“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.
“Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence”
Hermann Buhl
What does the course cover?
- Two full days 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
- Re-orientating yourself if you do get lost
- Training and Assessment to Silver NNAS standard.
- Certificate for successful candidates assessed to Silver level
- Mountain weather - how the weather affects our route planning and choice during the day
- Emergency procedures in case of an incident
- Choice and use of equipment
What is the NNAS?
The National Navigation Award Scheme is a nationally recognised structure for the provision of navigation training courses. It is arranged into 3 levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. A two day navigation course can include the training and assessment of the Silver NNAS award which is ideal for those looking to navigate in mountainous terrain. There is no need to have taken the bronze course prior to the silver award.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Outside the Britannia Inn, Elterwater
Postcode: LA22 9HP
Grid Reference: NY 327 048
Directions
From Ambleside take the A593 (Coniston) for 3 miles, turning right at Skelwith Bridge onto the B5343. After 2 miles turn left into Elterwater Village and The Britannia Inn is on the village green.
Bus Services
The bus stops in Elterwater opposite the meetpoint.
The 516 runs between Ambleside and the Langdale Valley.
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:
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Great course in beautiful scenery Review by Jack
Despite having planned, led and navigated many walks over the years I learned an enormous amount on this course and would highly recommend it. The course has given me greater confidence in walking in the hills in poor conditions having been taught various (new) techniques during the excellent 2 day course.
John led the course very well leaving us to use the techniques in a hands on way whilst gently leading us in the right direction where needed.
It was also very enjoyable.
Thanks John for a great experience. (Posted on 26/11/2024)
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Nnas silver nav course Review by Ian
John has a wealth of knowledge and experience and put across what we needed to know to get through the course in an easy and practical way. The two days was very enjoyable and would be interested in the gold award once I have had chance to put my current knowledge into practice. (Posted on 25/11/2024)
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Very informative and supportive Review by Lynda Lancaster
Very informative and supportive. John had excellent interpersonal skills, inspiring confidence whilst ensuring the team met the standards over, at times, difficult terrain. (Posted on 13/10/2024)
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Excellent value for money (NNAS Silver) Review by Matt
Had a fantastic weekend with Jeff. Would absolutely recommend this course to anyone looking to refresh skills that may have fallen by the wayside over time. Jeff was extremely knowledgeable, very calm, friendly and patient with me, which was greatly appreciated. I will definitely use LDW again for future courses. Thank you. (Posted on 04/03/2024)
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Thank you Review by Cecilia
Dear John and Neil,
Thank you so much for the two day navigation course which I did with you both a couple of weeks ago. I am particularly grateful to Neil who amazingly, has succeeded in getting me to let go of my fixation with the compass and pacing and use observation and timing more which makes the walking much more enjoyable too. The day after the course, I even had the confidence to go up the small black dotted path from near Calf Crag rather than the green path, to Codale Head (I think it's called) and across to Sergeant Man and High Raise. I have wanted to get to the Sergeant and High Raise for about 3 years but was nervous of navigating up there on my own. So was thrilled to lay those ghosts to rest so a very big thank you to you both. I'll certainly be in touch when I'm next in the Lakes.
With kindest regards.
Cecilia
ps. I now have a big chunky digital stopwatch instead of my timer in a plastic bag, and will continue to take on board all of Neil's other suggestions re: equipment. (Posted on 06/06/2017)
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nnas course Review by Rachel
Hi
Please pass on many thanks to Rob and Ellen for a great 2 day course and their infinite patience and knowledge.
Kind regards
Rachel (Posted on 25/07/2016)
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2 day navigation Review by Chris
Hi John
Would like to say thank you to you and Ross for my 2 day course I feel the knowledge you both got across was excellent and look forward to using the skills in the near future and will definitely look at future courses with yourself and your team. (Posted on 28/07/2015)
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