I have been running various skills days in the mountains for years now, something I really enjoy as a leader seeing people advancing their knowledge, but also because it gives them the skills to go exploring themselves much more safely in the mountains
The two most common days I run are below, The Mountain Navigation Day & The Mountain Hill Skills Day
The One Day Mountain Navigation Workshop
I can gear these days differently for different groups but the ideal amount of people I find is between 4 and 8 with my preferred number being 6. But the day does work with up to 8 people.
Is this course suitable for what I’m looking for?
I would like to think everyone would take something from this day but ideally it would be suited to those with none to very basic knowledge and are looking to build some good solid foundations in navigation.
Nowadays even with the emergence of technology having the skills and technique to be able to navigate is one of the most important you can have as an outdoor enthusiast.
What the course involves
- Different Scale Maps
- How to set a map
- What do all the features and contour lines mean
- Splitting journeys into sections and relocating
Above are the maps and what your looking and then later in the day
- Compass Skills, how to utilise a compass
- Plotting a bearing and back bearing
- Handrails and escape routes
Dates Prices & Booking
There are often a few open group events listed in my events calendar and will be varying locations and group numbers and often tend to be smaller and shorter workshops.
Bespoke Private Group Events
- 1-2 People £175
- 3-4 People £275
- 5-8 People £400
All my courses provide you with use of bespoke maps and use of a compass.
To book a bespoke event please get in touch direct with me to discuss possible dates
Available UK wide but predominantly our courses run in Eryri, North Wales
What does the day Involve
Usually 8.30am – 3pm
Meet at an agreed location and have a quick 30minute brief about the day
2-3 hours of slow walking and mapwork in the morning
Break for lunch on the hill or down at a local café
2-3 hours of slow hiking practising more mapwork
We also tend to like to finish the day with some Coffee and Cake somewhere and a short debrief and chat
Kit & Experience
The only real requirement is a basic amount of walking fitness and clothing including full waterproofs and a backpack but a full kit list and expectations info guide will be discussed before booking
The One Day Mountain Skills Workshop
A one day workshop with an emphasis on the preparation and skills needed for planning your our day in the mountains and how you can do it safely
Our day will start doing with what we all love most, hitting a local café to have a chat about the day
What topics will we cover at the start
- What kit do we need for the day including the right clothing
- What should we be carrying in our packs
- Accessing the local weather forecasts and how that affects the route
- We will then plan a route and then walk that route
We should cover these topics in around 60-90 minutes and then we will get ourselves out into the hills for the rest of the day
What will we cover during the day
- Some basic navigation tips like bearings and reading the map
- Steep ground, ascending and descending
- Use of rope in an emergency
- Escape Points
- Utilising a Storm Shelter
- What the course of action is in an emergency
Dates, Prices & Booking
- £245 for a group of 4
- £400 for a group of 6
These are bespoke courses and run on a private booking basis only so please do get in touch to discuss dates and availability
