Saturday, July 12, 2008

Mountain Navigation & Hill Skills Course in Snowdonia


This weekend I have been joined by Roddy & Steve for a mountain navigation and hill skills course. The course covers:
- Two full days of practical navigation in the mountains of Snowdonia
- Introduction to different map scales
- How to set the map
- How to interpret contours
- How to interpret key symbols ie how to find a footpath, fence, stream etc
- How to plan and follow a route using paths and other key features
- How to plan and follow a route across featureless terrain
- How to estimate distance using pacing and timing
- How to navigate in poor or limited visibility
- How to use the compass
- How to re-orientate yourself if you do get lost
- Training and Assessment to Silver NNAS standard (optional - if you want to attend the course for your own benefit and do not require the certificate and cloth badge then you do not need to be assessed)
- Certificate and badge for successful candidates assessed to Silver level
- Movement over steep gound (this is not a scrambling course but will give a gentle introduction)
- Mountain weather - how the weather affects our route planning and choice during the day
- Emergency procedures in case of an incident
- Choice and use of equipment

Today we headed up onto Moel Berfedd behind the PYG Hotel and had a mixture of sunshine and showers. It looks set to be brighter tomorrow so fingers crossed!

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