WINTER NAVIGATION

During winter, it’s essential that your navigation skills can withstand both challenging weather conditions and also be prepared to do in the dark. In the early months, the days in the Highlands are short, meaning that on longer mountain days, you may need to set out before dawn or, if your day extends longer than expected, return after dark. Navigating in poor winter conditions can already be daunting, but when combined with darkness, it can be especially stressful for those who are not fully comfortable with a map and compass.

We offer a "Day into Night" along with standard day navigation courses designed to develop your map and compass skills and boost your confidence to stay focused when needed. Starting a couple of hours before nightfall, we will cover various legs of a mountain route, effectively completing a full mountain day at an unconventional hour as nightfall approaches. This will give us ample time to practice and refine navigation skills in the dark, with the support of experienced and qualified instructors to guide you and keep you on track.

Note: This course is also beneficial for those working through the Winter Mountain Leader scheme, especially those preparing for the Winter Mountain Leader Assessment. Group discounts are available.

The course includes essential equipment: ice axe, crampons, and a helmet. Winter clothing and mountain boots are not provided, but you can easily rent winter boots from local shops in Fort William and Aviemore. We can assist with arranging this and pick up the boots before the course begins. All necessary mountain safety equipment, such as group shelters and first aid kits, will be provided by the instructor. A full kit list is available on our website, and we’re happy to assist with any further questions.