Lake District 2 Day Mountain Skills Course

This two-day course is ideal if you want more time to practise and consolidate skills. We start with strong navigation foundations and then build confidence through coached legs, decision points and relocation practice.

Teaching is outdoors with regular practice time. The exact venue and route vary depending on weather, ground conditions and the group’s needs.

• Map basics: symbols, scale, grid references and key features
• Contours and terrain interpretation (linking the map to what you can see)
• Compass use: setting the map, taking bearings and following direction of travel
• Staying found: handrails, aiming off, catching features, attack points
• Route planning: timing, distance, decision points, simple escape options
• Relocation strategies when you’re unsure of your position
• Hill safety: weather awareness, pacing, group management considerations

Day 1: Map fundamentals, contours, simple strategies to stay on track, and coached navigation legs.

Day 2: Bearings, relocation practice, refining route planning and adapting decisions to terrain/visibility.

Note: The exact content and location vary with conditions and group ability.

• Meeting point: Confirmed after booking (joining details sent by email)
• Timing: Expect two full outdoor days. Exact start/finish times are confirmed in your joining instructions.
• What to bring: Waterproofs, warm layers, food, drink and suitable footwear for mixed ground and changeable weather.

Navigation equipment is provided for use on the day (OS map, compass and map case). You’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

For personal kit, start with the equipment list. If you’re building your hill kit from scratch, check it a few days before you travel so you can source anything missing.

For common questions and extra guidance, see our Mountain Skills FAQs.

After two days you should be able to plan and follow straightforward hill routes using map and compass, and have a clear approach for checking decisions and relocating when needed. If you want to progress further, we can recommend next steps based on your goals.

• Use the Mountain Skills FAQs for extra guidance
• Review the equipment list to refine your kit
• If you’re unsure what to do next, contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction

Do I need prior navigation experience?
No. Day 1 builds foundations. Day 2 gives you more practice and confidence in applying them.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The instructor adapts the venue, terrain and exercises to keep the course safe and productive.

Will we use GPS?
The focus is map and compass. GPS can be discussed as a backup tool, but we prioritise core skills.

What should I bring?
Hill clothing for changeable conditions, waterproofs, warm layers, food and drink. See the equipment list.