8. Compass (Silva Type 4 recommended)
9. Waterproof map of the area (OL17 - OS Explorer Active Map Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa recommended), or a non-waterproof map of the area (OL17 - OS Explorer Map Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa) and a waterproof map case
10. Head torch and spare batteries
11. Rucksack (30L minimum recommended) and waterproof liner
Have a question about something else? Try the Frequently Asked Questions page.
"Alex was great. We had a wonderful day out, and the skills and techniques we worked on were explained and demonstrated exceptionally well."
E. Pintado (Learn Navigation course)
E. Pintado (Learn Navigation course)
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