Night navigation training in the Campsies
Learn some of the skills that will help you to navigate safely in Scotland's hills at night or in bad weather.
Location
Kilsyth Hills
Balmalloch Kilsyth G65 9LG United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- In person
Refund Policy
About this event
We know that the sun always shines in Scotland and you can always see where you're going. But, for the very rare occasions when it's cloudy or raining on the hills or when the nights are drawing in, how about learning some of the skills to help you to navigate safely in unfamiliar mountain terrain when you can't see where you're going?
We'll cover a number of topics, including pacing, timing, navigating to micro-features, walking on a bearing, handrails, catch points, and relocation, among others.
Check the FAQs for the equipment list. However, every participant will need to bring along their own OS map of the Campsie Fells and a compass with a millimetre scale and a 1:25k romer scale (the Silva Expedition 4 Compass is an excellent top-end example of the type, but the Highlander Deluxe Map Compass is a perfectly suitable and much cheaper alternative for this course). You must also bring a head torch with spare batteries.
Mandatory pre-course map briefing session
There will be a mandatory pre-course briefing session at Costa in Cumbernauld. We will cover things like the OS map legend, how to set a compass bearing in two easy steps, and how to identify the six-figure map reference of your location (handy if you need to call Mountain Rescue).
Here's what some happy customers said about previous courses .....
- "Instruction was excellent, everything was well explained and it was a good learning environment (not worried to make mistakes etc)".
- "The course taught us relevant and practical skills which would be very useful on the hill. You explained everything well and patiently and the small size of the group made it a nice environment where we could all ask questions comfortably and learn".
- "The most beneficial aspect of the course for me is that it has improved my confidence in navigating in the hills, particularly in difficult conditions. Becoming more comfortable navigating in low light gives me more confidence doing longer hill days and provides a safety net in case I ever end up in a situation like that".
Frequently asked questions
The number of callouts to mountain rescue teams by people who are lost on the hills is increasing. We owe it to them, as well as to ourselves, to be as well prepared as we can be before we venture out. This includes knowing where we are and what equipment we need to take with us.
There will be no more than 5 people each time - me and four others. I want to be able to offer personal attention to each person while we're out on the hill.
You will need to be properly kitted out for an evening on the hill in winter in Scotland. That means walking boots, multiple layers, a warm jacket, waterproofs, hat and gloves, along with a sandwich, snacks, and a hot drink. A full list of recommended and required equipment will be sent in advance.
It's Scotland. In winter. The weather could be grim (wind, rain, even snow). Type 2 fun is sometimes the best type of fun.