Mountain Navigation
& Hill Skills Course in Snowdonia, Wales
 
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What have previous clients said?

Hi Rob, I thought you might like some feedback on the Hill Skills and Navigation course now that I've found some free time to put something together. In a word - 'brilliant'. I learnt so much over the two days and it has really whetted my appetite to do more and get further qualified. Rhian was first class form beginning to end. Her professionalism, experience, dedication and enthusiasm shone through - and was quite infectious! Even within 30 minutes of leaving our start point on day one, members of the group were remarking to each other about the little tips and skills that had already been picked up. Rhian's style was perfect for the group - relaxed, fun and informative; she was also well aware of when group members were struggling with the pace or needed a little one on one to explain certain navigation techniques - which she always took time to do. The course was rounded off by the group's joint sense of achievement after having scaled Tryfan and navigated our way down using the various techniques we'd all learnt. It was 3 days before my 'buzz' from the weekend finally subsided!

I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to get more from the fabulous UK countryside and those who want to better themselves by picking up life-long navigation skills which can be used anywhere. Thanks again - and I'm already seriously considering subscribing to the 5 day course. I might be in touch soon!

Best regards Andy, Navigation & Hill Skills April 2010

Rob, I thought that after my 4th fantastic course that it was high time that I join the ranks of satisfied punters and send you a note of formal thanks…..
Firstly, I must say that you make what can be sometimes be a daunting prospect (for example learning to climb for the 1st time) both very enjoyable and on contemplation seem like “a walk in the park”.
It has been a real joy and education to benefit from your relaxed but innately observant tuition. With your guidance it has really empowered me to strike out safely into new areas of mountains and hills with a new found confidence that I would have never of thought possible. Anyone wanting to learn new skills or develop their existing ones simply couldn’t do any better but benefit from some of your expertise and guidance. -Looking forward to seeing you in the Cuillins in May!
All the best - Stuart - Navigation & Hill Skills, Intro to Climbing, Intro to Scrambling & Winter Skills Weekend - Jan 2010

Hi Rob - Many thanks for an excellent course on Navigation and Hill Skills which I would recommend to anyone wishing to improve their navigation skills. I did sometimes think that I was on the Winter Skills course with the depth of snow and wintry conditions , but it was great and I really enjoyed it!! Thanks to you and Jim for a great time. I am just looking at your brochure re the 5 day course 10-14 May, the questions are can I persuade my 'better half' to let me loose again and can I scramble!!!?
Best Wishes Alan Navigation & Hills Skills Feb 2010

Just a quick one to say thanks again for the brilliant course and walking. I loved it!!!!!! am definitely coming back to learn to climb as am totally in love with North Wales and especially Snowdonia, just need to get Peru trek done and then in August/September, will hopefully have some spare cash...... Anyway thanks again and i wish you, Kate the kids and the one on the way all the very, very best for the future!!!!! Thanks again for looking out for me, lots of love, Emma xxxx May 09

"Just excellent. Rob is not only a nice guy and a fine teacher, but he has a deep well of patience. On a two day navigation course he took three people with completely different levels of knowledge and skill at the start – from complete beginner to tolerably competent – and, within their capabilities, got each of them to where they wanted to be. There may be more intensive navigation courses than Rob offers, but I doubt there are more effective ones. It was also a lot of fun. Highly recommended."
Nicholas Timmins - Navigation & Hill Skills May 2009

Great two days, lots of fun and some truly awesome weather. I thoroughly enjoyed the two days and fully met my aims for the course. The course was well structured, building skills and confidence progressively. I found your teaching style supportive and lots fun, even in the worst of weather conditions. I'd strongly recommend this course for anyone who wants to enjoy the mountains confidently and safely.Carl - November 08

Dear Rob
Many thanks for the Navigation Weekend
I learned a lot and had some necessary practice.
Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm.
I would recommend the course highly.

All the best, Gwen - Oct 08

Hi Rob,

A quick note to thank you for a truly great weekend. It was really enjoyable, and being able to put my navigation techniques to the test in such amazing scenery was a real bonus.
I saw your photos in the gallery - Sally looks a lot more at home in exposed positions than I ever will! I've uploaded my best photos to a picasa album here.


All the best, and I hope your scrambling course goes well this week.

Roddy - July 08

Hi Rob,
Just a quick note to say 'thanks for the brill w/e in Snowdonia on the Hill Skills course. I always think learning should be fun and enjoyable to be truly effective and you certainly achieved that on the course! Many thanks for the NNAS certificate, which I received at the end of last week; I look forward to putting it all into practice again in the very near future. I certainly intend to sign up for the Intro to Scrambling Course at some point, but as I'm off to work in Milan for 6-9 months very soon, I'm not sure when I will be able to do so. Still, I'm looking forward to some trekking in the Dolomites and maybe even do a couple of via ferratas as a warm up in the meantime.
Thanks again and best wishes for the future,
Regards Keith - April 08

Hi Rob - Thanks for the photos, we had a really excellent time and wish we were doing it all again this weekend. Howevere we are looking forward to trying out our new navigation skills in the Lakes tomorrow and Sunday! Thanks again, Sarah - Hill Skills & Navigation April 08

Hi Rob
I’ve only just got a chance to email you to thank you for a fantastic weekend in Snowdonia. It was good to learn from you and to have some company in the hills with like minded people. Although I think my tendency to drift off into a world of my own will be hard to overcome!

A very nice friend has actually bought me membership of the BMC and registration on the Mountain Leader scheme. So it looks like I’m doing the Mountain Leader training, which means more lovely weekends in Snowdonia and hopefully Scotland!!!

Anyway hope to see you again. Take care
Laura - Hill Skills April 08


Hi Rob - Just wanted to let you know that we are not in fact still wandering around, scratching our heads, in Snowdonia so you must have done a good job. We had a lovely day and almost didn't get wet. The ascent was interesting to navigate and beautiful, we'll do something more difficult next time. Thanks for a fun and very useful weekend. Regards, Joanna - Hill Skills July 2007

"Just a quick note to than you for your time and expertise in teaching me this weekend, I feel that I have gained a lot of valuable skills that I shall be reflecting upon in time to come...I look forward to booking futures courses with you." Tony - Oct 04

"Just a quick mail to say thanks for the ace time I had on the Hill Skills course back in October. A long time to get a response I know, but I have only just dryed out!
Since then I have had fun getting my family lost, and boring everyone at work with my contouring technique around the desktops! It has inspired me to get out on the hills a lot more, in fact I'll be back in Snowdonia this coming weekend trying out the Glyders! Who knows, this year maybe a scrambling course? Hope the business is thriving - onwards and upwards!"
     
 
 
 
Trail Magazine article by Rob - Route Planning & Navigation
 
     
   
 
Trail Magazine article by Rob - Mountain Safety
 
     
   
 
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Mountain Navigation Hillwalking Course in Snowdonia (Silver NNAS) - Course Content

Location: Snowdonia, North Wales
Price: £135 per person
Ratio: 1:6
Length: 2 days

Who is the course suitable for?
This mountain navigation and hill skills course is ideal for anyone that wants to be self sufficient in the mountains of the UK. This course is fine for people with no or limited prior navigation experience. Whether you are a hill walker who wants to be able to head out in all weathers, considering enrolling on the Mountain Leader scheme or a climber who wants to be able to navigate from the top of the route back down to the pub in the dark the skills are the same. If you have existing navigation skills we will be able to build on these over the two days. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 18, there is no maximum age and we regularly get a mixture of ages and experience and are used to tailoring the course to meet the needs of a varied group of people.

What does the course cover?
- Two full days of practical navigation in the mountains of Snowdonia
- Introduction to different map scales
- How to set the map
- How to interpret contours
- How to interpret key symbols ie how to find a footpath, fence, stream etc
- How to plan and follow a route using paths and other key features
- How to plan and follow a route across featureless terrain
- How to estimate distance using pacing and timing
- How to navigate in poor or limited visibility
- How to use the compass
- How to re-orientate yourself if you do get lost
- Training and Assessment to Silver NNAS standard (optional - if you want to attend the course for your own benefit and do not require the certificate then you do not need to be assessed)
- Certificate for successful candidates assessed to Silver level
- Movement over steep gound (this is not a scrambling course but will give a gentle introduction)
- Mountain weather - how the weather affects our route planning and choice during the day
- Emergency procedures in case of an incident
- Choice and use of equipment

What is the NNAS?
The National Navigation Award Scheme is a nationally recognised structure for the provision of navigation training courses. It is arranged into 3 levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. This course covers the Silver award which covers more open country techniques such as contour interpretation, distance judgement and good compass use. The awards are becoming more widely recognised by schools and youth groups.

What makes our courses different?
I realise that there are other navigation course providers out there. My courses are based on many years of practical experience in the mountains as a walker, mountaineer, climber and member of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue team. I use a map and compass in all weathers, day and night most days of the year around the world. Having gone all the way through the UK qualification system I have been assessed to the highest level and have spent a great deal of time looking at the skills involved in teaching what can be a complex subject. I also really enjoy the freedom of being able to navigate in the mountains and it gives me a great deal of pleasure to pass that freedom on. My courses are progressive, relaxed and will equip you with the skills that you need to be self sufficent in the mountains, whatever the visibility!

Where is the course held?
We run the course in Snowdonia and generally spend one day looking at micro navigation on the lower slopes before completing a mountain journey on the second day. We have the right to roam in Snowdonia and so are not restricted to staying on footpaths and this helps develop our map to ground reading skills.

Whats included?
The course fee includes instruction and the use of any specialist equipment. You can read our "whats included" and kit list page here.

What about accommodation?
We do not include accommodation with this course. For a variety of different accommodation options in Snowdonia, from camping to nice hotels, visit this link.

Other Courses
You may also be interested in our wild camping course or our scrambling courses.

Book this course

If you have any questions about booking a course then please just call or email. Booking is a simple two stage process:

1. Choose a date.
Individuals - visit the diary page for details of open course availability
Groups of 2 or more - Call or email to arrange a date to suit you -

2. Book the course
Online: You can book online securely by clicking on the "buy now" button
or
Download a postal booking form from our booking page.

If you are booking more than 8 weeks in advance you can choose to pay a deposit of £100 to secure your booking. Click here to pay a deposit.

Course type Location Price Quantity  
Mountain Navigation & Hill Skills   £135 per person