Following the success of last year's navigation courses, there will be a further 4 Walkhighlands/MCofS Navigation Courses held in 2014. The first courses will be held in the Ochils in May with a further two courses planned for the Campsie Fells in June.
Each course will begin with an hour of work indoors and then the rest of the day will be spent on practical navigation skills on the hill. The course will be run by Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Officer at the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and are aimed at anyone who wants to learn how to navigate for hillwalking or to brush up existing knowledge. The courses are very friendly and will also provide a chance to meet with other Walkhighlands users. The one day courses will be held on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May in the Ochils and then Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June based at the Loch Lomond Mountain Rescue Centre in Drymen and are being run on a no-profit, minimal cost basis and are £35 each which includes a year’s free membership of the MCofS. Places are limited to 12 on each day and bookings are now being taken by the MCofS (01738 493 942).
Heather says, “These courses are an ideal way to increase your confidence in finding your way on the hill, learn the skills of map reading and compass bearings and pick up handy hints and techniques to locate yourself in poor visibility”.
The navigation course will provide a gentle introduction to the theory followed by a practical session on the hill alongside other Walkhighlands users. Ratios are 1:6 and there are spaces for 12 people per course (the minimum age is 18 years). You will need to be equipped for a day out on the hill with food and drink, boots, gaiters, waterproof jacket and overtrousers, warm hat and gloves or mitts and a map case or clear poly bag. Maps and compasses will be provided.
To book a place please phone 01738 493 942 and mention that you want to book the Walkhighlands Navigation Course on, 3 or 4 May or 7 or 8 June. Last year these courses booked up within a few days so get in early if you want to go.