The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has launched its autumn training series, providing novice and less-experienced hill walkers and climbers with a low-cost opportunity to gain potentially life-saving skills.
Announcing the expanded events programme, Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Advisor, said: “Getting lost and poor navigation are the most frequent causes of mountain incidents and rescue team call-outs. Our aim is to provide entry-level navigation skills at a price anyone can afford.”
David Gibson, MCofS Chief Officer added “For starters, we want all mountaineers to be competent in map and compass work. GPS has its uses and our new course is geared towards getting the best use out of the technology. In our view, technology is no substitute for technique and the best way to avoid becoming a statistic is to have basic map and compass skills.”
MCofS run their training events programme on a not-for-profit basis. The autumn programme includes:
Basic navigation training – map and compass (1 day) Edinburgh 12th or 13th September, Glasgow 19th or 20th September
GPS training (1 day) Glenmore Lodge 3rd or 4th October
Basic First Aid (2 days) Glen Feshie 24th & 25th October
Navigation and GPS courses are open to all and cost just £25 – the price includes a free Ordnance Survey map and a day with a qualified mountain leader. The first aid course, which is only available to MCofS members, costs of £85 for 2 days including accommodation.
The MCofS website has full details, or call 01738 493943 to book.