Advanced Navigation Course | North Wales Navigation Courses

Course Info

Our two-day Advanced Navigation Course is perfect for those looking to learn advanced techniques for use in the mountains during poor visibility, night or winter. 

calendar Dates Jan - Dec
Duration Duration 2 Days
Start Location Start Location Eryri - Snowdonia
Instructor Ratio Instructor Ratio 1:4
Book Today Book Today £170 P/Person

This two-day advanced navigation course in Eryri / Snowdonia offers participants an immersive experience in mastering advanced map reading, compass skills, and GPS in the rugged mountainous terrain of Eryri / Snowdonia.

Day one focuses on refining fundamental navigation techniques, including micro navigation, using contours and following a bearing accurately. Day two delves into advanced techniques such as pacing, timing and route planning in complex landscapes.

 

Course content

  • Refresh fundamental navigation techniques
  • Take and follow accurate bearings
  • Pacing and timing in mountainous terrain
  • Navigation using 1:25 and 1:40 scales.
  • Navigating away from mountain paths
  • Contour-only navigation
  • Certificates for all attendees
  • Night navigation practice

 

This course is particularly beneficial for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to improve their skills in winter and poor weather conditions. The course is practical with some indoor learning, you can expect to be in remote mountainous terrain for both days. 

This course meets in Capel Curig and finishes at 4:30 pm on the final day.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL

This course is ideal for those who have attended our intermediate navigation courses or those who already have significant experience navigating in the mountains. This course is also ideal for Mountain Leader trainees looking to become competent for assessment.

If you are looking for a course for beginners please look at our Back to Basics or Hill Skills Courses.

 

H2 Skill Level
Walking and Scrambling Skills

Some previous hill walking experience required.

SKILL LEVEL KEY - Click here

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is not included in the price of this course however, you will find no shortage of places to stay. Our accommodation guide will be issued on request and lists the popular options in the area.

Course Dates
PRIVATE BOOKINGS

Hiring one of our instructors privately is the perfect choice when you’ve got a specific aim in mind, whether it’s to improve your personal skills, have an unforgettable guided experience with a group of friends or tick off an objective you’ve had in your sights for a while.

Click on the link for more details

WHY CHOOSE US?

All of our instructors are highly qualified Mountaineering Instructors or Mountain Leaders who take pride in offering engaging - fun courses that will give you the very best chance of achieving your goals. We are also members of Mountain Training, the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and the British Mountaineering Council. Why not check out our google reviews and see what our clients think about us

Your Instructors

Matt Cooper
Matt Cooper
Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) Find Out More
Sam Elliot
Sam Elliot
Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) Find Out More

To attend this course you don’t need to be super fit but a good level of fitness will ensure you get the most out of the course. We usually walk around 10 miles in mountainous terrain so you will need to be able to walk with a backpack for the whole day. 

A full kit list is sent out once we receive your booking. You will need walking clothing, boots and waterproof coat and trousers. Maps and compass can be provided if you do not already have your own.

Our Advanced Navigation course is aimed at those with a good level of mountain navigation experience looking to become proficient in advanced techniques. Unlike the intermediate course, participants can expect a more in-depth course covering techniques commonly used in poor or severe weather and reduced visibility. 

This course is perfect for Mountain Leader trainees as the standard is at a similar level without the group management or rope skills aspect. Gaining formal navigation training can be invaluable to those progressing through the scheme. 

This course is not assessed and instead, we apply a more holistic approach to the two-day. At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of achievement for attendance of the course. 

Testimonials

I've now been on two courses with The Mountaineering company. Both courses were great, learnt loads and Matt/Sam were brilliant instructors. I would definitely recommend to anyone getting into mountaineering to book onto intro and development courses. I'm looking forward to doing more courses with them in the future. (Google Review)

Alex Heaps

My partner and I booked Matt for two days mountaineering instruction so we could learn how to use ropes on climbs that were out of our comfort zone. We had a fantastic two days and Matts structured approach allowed us to take it all in and practice all the techniques over and over again. We both now feel more confident to take on more adventurous scrambles. Thanks Matt

Andy and karren

Fantastic day on the Back to Basics Navigation course with Matt. Very well organised and learnt a lot. Matt was very professional and great at teaching the skills with lots of patience and encouragement. Really enjoyed it and will definitely be signing up to other courses in future. Highly recommended.

Chontelle Wright

A great day out learning how to use a map and compass with Matt. His teaching style gave us just the right amount of information without feeling overloaded. I would highly recommend Matt !

Chris

Just got back from a fantastic weekend with Matt on the Welsh 3k and couldn't have asked for a better time. We had blue skies and cool air so it wasn't too hot and the views were simply incredible. Matt set a great pace allowing us to push our limits but never going beyond what we were capable of and we finished in 18 hours 32 mins. Hes a top bloke and I would certainly recommend him and The Mountaineering Company to anybody. Thanks again Matt. You will certainly see us again next year no doubt!

Chris Mansell

We attended a navigation course today with Matt. He was fantastic, can’t rate him highly enough! We had no knowledge at all, but have come home feeling confident and ready to tackle our adventure! Thank you Matt for a fabulous, fun day

Claire Black

I thoroughly recommend Matt as a leader & guide. I experienced an exhilarating & fun day with a super group doing Matt's Ogwen Classics day. Matt managed our mixed levels of ability & confidence with a calm, encouraging, alert & purposeful manner. He inspired confidence through recognition of our efforts & shared his knowledge & experience to support our skill development. The day passed all too quickly!

Ferne Davies

Awesome day with Matt teaching my 11yr old son and I the basics of climbing. Very patient and approachable would highly recommend Matt to anyone with an interest in rock climbing. Really fun day enjoyed by all!

Ian Roberts

Wow ! Where do I start, the best walking/climbing day of my life. Matt you were fantastic with all the members of our group. (Google Review)

Johnny Jones

All I can say is amazing!! Never scrambled before Matt looked after us supported us though the scary bits and made the whole day brilliant.

Karen Williams

Had a fantastic weekend with Matt on the mountain skills course - he is really friendly + approachable, and tailored the two days to what we enjoyed + wanted to learn. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to build their confidence with mountain hiking + navigation!

Kirsty

Well. What can I say - one of the best adventure weekends my friend and I have ever had and absolutely 10/10 instruction from Matt training us for our first OMM (Google Review)

Luke Whipps

Recently attended an intermediate rock skills course in the Peak District. Really great weekend and excellent fun. Matt is a top bloke; very knowledgeable and just the right amount of laid back. Allows all the information to really sink in - effective teaching!

Matt Pomfrett

Excellent day out with Matt on my first ever Scramble. I found it pretty tough in places but Matt was always there to put me at ease, offer instruction and with his support I made it to the top. Would highly recommend to others.

Polly Hornby

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