Navigation skills course: a day in the Campsie Fells

6 hours

Navigation skills course: a day in the Campsie Fells

Overview

A six-hour navigation course in the Campsie Fells, the rolling line of hills that climb north out of Glasgow. By the end of the day, you'll have the skills to find your way confidently on the hill — and the judgement to know when to trust them.

Led by a qualified guide, the course covers everything you need to navigate safely in upland terrain: reading a map, using a compass, interpreting the ground in front of you, and making good decisions when the cloud comes in.

Who it's for

The course suits walkers who want to stop following the person in front and start finding their own way. Whether you're new to navigation or you've picked up bits and pieces over the years and want to fill in the gaps, you'll leave with a proper grounding. No prior experience needed — just a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to get hands-on with map and compass.

What you'll learn

  • Map interpretation — understanding symbols, path types, and how to read contours to picture the ground before you walk it
  • Compass work — taking and following bearings, and using your compass alongside the map rather than instead of it
  • Natural navigation — reading the landscape, using features and terrain as handrails, and the simple strategies experienced walkers rely on to stay on track
  • Hands-on practice — most of the day is spent applying the skills in real terrain, with your guide alongside

The day

Meet your guide at the Campsie Fells meeting point at 09:00. After a briefing and an introduction to the kit, you'll head out into the hills for a day built around practical learning — short teaching sessions woven through the walk, with plenty of time to try things yourself. Expect a steady pace over varied ground, with stops for discussion and practice. The day wraps up around 15:00.

About

Your Guide

Jack Wright Mountain Leader

Jack Wright Mountain Leader

Jack’s passion for the mountains began early—he summited his first Munro at just seven years old and hasn’t looked back since. His adventures have taken him from the rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands to the dramatic summits of the Alps, the Himalayas, and the Canadian Rockies. Despite his global experience, Jack believes nothing quite compares to the wild beauty of Scotland.

He’s happiest outdoors, whether navigating big boulders, setting off on alpine starts, or sharing his enthusiasm for Clubmoss (he never misses a chance to point it out). As a qualified Mountain Leader, Jack combines his deep love for nature with expert guidance, ensuring you’re always in safe and knowledgeable hands on the hill.

Location

Things to keep in mind