Intro Navigation Course
Our introductory mountain navigation course is ideal for beginners interested in mountaineering in Wales. Get in contact for our navigation courses UK.....
Mountain Navigation Courses
Advanced Mountain Navigation Course
Learn advanced mountain navigation courses with our mountain skills training. Navigate challenging terrain with our winter mountaineering courses.....
Mountain Navigation Courses in Snowdonia
Are you new to mountain walking in Snowdonia and want to learn the fundamentals of mountain navigation to explore safely and confidently? Or are you an experienced hillwalker looking to improve your skills and navigate efficiently in poor visibility or darkness? Our Mountain Navigation Courses are designed to help you develop the skills you need to enjoy the mountains with confidence.
For many, navigation can seem like a complex skill reserved for expert mountaineers. In reality, the core techniques are straightforward and easy to learn. By mastering these essential skills, you’ll enjoy safer and more rewarding adventures in the hills.
Our Mountain Navigation Courses
We offer two mountain navigation courses in the UK, both designed to maximise your learning through hands-on experience in the mountains:
- Introductory mountain navigation course – Ideal for beginners looking to understand the basics of map reading, compass use, and route planning.
- Advanced mountain navigation course – Designed for experienced hillwalkers and those with some navigation skills who want to build confidence in complex terrain and poor conditions.
Both courses take place outdoors, allowing you to apply what you learn in real-world mountain environments.
Course Content
Introductory Mountain Navigation Course
This course covers the fundamental skills needed for orienteering courses and mountaineering in Wales, including:
- Planning routes using maps and online resources
- Choosing the right map for mountain walking
- Understanding map scales, symbols, and grid references
- On the hill:
- Orientating the map
- Measuring distances and estimating timings
- Navigating using paths, walls, and streams (linear features)
- Basic contour interpretation and hand-railing techniques
Advanced Mountain Navigation Course
For those wanting to refine their mountaineering skills in Wales, this course builds on the basics and covers:
- Advanced contour interpretation
- Efficient timing and pacing strategies
- Taking and following compass bearings
- Navigation techniques for poor visibility and darkness
Who Are These Courses For?
Our introductory mountain navigation course is perfect for beginners with little or no navigation experience, as well as those needing a refresher after time away from the hills. It will give you the essential skills to safely enjoy mountain walking in Snowdonia.
The advanced mountain navigation course is designed for those who can navigate well on marked paths but want to confidently explore off-trail routes and handle poor visibility conditions.
Why Choose Gradient Adventure?
With over 20 years of experience delivering mountaineering courses in Wales, we have an in-depth knowledge of Snowdonia’s landscapes. We also teach and assess these skills on Mountain Leader courses, ensuring you get expert guidance tailored to real-world navigation challenges.
What to Expect on Your Mountain Navigation Course
We start the day at a pre-arranged meeting point - often Siabod Café in Capel Curig - at 9 am for a short theory session. The rest of the day is spent outdoors, applying your skills in a practical setting.
These courses focus on navigation techniques rather than long-distance walking, ensuring plenty of time to practice and refine your skills with expert guidance.
