HML / ML Navigation Refresher
A masterclass in navigation to turbo boost your preparation for assessment.
Delivered by Mountain Training HML and ML assessors, so you know the standard and how to fly through the navigational aspects of assessment.
Who is it for ?
If you are approaching Hill and Moorland Leader or Mountain Leader Assessment and want to hone your navigation skills and also get a better understanding of the types of navigational points you will be asked to find on assessment this course is for you.
Alternatively, you may not have been on the hill for a while and, feeling a bit rusty, want a bit of a refresher to dust of the map and spin the compass bezel before testing yourself on some challenging navigational legs.
HML / ML Navigation Refresher – Overview
We look at the range of navigational techniques that you will need to employ to have a successful assessment. This includes not just how to nail the point first time round by choosing a great strategy, but what happens if…
From Autumn through to Spring these navigation refresher courses also include an optional element of night navigation. For this we normally return from the hill to have a bite to eat before heading out again at around 1900.
Beyond the Edge are one of the UKs most experienced providers of mountain training courses and they are both highly informative and run by hugely experienced trainers. Importantly in our opinion, they are also fun and run in a friendly manner. We take great pride in the very high percentage of individuals who return for further courses.
HML / ML Navigation Refresher – Course Format
The course will be slightly flexible depending on individuals desires and the prevailing weather conditions. Below is a rough outline of the course.
Start: 0900
We start with a short chat to introduce ourselves and the course and work out individuals knowledge before heading out. During the day we will cover:
- Revision of syllabus & standard expected
- Navigational strategies
- Revision / practice of micro navigation skills
- Back bearings, Transects, Aspect of Slope
- Exact distance measurement in undulating terrain
- Navigation by contours alone
- Navigational skills & strategies for low visibility
- Search techniques for finding precise points
- Individual debriefs and action plans
Close: Depending on daylight hours! 1700 or 2300 if night navigation is also running.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £115 per person
- Duration: 1 day
- Ratio: 1:4
- Level: Advanced
More Information
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Course Dates
From May through to August we don’t run night navigation as it doesn’t get dark until late and we like our sleep!
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
We only schedule a few of these courses a year, so if there are no suitable dates showing, and there are two or more of you that want some revision, please contact the office and we will arrange some dates to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
The course will meet at The Sir William Hotel at 0900 in the village of Grindleford. The village has good bus and train links with Sheffield and good train links to Manchester.
The hotel has ample free parking.
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Equipment Required
You will need to bring all the clothing and equipment you need for a day on the hill including a waterproofed map of the area and a compass.
A suggested kit list together with some tips and links to gear reviews is contained in the joining instructions.
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Recommended Reading
We give some suggestions below, but more detailed suggestions together with a host of helpful links and videos are contained in our Joining Instructions.
The official handbook of Mountain training (National Governing Body) that covers navigation contains lots of useful information. It is:
Mountain Training Handbook, Volume 4, Navigation in the mountains. Carlo Forte.Ordnance survey also produces a very useful free downloadable guide: www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/docs/ebooks/map-reading.pdf
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Fitness Level
You don’t have to be super fit to enjoy the course, but it’s a long day over rough terrain carrying a rucksack, so an average level of fitness is required.
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Accommodation Options
This Beyond the Edge course is non-residential to allow you to select between a thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There is lots of accommodation in the Hope Valley and we recommend The Sir William which offers BtE clients a discount and this course runs from here.
Other options are listed on our Accommodation page.
If you are struggling to find something or want something special, contact the office and we will endeavour to assist.
FAQs
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How do I book ?
The best way is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options on the above and then submit your booking and pay the deposit.
For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
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Does the course include accommodation ?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
In the Peak District we work out of the The Sir William hotel. This is a comfortable Inn with stunning views over the Hope valley and it also serves great food. We recommend that you stay here as they are well versed in looking after walkers and climbers, offer a discount to BtE clients and it’s a 30 second commute from the breakfast table to our meeting room!
Further details and other options are listed on our Accommodation page.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
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Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and everything else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage
