Overview
Winter puts greater demands on the navigator, snow can obscure paths, rivers can be covered and the visibility very poor. To navigate confidently you need to have faith in your own skills. We will begin with a recap of some navigation basics before spending the majority of the day in the mountain environment to develop those skills and confidence.
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
An essential one day to equip you with the knowledge and skills to plan and execute a winter hill walk.
PRE-REQUISITES
Summer navigation experience is desirable, in addition you must be proficient with use of ice axe and crampons.
We strongly recommend that you have been on a winter skills course prior to attending. This means the day can be spent focusing on developing your navigation skills.
IS IT FOR ME?
This is a great follow-up to any winter skills course that will focus on the details of navigation and is an opportunity to build your confidence before heading out on your own winter adventures.
CONTENT
You should aim to arrive at Glenmore Lodge by 08.45 allowing a little time to visit the store which is open from 08.30 and collect a packed lunch so the group is ready to meet the instructor at 09.00.
The main topics to be covered are:
- Map types, mapping software and suitability for winter needs
- Navigation equipment, tools and organization for winter
- Route planning and resources
- Fundamentals of map use
- Following linear features
- Measuring distance on the map
- Using time to measure distance travelled
- Identifying land features and relating to the map
- Using the compass to determine direction
- Identifying position using relocation skills
- Identifying hazardous areas on the map
- Avoiding hazardous areas using the map
The programme is fairly flexible taking into account individual needs and aims, weather, etc.
DATES & PRICES
| 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date26/02/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£110.00 | Places | ||
| Date12/03/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£110.00 | Places | ||
| Date10/12/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£110.00 | Places | ||
| Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected] | ||||
USEFUL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Instruction
Use of kit
Packed lunch and afternoon tea each day
In-course transport
Client REVIEWS
NEED TO KNOW
WHAT WILL I NEED
YOU WILL NEED (Glenmore Lodge can provide if required)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulated synthetic jacket with hood
- Winter Boots
- Gaiters
- Crampons
- Ice Axe
- 40lt rucksack
- Walking poles
EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO BRING WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE IN THE STORES
What will you need to bring? Listed here are the essentials; this is not an exhaustive list.
- Winter outdoor wear
- Insulating layers
- Winter climbing / mountaineering trousers
- Hat & gloves, several pairs of.
- Whistle
- Compass – Silva type 4 recommended with a 1:40,000 romer ***
- Waterproof map case.
- Headtorch
- Rucksack liner (or sturdy bin liner) / dry bags
- Hydration system (water bottle / flask)
- Box or bag for packed lunch.
- Personal first aid kit
Map information – we encourage everyone on mountain courses to have a map covering the Northern Cairngorms with a 10km radius from the ski area. There are a range of scales and maps available OS 1:50,000, OS 1:25,000 and Harvey Map 1:40,000.
If you have digital mapping and can print off map sheets a suggested area would be:
NW corner NH8514 NE corner NJ0314
SW corner NN8593 SE corner NO0393
