Improve on Your Navigation Skills

Course content

1. Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the features on a map, and list more than 5 range map symbols and how the map relates to the ground specifically natural features such as contours.
2. Explain the importance of using the ‘D’s in planning a navigational leg ‘description’, ‘direction’ ‘distance, ‘duration’, ‘destination’ and ‘danger’
3. Explain the role of a compass in simple terms and use it to measure distance, orientate the map and check direction.
4. Use a wider range of techniques in navigation such as timing, pacing, attack points, catching features, simple bearing.
5. Identify key features such as knolls, valleys, spurs, cols ridges etc
6. Explain the importance of route planning, route cards, 6 figure grid references, scales, bearings, estimating distance and time
1. Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the features on a map, and list more than 5 range map symbols and how the map relates to the ground specifically natural features such as contours.
2. Explain the importance of using the ‘D’s in planning a navigational leg ‘description’, ‘direction’ ‘distance, ‘duration’, ‘destination’ and ‘danger’
3. Explain the role of a compass in simple terms and use it to measure distance, orientate the map and check direction.
4. Use a wider range of techniques in navigation such as timing, pacing, attack points, catching features, simple bearing.
5. Identify key features such as knolls, valleys, spurs, cols ridges etc
6. Explain the importance of route planning, route cards, 6 figure grid references, scales, bearings, estimating distance and time

Description

To further empower people to follow new routes, explore new places with confidence and safely. Build on existing map skills to follow routes with a range of techniques suitable for the conditions and terrain. Introduce and demystify the compass and its role within intermediate navigation. Estimate time and distance and its role in route planning and safety.

Course content:

A practical course taught ‘in the field’ using navigational aids in a contextual way

Requirements

Some rudimentary hill walking experience, some basic understanding on a map and its purpose (this is not tested).

What do I need to do this course?

Some basic hillwalking clothes such as sensible footwear, warm clothes, packed lunch, note pad and waterproofs (a full kit list will be provided). People can borrow maps/ compasses if they wish but if they have their own this is encouraged.

Teaching Methods

The course takes place on a walk, involves demonstrations, explanations, discussions, practical challenges and visual aids

How is your progress checked?
Assessment is informal and ongoing. It is measured through discussion, questioning and practical application. Through the course people will be asked to demonstrate skills, show where they are on the map, lead sections of the walk, discuss their approaches etc.
What can I do after this course?
It is possible to do an Advanced Navigation course for CLIP if there is enough interest or you can consider NGB leadership awards.