Mountaineering ScotlandAssociation of Mountaineering InstructorsBritsh Mountaineering Council
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From £75.00

Location: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis, West, Central & NW Highlands, Cairngorms, Skye, Islands

Duration: 1-3 days

Client to Instructor Ratio: 6:1 Max

Mountain Navigation Courses

Our courses are built on practical experience of navigating in upland and lowland areas, at night, in winter, in storm conditions, and every combination of these environments you can think of.

Leveraging our experience and knowledge base, we run hands-on courses focusing on real-world situations, providing practical solutions to mountain navigational challenges. We are passionate about teaching practical, useful, and, above all, accurate navigation.

 

Itinerary

Your EverydayClimbing instructor will be in touch one to two days before your course commences.  This pre-course contact serves to introduce your instructor, confirm meeting details, and provide insight into the expected weather conditions. Our instructor are readily available to address any queries you may have, ensuring you're well-prepared for your upcoming adventure.

On the Day

Bookable as a 1:1 course or up to a maximum ratio of 1:6, our navigation course explores the techniques of mountain navigation by introducing and practicing them during journeys into the Scottish mountains, ensuring that the skills are taught in a realistic setting.

On courses of two or three days, we offer an opportunity to navigate at night with your instructor, allowing us to develop and test your skills even further by navigating and locating features in darkness. This simulates poor visibility, ensuring you leave the course truly confident in your abilities.

We understand that each client is unique, with varying experiences and aspirations. That's why we tailor each course to meet your specific needs. When you meet your instructor on the first morning, it's your chance to discuss your experiences and goals, enabling the instructor to create a program that supports your development. Our low instructor-to-client ratios ensure you have ample contact time and the opportunity to explore complex terrain.

Here's a sample of some of the topics we cover:

1. Route planning
2. Understanding map scales
3. Understanding key identification systems
4. Route choice
5. Contour and landform interpretation
6. Compass use, including taking and using bearings
7. Distance systems, including pacing
8. Timing systems
9. Relocation methods
10. Advanced techniques, such as slope aspect, boxing and re-sections
11. Group navigation
12. Night navigation

A one-day course is ideal for those keen to learn the basics for staying safe or those who wish to refine specific areas of their skill set, such as pacing, bearings, timings, or contour interpretation.

A two-day course is perfect for those aiming to gain a practical working knowledge of the techniques required to safely navigate in typical mountain terrain, in a wide variety of conditions.

A three-day course is perfect for those who wish to become fully confident in accessing remote areas of the UK mountain environment.

Not quite what you're seeking? No problem! We specialise in organising climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering guides for any route in the Scottish Highlands or islands. From the dramatic sea-stacks to the legendary Skye Cuillin, we've got your adventure covered. Feel free to drop us a line with your specific requirements, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.

Dates and Prices

Dates

This course is available year-round and can be scheduled on any day that suits your plans. Courses run between one and three days, depending on your experience and aspirations. Reach out to discuss your specific requirements or contact us using the form below.

Prices

Our prices are comprehensive and cover the following:

  • Information and support prior to the course
  • An AMI accredited, insured, and fully qualified guide
  • Professional-grade navigation equipment for each participant
  • Mountain safety gear
  • Memorable photos of your adventure

One person - £220 per day

Two people - £270 (£135 per person) per day

Three people - £315 (£105 per person) per day

Four people - £370 (£92.5 per person) per day

Five people - £420 (£84 per person) per day

Six people - £450 (£75 per person) per day

Is this for me?

Our courses are custom designed to elevate your current skill set and help you achieve your navigation goals. Whether you aspire to tackle simple mountain routes with a degree of safety or aim to enhance your abilities to conquer more challenging, longer, and remote routes, we've got you covered.

While you don't need technical mountain experience, a foundation in summer hillwalking is essential to make the most of this course. Join us, and let's embark on a thrilling journey of skill development and adventure.

Kit list

Required

• 25-35l backpack

• Mountain walking boots

• Water bottle or flask

• Food and extra food (min. 1000cals.)

• Head torch and spare batteries 

• Thick socks

• Waterproof jacket and trousers 

• Thin fleece or light insulated jacket

• Thick fleece or mid insulated jacket

• Warm hat

• Gloves

• Hiking trousers

• Synthetic/merino base layers

• Personal medication

• Sun lotion & sun cap

• Midge repellent/head net

• Waterproof stuff sacks for everything

• Compass (Silva type 4 )

• Waterproof map case (Ortlieb case)

 Optional

• Gaiters

• Walking poles

Provided

• Ordinance Survey maps of the planned areas

• Compass

• Waterproof map case

• Emergency shelter

To guarantee your comfort and security throughout our activities, we strongly advise all participants to come prepared with the complete equipment listed. While our activities may proceed even if participants do not have the entire kit list, please be aware that EverydayClimbing and our instructors retain the right to modify the itinerary or conclude the activity early should the absence of essential equipment pose an elevated risk to the group, exceeding acceptable safety standards.

As part of our unwavering commitment to eliminating barriers to outdoor adventures, we offer a selection of equipment available for use by anyone, with no questions asked. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Just drop us a line to let us know what you require.

Enquire today