Navigation is all about knowing how to get from A to B when out and about. We have many amazing hills and landscapes to explore in Scotland and knowing how to navigate is a must-have skill. Our courses mainly take place around the Southern Cairngorms at Glenshee, Braemar and Ballater. There are a variety of landscapes from heather moorland and pine forests to remote glens and granite topped munros to explore.
About
Price: This course costs £250 per day and can have up to eight participants. One day will allow an introduction to navigation. I recommend two or three days for a much more in-depth course, including poor visability navigation and condolidation of skills.
Under-18s are welcome; however must be accompanied by a parent throughout the course.
Bookings: See booking form here
What does this course cover?
This course will be tailored to your experience level and aims. Most courses are aimed at navigation for the Munros. The day will be outdoors on a walk practising navigation skills with map and compass.
- Basics of navigation: Setting a map and identifying landscape features
- Using OS maps
- Using a compass to take bearings
- Understanding contour lines
- Micronavigation
- Timing and pacing
- Navigating off paths
- Relocation techniques
- Using GPS and mobiles to assist navigation
- Planning and weather
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for any level and age.
Whether you are new to hillwalking and navigation or are looking to hone those more advanced navigation skills. Each course will be tailored to the participants and aims to instil confidence and self-sufficiency in navigation.
Where is it?
Navigation skills would usually be run in the glens, hills and munros around the following locations;
- Ballater, Loch Muick and Lochnagar
- Braemar with access to the southern Cairngorms
- Glenshee – The hills accessible from the Glenshee Ski Centre such as Glas Maol.
- Glen Clova and Glen Esk
Looking for a different location? Get in touch as we often travel further afield!
What kit would I need?
- Sturdy pair of shoes (walking boots, walking shoes or approach shoes)
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Warm layers (fleeces)
- Hat and gloves
- Water bottle
- Snacks and a packed lunch
- Rucksack
Why choose cove climbing?
Liam has over 10 years of teaching experience in navigation. He is a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, a Winter and Summer Mountain Leader and teaches the National Navigation Award Scheme. Liam is passionate about being in the hills and teaching others about how to be safe in the mountains so that you can have your own adventures.
During busier periods, Cove Climbing is supported by a small team of equally experienced freelance instructors. All are members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI), guaranteeing the highest standards of professionalism, safety and coaching at all times.
You can read our excellent reviews on TripAdvisor here: TripAdvisor.
How do I book or find out more?
If you have any general questions about the navigation course, please don’t hesitate to email me at liam@coveclimbing.co.uk.
If you’ve already decided this is the course for you, that’s great! You can make a booking using the form below. Navigation bookings can accommodate up to 8 participants.