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Build the map and compass skills you need for winter hills, where snow, short days and poor visibility change how you move and decide. This one-day course focuses on navigation in winter conditions, with routes chosen around the group, the weather and the terrain on the day.
The day starts with a briefing on the plan, conditions and kit, then moves onto the hill for hands-on practice. You will work with map and compass on snowy ground, practise relocating, and build decision-making for winter days when paths and features are harder to read.
Content is paced to the group. Expect a mix of short teaching stops and longer legs where you lead under guidance. If conditions allow, the route may include higher ground; if not, lower terrain is used so learning stays productive and safe.
Courses run in Scotland, with popular bases in the Cairngorms National Park and around Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. These areas give a mix of open slopes, corries and ridgelines where winter navigation skills matter most.
The exact meeting point and route are confirmed after booking, based on weather, avalanche forecasts and the group. Alternative Scottish venues can be arranged when that better suits the party.
Previous hillwalking experience is important, and some familiarity with map and compass in summer conditions helps you get the most from the day. You should be comfortable walking for several hours in cold, wind and changing weather.
Sturdy winter footwear and layered clothing are essential. If you are new to map work, a summer navigation day first is usually a better starting point, and Scott can advise which option fits.
Scott is a Mountain Leader and Winter Mountain Leader with a Rock Climbing Instructor qualification, and a background as a firefighter and frontline medical responder. He has walked, climbed and camped across the UK and on personal expeditions overseas, and teaches with a practical, safety-led approach.
Sessions stay small so instruction can be tailored. The aim is confidence to navigate winter hills more independently, not a tick-box syllabus.
Dates are arranged on demand around suitable winter conditions in Scotland. You can request a preferred window and Scott will confirm what works for the forecast and venue.
Start times are typically around 09:00, but the exact schedule depends on daylight, travel and the chosen meeting point.
Winter navigation is a focused one-day course on map and compass work in winter terrain. Winter skills is a longer programme that also covers ice axe, crampons and avalanche awareness alongside navigation.
Choose this day if navigation is your main goal. Choose the three-day course if you want a broader winter mountain skill set.
Some summer map and compass experience is recommended so the day can move into winter-specific challenges more quickly. Absolute beginners may be better suited to a summer navigation course first.
If you are unsure, ask before booking and Scott can advise which option fits your current level.
Warm layered clothing, waterproofs, winter walking boots, gloves, hat, food, water and a rucksack are essential. A headtorch is wise given short winter days.
Maps and compasses are provided. If you own an ice axe or crampons and want to practise with your own kit, bring them after checking they are suitable for the planned terrain.
Meeting points are confirmed after booking and usually sit near the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis or Glen Coe, depending on conditions. Full directions are sent once the venue is set.
Transport to and from the meeting point is your responsibility unless something different is agreed in advance.
Safety comes first. Routes and venues can change if wind, visibility or avalanche risk make the original plan unsuitable. Lower terrain may be used so the teaching day still goes ahead when that is the better option.
In severe conditions the day may be rescheduled, and you will be contacted with the next steps.
Participants should normally be 18 or older. Under 18s may join only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who remains responsible for them throughout.
Expect several hours of walking in winter conditions, including ascent and descent. A solid hillwalking fitness base is important.
The fee covers full-day instruction, route planning for the conditions, and use of maps and compasses. Coaching stays within the scope of Scott's qualifications.
Personal clothing, food, transport, accommodation and specialist personal kit such as ice axes are not included unless agreed separately.
Scotland is the usual setting for winter navigation, and the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe are common bases. Other Scottish venues can be discussed if they better suit the group and conditions.
If you need a different UK area, ask before booking so feasibility and travel can be checked.
Submit a booking request with your preferred dates and group size. Scott reviews the request and confirms before the day is locked in.
After confirmation you will receive practical details, including meeting point, kit guidance and any forms needed before the course.
We had an incredible day with Scott sea cliff climbing in Swanage. He was a kind, personable and thoughtful instructor who was led by our needs and skill levels. He provided all the equipment we needed and took the time to answer our (many) questions about outdoor climbing. Cannot recommend…
Operated by Avery Mountaineering, a partner of adventuro.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
From £75
