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Mountain Navigation course

mountain navigation:

Improvers

Improve your navigation skills with focused training on contour interpretation and effective compass use.  We will develop your mountain navigation strategies. This hands-on course builds confidence for safe, independent travel in UK mountain terrain.

This course is delivered by mountain professionals and the syllabus has been designed by the LDM team.  This is our recommended navigation course as it allows for more contact time with the instructor. 

 

 

2 DAY COURSE 

 PRICES:£180pp

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COURSE OVERVIEW

Develop your mountain navigation skills with our comprehensive 2-day course designed for those looking to improve and advance their abilities. This course covers all the essential navigation skills needed to confidently move around the UK’s mountains.

You’ll deepen your understanding of contour interpretation, refine compass use, and learn how to build effective navigation strategies, as we provide the opportunity to practise your navigation techniques in varied mountain terrain and conditions.

COURSE OUTLINE

  • Building on Basics:

Course intros where we can review and reinforce foundational navigation skills to prepare for more advanced techniques.

  • Map Types & Selection:

Explore different map types and learn to choose the most appropriate map based on the terrain you’ll be navigating.

  • Improving Map Reading Skills:

Deepen your understanding of contour lines and terrain features, including identifying spurs, valleys (re-entrants), saddles, and other landforms with greater accuracy.

  • Distance Measurements & Pacing:

Improve your ability to measure distances by using the compass accurately, using the correct scale and learn to adjust pacing for different terrains to measure distances more precisely.

  • Fine-Tuning Compass Techniques:

Improve and consolidate compass skills for accurate navigation, including taking and following precise bearings. ​

  • Practical Navigation Exercises:

Apply your skills in real outdoor settings through guided navigation challenges. Focus on integrating map reading, compass use, and terrain association to build confidence and accuracy in varied mountain environments.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Enjoy a small group setting with a maximum 1:4 instructor-to-participant ratio, ensuring personalised coaching and plenty of individual support.

  • This small group ratio ensures focussed time with an instructor where no one is left behind.

  • Learn from expert guides experienced in delivering Mountain Leader training and assessment courses; meaning we are involved with, and deliver navigation training for other mountain instructors. 

  • Gain focused guidance on navigation skills to boost your confidence and safety in the mountains.

  • The supportive atmosphere encourages questions and provides tailored feedback, creating a positive learning environment for all skill levels.

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SKILLS COVERED:

  • Measure distances

  • Timing

  • Pacing 

  • Aiming off

  • Attack points

  • Intricate contours & ground interpretation

  • The compass and its features

  • Compass bearings & accurately following bearings across open ground 

  • Navigate away from marked paths 

  • Relocation tactics 

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

  • This course is ideal for those with basic navigation skills who want to improve their accuracy and confidence in the mountains.

  • Perfect for hill walkers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to deepen their map reading, compass use, and terrain interpretation.

  • Great for anyone preparing for more challenging mountain adventures or aiming to enhance their safety and independence outdoors.

Anyone aged 16+ (under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

This course is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts with basic navigation skills who want to build confidence and improve accuracy for safer, more independent mountain travel.

dates

16th/17th

March 2026

23rd/24th 

April 2026

1 space left

27th/28th 

June 2026

18th/19th

July 2026

10th/11th

October 2026

COURSE RATIOS

1:4 Ratio Course

Join an open course and connect with like-minded people.


Each instructor works with up to 4 participants; more instructors are added as needed.


Courses run with a minimum of 2 people.


Private or bespoke dates available- get in touch. Extra spaces may open if courses are full.

PRE-REQUISITES

Ages 16+ (under 18s must be with a parent/guardian).


Some basic map reading skills are beneficial 

This is a progressive course designed to build your skills and help you improve your knowledge. 


For more in-depth learning, check out our

-Mountain Skills

-Mountain Skills & Wild Camp courses.

EQUIPMENT

Kit list provided at booking.


Wear warm, waterproof clothing and mountain boots.


Bring a sturdy rucksack, lunch, snacks, and water.

Bring:

-OL4 map

 -Silva Expedition 4 compass

-Stopwatch

-Timing card (can be provided)

VENUE

Day 1 meets at Honister Slate Mine at 9:00am.
Day 2 will undertake a mountain journey from Borrowdale

Examples include: 

-Green Gable 

-Seathwaite Fell 

-Glaramara

Ambleside, Keswick, Cockermouth are ideal nearby towns for accommodation.


Dogs are not permitted on open courses

OTHER COURSES OF INTEREST...

 navigation: intro

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MOUNTAIN SKILLS COURSE

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MOUNTAIN SKILLS & WILD CAMP

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Hire our Lake District Mountaineering instructors for private and tailored programmes.

Experiences suited to your goals & ambitions to make the most of YOUR time in the mountains.

 

Summer & Winter guiding available - tackle the mountains all year round. 

Day rates: 

1:1 £200

1:2 £250

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CONTACT

We look forward to hearing from you and working towards your mountaineering ambitions and helping to achieve your goals. 

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Phone or WhatsApp:

07458353048

If calls are missed we will respond when possible, please leave a WhatsApp or text message so we can respond to your enquiry.

Thank you

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