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Two days of hands-on map and compass instruction in Capel Curig, Snowdonia. Learn grid references, contour reading, pacing and real-world decision-making from instructors who train SAR and military teams.
Two days of hands-on map and compass instruction in Capel Curig, Snowdonia. Learn grid references, contour reading, pacing and real-world decision-making from instructors who train SAR and military teams.
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Operated by Snowdonia Adventures · Capel Curig, Wales
Novice Navigation is a two-day practical course taught in and around Capel Curig, in Snowdonia, Wales. Based at Caffi Siabod (A5, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0EL, United Kingdom) the course is designed for people with little or no experience of map and compass navigation who want confident, usable skills for hills and low mountains. You’ll spend two days learning core navigation techniques on marked paths and open ground, with instruction from remote environment navigation experts who coach military and SAR personnel in the UK and around the world. Small teaching ratios (maximum six clients per instructor) mean most of your time is hands-on: plotting grid references, reading contour lines, identifying features on the map and matching them to the landscape, and using a compass to set a map and take bearings. On the ground the terrain ranges from river valleys to steep ridgelines carved by ancient glaciers; you’ll learn hand-railing and macro-navigation to move efficiently through mixed ground and to judge distance with pacing. Practical modules include map scales and symbols, public rights of way and the CROW Act, practical compass work, hand-railing, feature recognition, and planning a full route from start to finish. These lessons are directly transferable to day hikes, multi-day trekking, or technical expeditions. This course stands out because instruction emphasizes real-world decision-making rather than rote drills. Coaches bring operational experience from search and rescue and military training, focusing on situational awareness, safe route choice, and avoiding common errors that lead to getting lost. The pairing of experienced tutors and the varied Snowdonia landscape turns abstract map concepts into immediate, usable skills. Practical notes: bring weatherproof hill kit, packed lunch and drinks, and a working compass; the instructors use map OL17 at 1:25,000 scale and recommend the Silva Type 4/54 compass. Meeting point is Caffi Siabod; additional meeting details are provided at booking. If you’re visiting Snowdonia and want to move beyond following waymarks, this course gives you the competence to plan routes and navigate confidently in upland Wales. It’s an efficient two-day investment that transforms how you read a map on any mountain, whether you’re out for a quick ridge walk or preparing for a multi-day traverse. Expect changeable weather on any day; instructors teach practical sheltering, route alteration and simple risk assessment so that you learn to make sound choices when visibility or conditions deteriorate. No previous navigation qualification is required, and the course suits solo travelers, partners, or small groups. Course materials include mapwork exercises and real-time route planning; a pen and notebook help cement skills. After two days you’ll leave able to navigate marked and unmarked terrain with far greater independence and the confidence to plan your own mountain days and enjoy safely.
moderate.
2 days.
Suitable for hikers in reasonable shape who can walk on uneven ground for several hours; basic stamina and balance required.
No — the course is aimed at novices and those with self-taught skills who want formal instruction.
The published meeting point is Caffi Siabod, A5, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0EL, United Kingdom.
Groups are small with a maximum ratio of six clients to one instructor to maximize field learning.
Instructors use OS Map OL17 at 1:25,000 and recommend a Silva Type 4/54 compass.
Yes—training includes decision-making and route alteration for deteriorating conditions, but instructors may alter exercises for safety.
Practical mapwork exercises are provided during the course; bring a pen and notebook to record techniques and notes.
Snowdonia National Park was designated in 1951; the course also covers public rights of way and the CROW Act as part of route planning.
Practice Leave No Trace: stick to established paths where possible, pack out litter, and be mindful of nesting birds and fragile upland vegetation.
Snowdonia Adventures is a Capel Curig–based outdoor guiding company offering guided hikes, scrambles, mountaineering courses, climbing taster days and coasteering across Snowdonia and North Wales. The company specialises in small-group, guided outdoor experiences led by qualified, experienced mountain leaders and instructors who support safe, accessible adventures for fit beginners through to experienced hikers. Trips on the programme include guided ascents of Tryfan and Cnicht, ridge scrambles such as Y Gribin and the Nantlle Ridge, summit routes in the Carneddau, quieter tracks like Rhyd Ddu, waterfall walks to Aber Falls, winter mountaineering courses, rock-climbing taster days, and coastal coasteering sessions on Anglesey. Each trip description specifies terrain, recommended fitness level, and essential equipment; guides manage navigation, route-finding and safety so participants can focus on the landscape. Operating from Capel Curig, Snowdonia Adventures uses locally focused logistics to access central and northern Snowdonian ranges and nearby coasts. Groups are kept intentionally small to maximise guide contact and minimise environmental impact. Training and safety are emphasised on technical days such as winter mountaineering and scrambles; practical skills taught include crampon use, ice-axe techniques, ropework and route planning. Snowdonia Adventures is featured on The Adventure Collective, and works within recognised mountain safety practices and local access guidelines. Clear booking information, pre-trip briefings and experienced, qualified guides make the experiences suitable for those wanting guided mountain days, skills courses or coastal adventures in Snowdonia. Booking details include group size limits, meeting points in Capel Curig, straightforward booking terms and clear safety, cancellation and refund policies.
Book with Snowdonia Adventures