Beginner Navigation Weekend

This Beginners Navigation Day in Clwydian Range, Nr. Ruthin is an ideal course for those looking to improve their navigation and map reading skills. The course will help you understand maps including scales, symbols, types and plotting grid references, how to use a compass,following bearings and much more.  A brilliant all round beginners course.

This weekend is aimed at people who want to learn to use a map and compass and how to navigate safely across a variety of terrain. It doesn't matter if you are a novice hillwalker, low-level rambler or just want to learn a new skill, everybody has to start somewhere! We will teach you to plot a bearing on an Ordnance Survey map, how to measure distance whilst walking and on a map, and some navigation strategies that will help ensure you get to where you want to be!

The Beginner Navigation Weekend takes place in the area of the beautiful Clwydian Range. It is an AONB, but still has easy access to main roads. We can provide lists of local accomodation options if you are travelling from further afield.

Itinerary

The course will start with the basics of using a map and compass, and we will gradually add subjects in throughout the weekend. There will be plenty of opportunity to practice and improve throughout the days.

Subjects covered:

- Maps - Scales, symbols and types.

- Grid references - How they work, why we use them and how to plot them

- How to use a compass correctly

- Taking and following bearings

- Reading the map and contour interpretation

- Techniques for getting from A-B

- Relocation techniques

Pickup / Dropoff

The meeting point for each day will be confirmed closer to the date of the course, but it will be within a few miles of Ruthin for each day

Included / Excluded

This package includes instruction/guiding only. No travel or accommodation is included.

Essential Information

You may bring your own compass if required, but we can supply suitable navigation equipment and maps.

Basic walking equipment is needed:

• Waterproof jacket AND trousers

• Rucksack (about 30L capacity)

• Walking boots and walking socks

• Comfortable walking trousers (NO jeans please!)

• Wicking T Shirt (sports/gym type is suitable)

• Fleece top

• Warm hat and gloves (sunhat and sunscreen during Spring-Autumn)

• Water bottle (at least 1.5L)

• Food and snacks for the day

• Small personal First Aid Kit and any medication you normally take.

You may also want to bring:

• Sunglasses

• Small camera

• Small vacuum flask

• Walking poles

• Headtorch

Restrictions

Unfortunately we cannot accept bookings for under 18s unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire trip.