Complete Navigation
  • Plas y Brenin
  • 5 Days
  • 6 People to 1 instructor

Complete Navigation

  • Hike
  • Navigation
  • Intermediate
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Overview

During this five-day course, you'll develop from having little or no navigational experience to having a firm understanding of mountain navigation techniques. It's a great way to rapidly develop a well-rounded knowledge of mountain navigation, or to consolidate and expand a basic grasp of traditional technique. You'll look at the traditional methods of navigation, using a map and compass before moving on to examine the benefits that modern technology can bring, using a handheld GPS system. All of this will, of course, be wrapped up with plenty of walking in the stunning Snowdonia hills, putting everything into practice in real situations to further your understanding and test your new knowledge.

See Course Dates

Can I book privately?

Yes. If you would like to book a private course then give us a call to discuss your needs.

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The Objectives

- You'll gain slick navigation skills in the mountains even when there are no footpaths or it's dark.

- Your expert guide will help you gain confidence in navigating your way using different techniques. Leaving you with a firm base of knowledge and skills that will come in handy for years to home.

- You’ll experience five days of fantastic walks in the Snowdonia landscape, and be inspired to go out and put your new knowledge into practice for yourself.

Itinerary

* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.

What to Expect

Our itinerary is flexible as we review and reflect on each day before the next one's planned. We'll introduce you to all aspects of navigation in the hills, on a range of map scales, from simply choosing the right path to heading across trackless terrain with just contour features to go by. You'll also undertake poor visibility and night navigation, and we'll introduce you to electronic aids too.

Experience Required

You'll need some summer hillwalking experience, but no previous navigation experience is needed.

Why Choose Plas y Brenin?

Our instructors are some of the UK’s most experienced. We train other instructors and help to write the national syllabuses for NGB qualifications in mountaineering, paddlesports, cycling and climbing. Our goal is to teach you skills to last a lifetime, and at Plas y Brenin you know you are getting training from the best.

If your course is based at Plas y Brenin, the residential price includes accommodation for the night before, and the duration of your time here. If you’re staying with us, we also provide delicious meals to keep you going as you learn, meaning you can concentrate on enjoying yourself. We may also be able to arrange a transfer from Llandudno Junction train station, subject to availability. We would need a minimum of one week’s notice prior to your course start date – please contact reception to learn more.

When it comes to equipment, at Plas y Brenin we have a wide range of top-quality kit for you to use, all included in your course fee. This means if you’re just starting out, there’s no need to rush out and buy a load of expensive gear, and if you’re already pretty well kitted-out, it’s a great chance to try something new.

We want to help you focus on achieving your goals so if you're staying with us, comfortable accommodation (with WIFI included) and good food are part of the deal, you don't need to think about sorting this out for yourself. Support is on hand from our friendly, and exceptionally well qualified staff, to help develop your understanding and personal skills. They also help you to formulate an appropriate action plan for your further development.

What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide
  • Walking socks 
  • Wicking base layer
  • Walking trousers – usually these will be a modern ‘technical’ quick drying fabric
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Woolly hat and Gloves – need to be warm
  • Spare clothing – e.g. extra fleece, spare gloves, spare hat
  • Drinks bottle and/or flask, sandwich box
  • Maps - OS 17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley 1:25000 (and OS 115 Snowdon 1:50000 for navigation courses). Laminated maps are great as you don't need a map case (Can be purchased from our shop)
  • A stop watch, or watch with this function is also very useful
  • In the summer you should consider bringing sun cream, sun glasses, insect repellent and a sun hat

 

You should also bring, if you have them but, you can borrow these from our stores

·         Walking Boots

·         Hard Shell Waterproofs

·         Rucksack- ideally 35 litres min

·         Compass (Silva Expedition 4 recommended)

·         Headtorch

 

You should have done some hillwalking, and are looking to improve your skills.
Course Schedule

Start your training

Length
5 Days
Start Date
3rd February, 2020
Spaces left
2
Cost
£694
Book now
Length
5 Days
Start Date
17th February, 2020
Spaces left
2
Cost
£694
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Length
5 Days
Start Date
9th March, 2020
Spaces left
2
Cost
£694
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Length
5 Days
Start Date
27th April, 2020
Spaces left
5
Cost
£694
Book now
Length
5 Days
Start Date
20th July, 2020
Spaces left
5
Cost
£694
Book now
Length
5 Days
Start Date
24th August, 2020
Spaces left
5
Cost
£694
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Length
5 Days
Start Date
26th October, 2020
Spaces left
6
Cost
£694
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Length
5 Days
Start Date
30th November, 2020
Spaces left
6
Cost
£694
Book now
Length
5 Days
Start Date
1st February, 2021
Spaces left
6
Cost
£694
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Length
5 Days
Start Date
15th February, 2021
Spaces left
6
Cost
£694
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Length
5 Days
Start Date
8th March, 2021
Spaces left
6
Cost
£694
Book now
Length
5 Days
Start Date
22nd March, 2021
Spaces left
6
Cost
£694
Book now
This course will help you become

A competent and confident mountain navigator.

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