Navigation is an essential skill for anyone who intends going into the Scottish hills and mountains. Every year Mountaineering Scotland runs a number of one-day mountain navigation courses which can set you on the way to becoming an accomplished navigator able to find your way around the hills with confidence, even in poor visibility.
Learning to navigate in the hills above Loch Lomond. Photo by Neil Reid
Grading depends on course chosen: Mountain navigation or low level option.
The mountain navigation courses (two boots) are for people who regular climb hills/mountains. These courses are delivered on the mountain, sometimes ‘off-track’ on rough terrain. Max distance 12km, max ascent 600m
The low level navigation (one boot) is an entry
level course, suitable for people new to hill walking or those who are
returning to the hills after a break. Max distance 8km on track, max ascent
200m
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.
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 mountain navigation course? Yes, if you sign up for the 'two boot' course. The course starts with an indoor session, but will then be out on the hill for approx. 6 hours. It will depend on the location you choose, how much height is gained. An average day on one of our courses will ascend for 600m and cover a distance of 6 - 8 km. In addition, for the purposes of quality/relevant training, the courses will be delivered on sometimes rough/trackless ground.
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 5 hours, cover 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.
All the 2018 courses have now taken place. A total of 172 members attended the navigation courses this year.
Details of dates/locations for next years courses will be posted here later in the year.
To book onto one of our mountain safety courses, you need to be a member of Mountaineering Scotland and at least 18 years old. Members aged between 14 and 18 can attend a course if accompanied by a parent or nominated adult: phone the office at 01738 493943 to find out more and book this. Thanks to your membership, we can subsidise the costs of our courses and offer you cheaper course prices than most commercial providers.
Cost is £35 for members, and £45 for non-members (includes one year's membership of Mountaineering Scotland)
Pre-booking is essential
Please take a look at our useful course information for booking and cancellation conditions.
© 2018 Mountaineering Scotland
ClimbScotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
Mountaineering Scotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
