This 1 day course based on or around Kinder Scout or Bleaklow in the Peak District is intended for experienced and confident hill walkers who already feel comfortable map reading but wish to take their skills to another level.   This course can be taken as a stand alone course but also builds on the skills learned on the intermediary course. 

This area of the Peak District is perfect for advanced navigation being remote and often featureless. If you’re preparing for a mountain marathon or want a refresh before your mountain leader assessment this is the course for you. 

The day kicks off with a review of the basics before embarking on a moorland journey where we will seek out more complex and difficult navigational terrain and contour features. 

As with all of our courses the pace of the day will be comfortable, with plenty of stops to discuss map reading techniques and use the equipment and your new skills.  

The course includes looking at the following topics :

  • Review of maps and scales (1:50,000; 1:25,000 and 1:40,000 scales)
  • Review of map symbols and features
  • Review of ‘handrail’ features and locating yourself from land features 
  • Review of the maps grid system and grid references
  • Understanding contours, relief, and elevation 
  • Understanding slope aspect and relationship to the map
  • Practical advanced compass use (and other navigation tools including GPS and altimeters)
  • Taking bearings from the map and walking on them over longer distances, aiming off and attack points
  • Taking bearings from the ground and relating to the map
  • Relocation using ground features, back bearings, resection, aspect of slope and elevation
  • Pacing and timing techniques including over steeper ground
  • An examination of navigation strategies in poor weather and/or darkness
  • Route planning and the impact of weather 
  • Emergency procedures and escape plans

The course runs for 6 hours and is timed for your convenience.

Cost £80 per person (Max 4 people, no minimum numbers).

Please email dan @sevenhillsoutdoors.co.uk or enquire through our enquiry form for more detail or to book.