Beginner Mountain Navigation Day | Brecon Beacons

This exciting one day navigation course has been designed with the complete beginner in mind. The day will be stress-free and taught at a slow pace. The goal of the day is to leave you with a new-found understanding of how to use a map and compass in a mountain environment, and therefore enhance how comfortable you feel in these environments. 

Course run by Mountain Leader Tony Mankey. An intro film where you can 'meet' Tony will be added in the next few weeks. 

Day description:

The day will begin in the car park where you will look at maps, covering different types of maps, scales, features, and their uses. Next you will look at map orientation, how to work out a 6 figure grid reference, and then move on to compasses - different types and features. This will likely take 1-2 hours.

From here you begin your journey into the hills on foot, learning how to use a map and compass together by measuring distance on a map and how to take a bearing. The terrain covered here is the steepest part of the route but flattens out intermittently as you gain height. You will take in the summits of Pen Y Fan and Corn Du before dropping off the east side down to a trail that will offer the chance to explore relocation skills by using the landscape around you. You will have the chance to lead the group and follow along using the map for guidance.

The day will draw to a close with a small walk along a quiet road back to the car park where you will have a general discussion around use of GPS devices on the trail and Mountain Rescue - how to call and when.

There will be time for questions at the end of the day before heading off.

Whether you attend alone or with a few friends/family, you'll soon get to know everyone in the group and then enjoy a stress-free day learning new skills.

For a stress-free day out, group size will be 6 people per course to ensure adequate client-trainer ratio.

About Tony:

“Hey! I’m Tony Mankey, I’ve spent over 20 years in the hills and mountains throughout the world. I’m a Mountain Leader with a real passion for navigation. I’m also a rock climbing instructor. I just love being out in the hills taking people for beginners to independent hill walkers.”

An intro video where you can 'meet' Tony will be added in the next few weeks. 

Summary of what's covered:

• Maps - different types, scales, features
• Map Orientation
• 6 figure grid references
• Compasses - different types and features
• Using map and compass together
• How to take a bearing
• Relocation when lost using landscape
• Carrying map and compass when on the trail
• A small amount about GPS devices and using then in conjunction with a map
• Mountain rescue - how to call and when

What will not be covered in detail:

• Detailed measuring of distance e.g. Pacings and timings
• Use of a GPS
• Micronavigation
• Detailed Contour Interpretation
• Poor visibility navigational strategies

Length of day:

Approx. 6-8 hours

Around 6-7 miles covered although this is not sold as a walking event!

Level of fitness required: 

This event is for those who are comfortable being on their feet for 6-8 hours and walking anywhere between 5-9 miles (depending on relocation points covered and the enthusiasm of the group) with rocky terrain and steep traverses under foot.

Date and time:

Saturday 11th February 2023 | Start at 9:00am - meet around 8:45am

Start/finish location: 

OL12 1:25 000 GR 025 249

Getting to the car park: 

Cwm Gwdi car park, Unnamed Road, 8LE, Brecon

This is a National Trust car park and there may be charges for non-members.

Please put the address into Google Maps and follow the route

It is NOT the Nant Cwm Llwch car park.

Toilet stops:

There are no public toilets on this event

Kit required:

- Full mountain kit (see Events page for breakdown)

- Map of Brecon Beacons National Park Western area OL12 1:25 000 (Active map or bring a waterproof case)

- Silva Expedition 4 Compass or similar (with 1:50 000 and 1:25 000 scale measures)

- Red/bright coloured Sharpie for navigation dots to be placed on your map

Media:

By signing up to a walk with us you are giving us permission to take photos for promotional use across our website and social media pages. If you specifically do not want media taken with you in it, please do feel able to get in touch. We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members. Also, we'd love to have a copy of any you are particularly proud of so we share them too!

Weather:

All of our walks are weather dependant. The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day's walking and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the days before and will send you an email and text if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day's hike in the walking area.

Accidents and Incidents:

Abbie and our event leaders are all qualified first aiders and will always carry an appropriate first aid kit. We will have always created a risk assessment before your event takes place to mitigate any issues that might arise.

Honesty is essential to staying safe. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify Abbie or other walk leaders as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let them know. Please use the booking form and the paper disclaimer you will be given on the day as an opportunity to raise anything sich as previous medical issues or injuries that may affect your experience. Abbie is also a qualified and insured Mountain Leader.

By joining this event you understand that:  walking in nature in an outdoor area brings with it a level of risk. You will need to take responsibility for your own actions, health and involvement during the walk and will be expected to exercise judgement based on your fitness levels as to whether you can complete the walk. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by Abbie and her team and have a duty to exercise judgement regarding your own personal safety and that of other members of the group. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

By joining this walk you are also acknowledging that you have read our Safeguarding Policy and agree to it.

Any queries please get in touch.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk except emergency rations. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund.

By You: We require 30 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 75% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 30 days to 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

- 100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 7 days.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via the 'contact' page. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.