Introduction to Map & Compass

Following a successful session last year, we are again offering mountain navigation workshops this year. This is the introductory session, a ‘consolidation’ workshop will run on Sunday.

The session may kick off with a short classroom session to cover the basics of navigation, then head out to an area suitable for practising map and compass skills in a fun and hands-on way.

This session is run jointly with Lucy Wallace of Arran Wild Walks, who regularly delivers Mountain Leader training courses. Find out more about Lucy here.

 | Overview

Endurance Rating

2  

Long distance, some steep ascent and descent, moderate amount of stamina needed in bursts, suitable for reasonably fit walkers. Have had recent experience of walking for 5-7 hours? Have you recently walked up (and down) hills without physical too much distress? If your answer is "No", we'd guess you'd be happier doing a walk rated a level lower than the one you’ve just read! As noted previously, we're into FUN so we don't want you to miss out by overdoing it.

 | Photo Gallery

 | Walk description

This workshop will take place in the grounds of Brodick Country Park. The pace will be relaxed, to allow lots of time for learning.

During the day we will look at the following essential navigation techniques.
• Planning and following a route using the map.
• Relating features on the map to features on the ground.
• Setting the map using terrain features and/or the compass
• Measuring distance on the map and on the ground.
• Making basic direction decisions when walking on paths.

At the end of the workshop, participants should feel much more confident about using a map to navigate using paths and linear features. This session will provide the essential building blocks for someone wanting to do the second festival navigation session.

Route Profile

 | Advised Kit List