Combined Navigation

Combined Navigation (3 days)

3 day course including map and compass, natural and night navigation.

An intensive but fun three days, with two night sessions out as well. Plenty of opportunities to brush up your skills or even go from beginner to competent and confident navigator.

This course will typically run on a long weekend, with the first day being for beginners and those wanting a refresher.

Day one (optional): For beginners or a refresher before a night navigation exercise to ensure you have learnt the basics. The emphasis will be upon:

use of map and compass
pacing and walking on bearings
recognising features and map reading

If the stars are out we will take the opportunity to look at celestial navigation basics.

Day two: Full-on tuition and practice in safe and fast navigation, followed by a major night exercise. The day focuses upon:

micro-navigation techniques
fast and safe decision making
reducing errors
relocation and natural navigation assisting the ‘art of navigation’

Day three: Route planning, timing, escape and rescue, day walk. Emphasis will be upon:

timing and solar observation
weather changes and observations through a journey
essentials of safe action in emergencies

Equipment needed?

You would be advised to bring the equipment you normally use, such as compass and head torch, if you have them. Maps will be specified before the course and will be available to purchase if you do not already have them. Most work will use a 1:25,000 scale O.S. map of the area concerned. The 1:50,000 will also be used.

We do not recommend you buy equipment for a course without first consulting us. You might not need to get anything, after all knowledge can be far more useful.

Clothing is the normal walking clothes you would be comfortable in, footwear, waterproofs, warm hat and gloves.

A rucksack and water bottle would be good – but ask before the specific course for details.

Map cases are of only limited use and are not favoured. A small plastic bag and sticky tape is far more useful, and cheaper!

Who is this course for?

The course is intended for anyone interested in the art of navigation, for leisure and outdoor activities.

If you feel in any way unsure or are not confident, these courses are for you! Malcolm specialises in working with complete beginners and keen outdoors navigators – just so long as they are all willing to learn and want to help each other. You just need to be fit enough to enjoy walking outdoors, when walking slowly. Most people will be fine.

The maximum number for this course is usually 6 persons, unless it is a private booking for one group, where numbers can go higher. Give us a call to ask.

What this course is and isn’t

This course is practical and supervised, intended for enjoyment and real progress in safe movement in the outdoors. It is not a classroom or geography lesson, nor is it a tough military exercise or an orienteering training session. It will include plenty of time to talk, enjoy the views, have good conversations and make new friends.

* The night navigation component will typically last for 3 hours, leaving plenty of time to socialise and rest.

Location

Courses can be run in Orkney, Scottish Highlands, or other locations in the UK. See events for suitable dates and locations, or get in touch if you think you could arrange an interested group in your area.