This one-day course is designed for beginners and early-stage hillwalkers who want a practical, map-and-compass foundation for the Cairngorms. You’ll learn how to interpret the map, connect it to the ground around you, and make simple navigation decisions as terrain and visibility change.

The day is taught outdoors with regular practice time. The exact route and exercises 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 foundations: setting the map, taking a bearing, and following a direction of travel
• Simple strategies to stay found: handrails, aiming off, catching features and attack points
• Route planning for day walks: timing, distance, decision points and escape options
• Relocation approaches if you’re unsure of your position
• Basic hill safety: weather awareness, pacing, and group management considerations

Morning: Meet at the Ski Centre Car Park, Cairngorm. Map basics, contours, and simple navigation strategies on straightforward terrain.

Midday: Route planning and timing, then practical navigation legs with coached decision points.

Afternoon: Bearings, relocation practice, and adapting the plan to changes in visibility and weather. Recap and next steps.

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

• Meeting point: Ski Centre Car Park, Cairngorm (full joining details sent after booking)
• Timing: Expect a full outdoor day. 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, it’s worth checking it a few days before you travel so you can source anything missing.

If you’d like extra reading or practice ideas before the course, see our additional resources: Mountain Skills FAQs.

After the course, you should be able to plan and follow a simple route using map and compass, and have a clear approach for checking decisions as you go. If you want to continue building skills, we can advise on next steps based on your goals.

• Use the Mountain Skills FAQs for common questions and extra guidance
• Review the equipment list to refine your personal 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. This course is suitable for beginners. You’ll be outside for most of the day, so basic hill fitness helps.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The instructor will adapt the venue, terrain and exercises to conditions to keep the day safe and productive.

Will I be using GPS?
The focus is on map and compass foundations. GPS can be discussed as a backup tool, but the day is designed to build core skills.

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