Cairngorms Mountain Skills 2 Day Course
Cairngorms 2 Day Mountain Skills Course Map & compass · route planning · navigation practice
A two-day mountain navigation course designed for beginners and early-stage hillwalkers. The extra time allows for more practice, repetition and feedback so core skills feel more reliable by the end of the course.
Course details
Key skills
- Contours and terrain interpretation
- Accurate compass use and bearings
- Navigation strategies in poor visibility
- Planning routes with timing and decision points
- Relocation approaches if you’re unsure of position
Book your place
2026 dates:
4 April · 16 June · 26 September · 16 October
What’s included
- Qualified and experienced Mountain Leader instruction (2 days)
- Structured navigation coaching and practice exercises
- Use of group safety equipment
- Small-group learning environment
- OS map, compass and map case (provided for use)
What’s not included
- Travel to and from the Cairngorms / Aviemore
- Personal clothing and footwear
- Food and drinks
- Personal insurance
- Accommodation (if required)
Trip details
Overview
This two-day course gives you time to learn and then repeat key navigation skills with feedback. It’s designed to build reliable habits for map reading, compass use, and route choices in mountain terrain.
The instructor will adapt the venue and exercises to conditions and group needs. The aim is practical competence rather than rushing through topics.
What you’ll cover
- Map skills: scale, symbols, grid references, planning features
- Contours and terrain interpretation (choosing lines that match the ground)
- Compass foundations: setting the map, bearings, direction of travel
- Navigation strategies: handrails, aiming off, attack points, catching features
- Timing and pacing: distance estimation, Naismith-style timing, checking progress
- Relocation approaches when unsure of your position
- Hill safety considerations: weather awareness and decision points
Itinerary outline (2 days)
Day 1: Core map and compass foundations, contours, simple strategies, coached navigation legs.
Day 2: Consolidation and more independent practice, planning a route with decision points, relocation exercises, recap and next steps.
Note: The exact plan varies with weather, ground conditions and group ability.
Meeting point and logistics
- Meeting point: Aviemore area (full joining details after booking)
- Daily timing: Expect full days outdoors; start/finish times confirmed in joining instructions
- What to bring: Waterproofs, warm layers, food, drink and suitable footwear
Equipment and preparation
OS maps, compasses and map cases are provided for use on the course. You’re welcome to bring your own equipment if preferred.
Use the equipment list to plan personal kit, and review the Mountain Skills FAQs for preparation and common questions.
If you’re unsure about suitability or kit, contact us before booking.
FAQs (quick answers)
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. It’s designed for beginners and early-stage hillwalkers, with more time to practise than a one-day course.
What if the weather is poor?
The instructor will adapt terrain and objectives to keep the course safe and productive.
Do I need GPS?
No. The focus is map and compass foundations. GPS can be discussed as a backup tool.
What should I bring?
Suitable hill clothing, waterproofs, food and drink. See the equipment list.
What people say
I appreciated having two days to practise. The instructor explained things clearly and I felt more confident using the map by the end.
Good pacing and plenty of repetition without pressure. The route planning and “what to do next” checks were especially helpful.
Useful, practical coaching in real conditions. I now have a simple approach to staying found and checking decisions as I go.
Rated 5.0 on Google (ratings can change; check Google for the latest).