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Navigation in Perthshire Hills
Skills course on the hills above Pitlochry
Above Pitlochry and Killiecrankie are some wonderful hills to get lost in.
The hills are predominantly gently rolling and covered in grass and heather with tracks and paths to ease access.
But there's lots in there to catch out the unwary and therefore an ideal location in which to build navigation skills.
We also host a similar course in the
Pentland Hills, near Edinburgh.
At a glance
- An introduction to the navigation skills needed for hiking on the mountains of Scotland.
- Get to grips with different types of maps and learn how to use a map and compass.
- Find out what to do when 'lost' and how to work as a 'team'.
- Have some fun sharing the experience in a small group led by an experienced leader.
- Explore some Perthshire hills, discovering all is not what first seems !
Dates and booking
General info
Fairly easy hillwalking day.
This event is a guided hiking session, learning navigation skills with one of our experienced and qualified leaders.
The small class size allows navigation topics to be covered in depth and be thoroughly put into practice on the hill by everyone.
These events begin with a couple of hours in a 'classroom' in Pitlochry learning theory. After a break, we'll head into the undulating ground around Ben Vrackie for the practical part of the course.
Our maximum guide to client ratio on this event is 1:6.
Outline of event »
| Grading : | Fairly easy hillwalking day |
| Stats : | distance : 6-8km, ascent : 500-700m, time : 5−6 hours |
The Perthshire hills around Pitlochry and Killiecrankie are most accessible.
There's a bit of everything to be found here, all within a fairly small area which makes for an ideal location in which to learn navigation skills.
The session begins with some time in a classroom setting, where amongst many topics we'll be discussing are the different types of maps, understanding topography and learning how to use a compass correctly.
We'll then head outdoors and put everything together and practice on the hills. While outside we'll introduce some more important techniques including timing, pacing and relocation.
Hopefully we'll work our way onto one of the Perthshire peaks, with Ben Vrackie being the obvious goal, from where our effort will be rewarded with some fine views over the Southern Highlands, the Cairngorms and much more.
By the end of the course you'll be able to navigate with confidence on Scotland's mountains !
Experience and fitness needed »
Fairly easy hillwalking day.
To join this guided event, we ask that you :
- have a decent level of fitness and moderate level of stamina
- have done some country or hill walking
- are comfortable hiking for 4 hours plus
Have a look at
how we grade our events or
contact us for more information.
Gear you'll need »
For the time on the hills you'll need some hiking gear appropriate to the conditions and time of year including a pair of boots or approach shoes.
Depending on the forecast a hat, gloves and buff might also be needed.
You'll need a stop-watch, map, compass, map case (see recommendations below).
We can supply maps and we have some spare kit to lend out - please ask in advance if you need to borrow so we can set aside the gear for you.
Your guide »
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Emma O'Shea
MLS, MLW qualified and more, Emma is also a member of Tayside Mountain Rescue team and happiest when in the outdoors, frequently accompanied by her collie cross, Moss.
Emma leads our Navigation Skills events in the Perthshire hills.
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More information on your guide can be found on our
About Us page.
Getting there »
We'll be based in Pitlochry for the classroom session, then start our practical part of the course from Killiecrankie. With these locations being close to the A9 and with a train station in Pitlochry, there are good publi transport connections to this area.
Around a month prior to an event taking place, we hope to set up a 'Whatsapp' chat group for the event. This will hopefully help participants find out where others are staying and organise car-share.
Please note that our expertise lies in offering you great guided days in Scotland's mountains and not in providing transport - ultimately it is up to participants to arrange this. Please see our
FAQs for more information.
Accommodation »
Below is a list of accommodation that previous guests on our trips have recommended.
Other accommodation can be found at
Visit Scotland.
Around a month prior to an event taking place, we hope to set up a 'Whatsapp' chat group for the event. This will hopefully help participants find out where others are staying and organise car-share.
Please note that our expertise lies in offering you great guided days in Scotland's mountains and not arranging your accommodation. Please see our
FAQs for more information.
Previous trips »
Below on our Blog or on Flickr are some previous trips similar to this one.
