Hello all.
I would really like to get out on the hills more but my navigation really worries me!
My skills are limited to say the least but I feel I would definitely pick it up pretty quick.
I have a couple of books on navigation with one being by Peter Cliff.
Is it just a case of going out and trying and see what happens or do I take a course?
Thanks in advance.
Carl
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.jpg) Depends on how you learn things. If you tend to read instruction booklets for everything you buy before you plug it in and turn it on then go on a course. If you are the sort to do a bungee jump then you learn by doing! Personally I'd read the books then go to an area you know even a little and set yourself tasks - taking a bearing, following it to a specific landmark etc. and see how you get on. I've got the Cicerone navigation book by Pete Hawkins which I found useful. Everyone gets lost - just depends how long you take to realise and then remedy the fact. 
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 The Peter Cliff book is a very good introduction, as is Map and Compass published by Cicerone. Books like that should give you enough knowledge to get out and do some basic map reading and compass work yourself. I've set myself nav exercises by using a 1:25k OS map, and also the Where's the Path website, esp. using the aerial photograph along with the 1:50k map just to check that there is a field boundary or a shake hole where the map claims there is (maps aren't always correct!). However, I have been on several nav courses - and got myself started by going on a NNAS course - available all over the UK. Orienteering is also an excellent way of learning how to navigate; I didn't take this route but know others who have, and if there's an Orienteering club in your area, have a go at it.
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 Is the Peter Cliff book the one which starts with the fact that he does not know nor care that churches have different symbols according to whether they have steeples because there are no chrches up mountains. Mountain navigation is nearly entirely understanding the way that contour lines represent the ground. Generally nav in good visibility is straightforward but in blizzard, thick fog or at night can become very chaleenging. I'd suggest you just got on with it and prepared yourself to make errors. You could hook up with someone else who is more confident at nav but you''d have to insist they shut up and let you do it.
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 If you want some hands on experience, I can recommend the navigation course run by Pete Hawkins in the Peak District. I did it in February of this year and picked up a lot. https://silvanavigationschool.com/
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| Edited: 18/08/11 13:58 |
 Hello all. I would really like to get out on the hills more but my navigation really worries me! My skills are limited to say the least but I feel I would definitely pick it up pretty quick. I have a couple of books on navigation with one being by Peter Cliff. Is it just a case of going out and trying and see what happens or do I take a course? Thanks in advance. Carl Hi Carl, If you are interested in a Navigation course then I am looking to organise one in October in the Lake District. Cheers, Stephen
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There's a church at SH751737 up above Conwy. Might not quite classify as a mountain, but it's pretty high, and has monthly services too!
It doesn't have a tower or a spire.
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On a more serious note I gained a lot of confidence (and experience) on my SWMM training weekend earlier this year(bit like ML, but only qualifies you for the south west area). Although I felt I was reasonable with map & compass, having someone else tell me I was okay gave a huge boost in confidence. I've since been out on Dartmoor in some really poor visibility, bagging my "days" experience, setting myself lots of little challenges etc. Every time you find the boundary stone/whatever in the fog it gives you a little boost.
I'd recommend some kind of course if you are nervous. Failing that, go out a few times with an experienced friend, but get them to let you do the nav, or teach you first then let you have a go.
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 My advice is look into orienteering. You get a lot of practice in an environment designed for people to progress from where they are up to expert navigators in a challenging but safe environment. Cheaper than a course, and with more actual practice, and recurring practice at frequent intervals and in a local club lots of people willing to help you. It's even fun! It's also worth noting that folk like the Mountaineering Council of Scotland are making more and more use of it for navigation instruction, 'cause it works. I took it up when I felt I was already pretty good at navigation (a couple of MMs under my belt, using stuff like slope aspect in whiteout etc.), but I've been getting better ever since and, seeing how good a good orienteer is, know there's still a long way to go! Pete.
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Thanks for all the replies!
I have looked at courses and orienteering also. The thing is I am a publican so my day off is a Monday.
Weekends are generally a problem for me to get off!
I have looked at courses but most are weekends that I have seen of.
Orienteering I have seen also but again mainly on weekends.
Will keep looking though.
Does anyone now of anyone who do courses for individuals in Peaks/Lakes/Snowdonia area?
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Carl, Pretty sure Pete Hawkins can provide this in the Peak District, he's based around Tideswell. You should be able to contact him via his website - https://silvanavigationschool.com/ Andy
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 Carl, I'd too recommend Iain Gallagher who runs www.kendalmountaineeringservices.co.uk I did part of the course he ran for OM Winter Skills this Feb./March. Iain is very good and knowledgeable, his fees for OM courses are cheaper than he charges for 'normal/bespoke' courses, but even then I'd reckon it could be hard to find someone doing the same thing for less. I checked many courses for what I wanted and not many where near what Iain would charge. Paul.
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Thanks everyone!
Have sent both e-mails now!
Looking forward to getting out and seeing some of you guys out there.
Cheers again
Carl
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