“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.
Bus Services
Legburthwaite is well served by buses, the bus stop is 5 minutes walk away from the meet point.
The 555 bus runs between Kendal and Keswick, passing throughAmbleside, Windermere and Grasmere.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:
Summer Courses:
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
Winter Courses:
- Walking Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned: