Mountaineering Scotland navigation courses 2021

Navigation is an essential skill for anyone who intends going into the Scottish hills and mountains, whether you enjoy long walks through the glens or getting on the high tops and Munros.  Mountaineering Scotland runs a number of one-day navigation courses every year to help you learn the skills you need to find your way around the hills with confidence, even in poor visibility.

This year we are offering three levels of navigation course, so you can choose the right course for your interest and physical ability.

Low level navigation. (Fitness grade 1) This is an entry level course delivered primarily in woodland close to Drymen. It is suitable for people who are new to walking and would prefer a more relaxed approach. This course will be delivered 'on track', involving a maximum distance of 8km and maximum ascent of 200m.

Hill navigation. (Fitness grade 2)  This course is for people who are fit enough to enjoy days out on the hills and high tops, but would prefer to train on terrain that is not too physically demanding. The courses are run in the Ochils, Campsies and Pentland Hills. At times the course will be off track on the open hillside. Maximum distance 12km and maximum ascent 600m.

Mountain Navigation. (Fitness grade 3) These navigation courses are delivered in the Arrochar Alps and are aimed at our members who regularly ascend  Munros (or equivalent).  Your day's training will involve an ascent of one of the numerous Munros or Corbetts in the Arrochar Alps. Expect to be off track, on potentially steep/rough terrain. Maximum distance 14km and maximum ascent c900m. These courses are physically demanding.

What you'll learn

A one-day Mountaineering Scotland navigation course will give you a firm grounding in practical mountain navigation skills. Instructor ratios are 1:6 and there are spaces for 12 people per course. The courses aim to introduce or refresh essential navigation skills.

• Increase your confidence in finding your way on the hill
• Learn the skills of map reading and compass bearings
• Learn how to follow a bearing accurately
• Pick up handy hints and techniques to locate yourself on the hill in poor visibility

You will need to be equipped for a day out on the hill with food and drink, boots, gaiters, waterproof jacket and over trousers, warm hat and gloves. Maps, map cases and compasses will be provided. 

Do you need to be hill fit to do a hill/mountain navigation course?  Yes, if you sign up for the 'two boot' or 'three boot'' course.  All the courses start with an indoor session, but will then be outside for approximately six hours. It will depend on the location you choose, how much height is gained and distance covered.

Low level option. (One boot course) For those of you who would prefer a more mellow option and a less physically demanding day, we offer a low level option. The low level navigation course will be outside for five hours, covering a distance of around 6 - 8 km with ascent of a maximum of 200m. The majority of the day will be on footpaths, but we may venture off path to practice walking on a bearing.

Hill Navigation Pentlands Sat 1st May 2021 -

Hill Navigation Pentlands Sun 2nd May 2021 -

Hill Navigation Drymen Sat 8th May 2021 -

Hill Navigation Drymen Sun 9th May 2021 -

Mountain Navigation Arrochar Sat 26th June 2021 -

Mountain Navigation Arrochar Sun 27th June 2021 -

Hill Navigation Pentlands Sat 3rd July 2021 - Fully booked - please Places available for waiting list

Hill Navigation Pentlands Sun 4th July 2021 - Fully booked - please contact us for waiting list

Hill Navigation Ochils Sat 11th September 2021 - Fully booked - please contact us for waiting list

Hill Navigation Ochils Sun 12th September 2021 - Fully booked - please contact us for waiting list

Cost and conditions

Book your place