Do you want to learn to navigate with a map and compass? Or read a map with confidence?

If you have ever dreamed of being able to find your way in the bush, We have partnered with Caro Ryan of Lotsafreshair to offer you a navigation course.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, Over two jam-packed days Caro will guide you through practical techniques and theoretical insights to help you build your confidence in finding your way in the bush and making wise decisions in an outdoor environment.

Designed for bushwalkers, hikers, canyoners and climbers with little or no experience in map and compass navigation who want to cover the basics, through to intermediate skills associated with traditional navigation methods.

This intensive workshop will cover the basics of choosing the right equipment, map reading and interpretation, reading the land, compass use, timing and pace, taking bearings and loads of other tips and tricks to help you recognise, prevent and solve the most common navigation challenges.

• 2 x Fully Qualified Guides to assist in your instruction and learning
• Lunch on both days
• Topographic Map (to keep)
• Compass (to keep)
• Copy of Caro’s book How to Navigate (to keep)
• Group first aid kit (your instructor is qualified in Remote Area First Aid)

• Accommodation during the course
• Food outside of course hours
• Travel insurance
• Transport to and from the practical location on Day 2 (let us know when booking if you would like us to provide you transport)

There are no pre-requisites for this course, however you will need adequate fitness to physically spend a day hiking in moderate off-track terrain. Booking terms and conditions apply including minimum participants and weather conditions. See full terms and conditions on the 'about us' page of our website.

Day 1:

Beginning by building a solid foundation in map reading, we spend the day in our classroom in Halls Gap getting the basics down pat. Together, we will learn the ins and outs, ups and downs of topographic maps – how to read, interpret and fall in love with them. With a ‘no dumb questions’ rule and lots of practical exercises, we’ll cover everything from datums to contours, grid lines and scale.
You’ll get to know your compass (yours to keep) and be able to answer pressing questions like, ‘What is the difference between grid north, magnetic north and true north?’, ‘What’s the difference between Lat/Long and a grid reference?’, along with understanding declination.
By the end of this day, you’ll be able to interpret all the features and notations on a topographic map, be able to judge time and pacing and correctly and plan a route in an off-track location.

Day 2:

Stepping out into the stunning National Park, we’ll get dirt on our shoes through some practical exercises designed to build your confidence in identifying map features and learning to read the landscape.
Building on yesterday’s foundations, we focus on our compii (plural for compasses) with the aim of becoming familiar (and then confident) in its many uses. You’ll learn (and have much practice in) taking bearings, dead reckoning, identifying features and how to use your compass to find out where you are.
With much of the day spent in practical exercises, by the end of day two, you’ll have combined the knowledge of map reading and interpretation, with compass techniques and practice in ‘reading the land’ and pacing to plan for future off-track adventures.

Minimum 1.5L water per day
Snacks
For field day (day 2):
Day backpack adequate to carry your lunch, water, snacks, own medications, etc
Your own bushwalking/hiking clothes and footwear appropriate for the bush eg. boots or trail-runners/walking shoes.
Hat & sunscreen
Pen

Grampians Peaks Walking Company are running a Northern Expedition starting the 15th April with limited spaces left, if you are interested in seeing more of the Grampians and putting your navigation skills to the test. Please register your interest when booking.