COURSE OUTLINE​

• Skills Review & Calibration:
  A quick refresher to ensure everyone has consistent baseline skills. We’ll revisit core map reading and compass techniques before moving into more advanced applications.

• Map Types, Scales & Tactical Selection:
  Learn to select the best map for your intended terrain, and adapt techniques between OS maps and Harvey, and operate using different scale maps (1:25k, 1:40k) 

• Advanced Contour Interpretation:
  Develop detailed terrain-reading skills - recognising micro-features, changes in slope aspect, complex contour patterns and changes in gradient for effective navigation.  For this we will utilise contour-only maps to build your map reading skills. 

• High-Level Compass Techniques:
  Master walking on bearings, drift management, attack points, back bearings, boxing around obstacles, and accurate navigation across 'featureless' or broken ground.

• Navigation Strategies for Poor Visibility:
  Integrate compass work, contour interpretation, and use collecting features to create reliable strategies in mist, cloud, or challenging visibility.

• Low-Visibility & Night Navigation Preparation:
  Learn the principles of navigating in darkness:

  • Torch management & equipment considerations

  • Bearings and feature recognition

  • Navigation pacing/timing adjustments after dark

  • Using subtle terrain cues, sound, and slope awareness

• Night Navigation Session:
  The final part of the course transitions from late afternoon into night. You will complete a series of structured navigation legs designed to develop confidence when operating in near-zero visibility, using compass work and terrain interpretation. This will take place on day 3 - where we will have later start and subsequently a later finish (~10pm depending on time of year).

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WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Small group experience. Maximum 1:4 instructor-to-participant ratio ensures personalised coaching and individual progress throughout the course.

• Expert instruction delivered by experienced Mountaineering Instructors who regularly train and assess candidates on professional navigation and leadership courses.

• Supportive learning environment - ask questions, practise skills, make mistakes, and build confidence with expert guidance.

• Real mountain terrain. Learn in the mountains of the Lake District, using terrain that challenges and develops advanced navigation techniques.

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