“In the mountains there are only two grades: you can either do it, or you can't”
Rusty Baille
This GPS Training course is an ideal introduction to using GPS and digital mapping, giving you the skills to navigate confidently and safely in the mountains using a GPS unit.
The day is a combination of outdoor exercises and indoor activities aimed at giving a practical insight into the potential of a GPS system and how to link it to digital mapping.
If you already own a GPS unit then we will teach you how to get the most out it. We will also provide GPS receivers for those who do not own their own, giving a valuable insight into what they may be looking for before they go ahead and purchase.
“It's always further than it looks.
It's always taller than it looks.
And it's always harder than it looks”
The 3 rules of Mountaineering
Is this the course for you?
We will provide all the equipment needed for this course, although if you own your own GPS then we will use that. No prior knowledge of GPS navigation is required for this course, although some navigation experience is needed.
It may be preferable to take one of our navigation training courses first. We run these courses 365 days a year.
What will I learn?
There is much to learn on our GPS Training Courses:
- Getting to know your GPS Unit, what the buttons and screens do
- Setting up, how to change the settings of your GPS
- Entering a Grid Reference
- Setting routes
- GPS mapping & digital mapping
- Navigating your routes
- Using your GPS abroad
- Using the internet
- Geocaching
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: The Bridge House, AmblesidePostcode: LA22 9ANGrid Reference: NY 376 046
Directions
The Bridge House is easily found in Ambleside Village, on the A591 Rydal Road, just north of the centre of the village towards the Rydal Road Car Park and the mini roundabout. The Bridge House will be found on the left of the road, opposite the SR Cunninghams / Jack Wolfskin shop.
The Bridge House, a small house built on a bridge over the beck is now a National Trust gift shop, we will meet outside the shop.
Bus Services
Ambleside is well served by buses, the main bus stop in Ambleside is 5 minutes walk away from the meet point.
- The 555 bus runs between Kendal and Keswick, passing through Windermere and Grasmere
- The 599 runs regularly through the summer months from Bowness, Windermere and Grasmere
- The 516 runs between Ambleside and the Langdale Valley
- The 505 runs between Coniston and Ambleside, via Hawkshead
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
Each participant is expected to have suitable personal equipment for their activity this should include the following:
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
If you have the following then please bring it along to the course (otherwise privided by The Lake District Walker):
For winter courses (November to March) events please also bring the following:
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink