Navigation

MOUNTAIN SAFETY TRAINING
The aim of these navigation courses is to give confidence in personal navigation skills. It is hoped that the courses will decrease margins of error in navigational and safety terms. Training will usually take place in the area to the west of Ben Nevis and in the Glenfinnan area.
Level 1 is aimed at spring, summer, and early autumn participants.
Level 2 is for those wanting to hone and update their basic navigational skills or who require a refresher. In the autumn the course is geared towards those aiming to go into the Scottish hills and mountains in winter.
The aim of 0

NAVIGATION & SAFETY - LEVEL 1
MAP READING, INTRODUCTION TO NAVIGATION, WEATHER & MOUNTAIN SAFETY.
2 days (weekends) Ratio 1:8

Previous Experience. Some prior map reading knowledge is advised plus at least some basic hill walking fitness
Course Itinerary. A very thorough grounding in Practical Mountain navigation will be given through some lectures and mainly practical sessions both indoors, locally and "on the hill". A mini orienteering can be included.
Course Content:-

• Choice & care of maps;
• Scale of maps;
• Grid references;
• Understanding contours;
• pacing & timing; using a compass.
• Route planning & route cards.
• Advice on mountain walking equipment.
• Mountain safety along with an introduction to emergency shelters and bivouacs.

MOUNTAIN NAVIGATION ~ LEVEL 2
2 Days w/e Max Ratio 1:6

Previous Experience. Some prior map reading knowledge is advised plus at least some basic hill walking fitness
Course Itinerary. A very thorough grounding in Practical Mountain navigation will be given through some lectures and mainly practical sessions both indoors, locally and "on the hill". A night navigation exercise and orienteering can be included.
Course Content.
Topics to be covered will include:-

• Consolidation of basic map reading & navigation skills
• use of compass with and without map,
• use of roamer and sections,
• timing and pacing over varying terrain,
• compass bearings ( transits, reciprocal bearings);
• effects of wind/weather,
• micro navigation;
• night navigation exercise
• Winter Mountain Safety including the use of winter emergency shelters, snow holing