Standard Map Reading Courses 2012

North Wales - Lake District - Yorkshire - Peak District

This map reading course is suitable for the vast majority of people, from absolute beginners to those with previous experience or who have had some training. By the end of this course you will be familiar with the basic map reading skills you need to find your way safely in the mountains.

Maximum staffing ratio 1:6

At the end of this course you will be able to

• Competently navigate a days walk without having to constantly refer to the map.
• Identify key features on the ground that are shown on the map.
• Make good route choices and estimate how long each leg of that route will take.
• Use relocation strategies to get back on track if you stray from your route (aka get lost).
• Use the map and compass to walk on a bearing to find your way in low visibility (in low cloud or at night).

You can make a group booking for a map reading course in North Wales, The Peak District, Yorkshire or The Lake District at a time convenient to you. This will cost your group £360 for a two day course. Contact us to arrange a mutually convenient date

Alternatively, book onto one of the following courses.

If you don't see the dates and locations you want contact us anyway and we will try to accommodate you.

Click Here to Book Now

Additional information

We tailor these map reading courses to individual requirements. For the most part we will be using the Ordnance Survey 1:25000 maps (which we will provide) though if you prefer to use other scales or makes then please feel free to bring them along.

The main map reading and navigational skills that we cover are

• Navigation using linear features such as footpaths, walls and rivers.
• Low intensity navigation tips (how to navigate without having to look at the map and compass constantly).
• Navigating by using contours. Looking at types of slopes and contour features.
• Relocation (finding out where you are when you get lost).
• Using the compass to take bearings from the map and follow it on the ground
• Using the compass to take bearings from the ground to transfer to the map.
• Grid references.
• Map reading in bad weather and in poor visibility.
• Counting paces and timings
• Route planning and timings.

Equipment

Please come equipped for 2 days hillwalking: comfortable walking boots, a full set of waterproofs, warm clothes, hat, gloves, day pack, whistle, flask (optional) and a water bottle. If you have maps of area and a compass then please bring them along though we will provide you with these if necessary. Your instructor will be carrying a comprehensive first aid kit, emergency shelter and all other essential safety equipment.

If you would like to borrow any equipment then let us know in advance and we will bring it from our stores.

Accommodation

The course fees do not include accommodation. We used to sort this out but everyone has a different budget and requirements so these days we leave it up to you. We have a couple of pages with accommodation ideas for each of our regular venues. Please choose your venue from the list below

• Accommodation in and around Ambleside
• Accommodation in and around Ingleton

Questions/Booking

If you have any questions please get in touch or use our online booking form.