“The mountains will always be there, the trick is to make sure you are too”

Hervey Voge

This mountain navigation course is ideal for anyone who wants to be self sufficient in the mountains of the UK.

This course is perfect for anyone with little or no prior navigation experience. Whether you are a hill walker who wants to be able to head out in all weathers, considering enrolling on the Mountain Leader scheme, or a climber who wants to be able to navigate from the top of the route back down to the pub in the dark, the skills are the same.

If you have existing navigation skills we will be able to build on these over the course.

The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 18, although we do allow under 18's if they are accompanied by an adult. There is no maximum age and we regularly get a mixture of ages and experience and are used to tailoring the course to meet the needs of a varied group of people.

“Doubly happy, however, is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach”

John Muir

What does the course cover?

One day of practical navigation in the mountains of Cumbria
Introduction to different map scales
Setting the map
Interpreting contours
Key symbols, i.e. how to find a footpath, fence, stream, etc., and how to interpret them
Planning and following a route using paths and other key features
How to plan and follow a route across featureless terrain
Estimating distances using pacing and timing
Navigating in poor or limited visibility
How to use the compass

Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.

Where to meet: Legburthwaite Car Park, St John's in the Vale
Postcode: CA12 4TQ
Grid Reference: NY 318 195

Directions

Legburthwaite can easily be found on the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick, just to the north of The King's Head Inn and Thirlmere, turn off the main road onto St John's In The Vale road, pass the Lodge in the Vale and the car park will be seen on the left.