About Walking & Navigation

Show Walking & Navigation Activities

Contour’s selection of walking holidays and courses has something to suit everyone. Whether you want a pleasant weekend spent refining your navigation, or a longer break exploring some of the most beautiful countryside that Wales has to offer, we feel confident that you will find what you require from our list of walking, camping and navigation activities. If you have a specific walk in mind, or skill you wish to hone, then we are ready to tailor a bespoke itinerary or course to meet your personal needs. See the Personal Guiding page for more details on packages and prices and the North and South Wales Activity & Taster Day pages for advice on half and day sessions

What to Expect

LEVEL I

Fitness Level I | 1 to 2 fitness sessions per week (gym, jog, walk, cycle). At this level the Pen-y-Pass to Summit of Snowdon (via the Miner’s track) should take the walker carrying a rucksack 2 hours

Technical Difficulty Level I | May have had a previous intoduction to navigation (Duke of Edinburgh's Award; Scouts; Cadets) in the past but not practising the skills on a regualr basis and has a limited understanding of the use of map and compass.  Not familiar with basic techniques and navigational equipment and aids.  Would not be comforatable navigating in poor weather or during hours of darkness.  You may have camped overnight at a campsite, but have not conducted single or multi-day trips, with you having limited or no experience of wild camping

LEVEL II

Fitness Level II | 2 to 3 sessions per week. A 4 to 5 hour walk in mountainous terrain should pose no problem. As an example, a walker at this level should be able to reach the Summit of Glyder Fawr or Glyder Fach in 5 hours

Technical Difficulty Level II | Navigates occasionaly, mainly during the day with limited ability/confidence to navigate in poor weather or at night.  Has a basic understanding of navigational equipment and techniques and familiar with the process for calculating bearings, plotting grid references and able to read a 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 map and relate to the ground.  You prefer to camp at recognised 'valley floor' campsites and do not posses the skills, or equipment to wild camp

 

LEVEL III

Fitness Level III | 3 to 4 fitness sessions per week. One of the 3 to 4 sessions may take place over the weekend and be more demanding in nature. A walker, at this level, should take a walk of 6 to 8 hours in their stride, with a day out like the Langdale Horseshoe being within their capability

Technical Difficulty Level III | Confident in the basic navigational skills to allow movement in unfamiliar terrain during daytime in good and bad weather with limited visibility.  Whilst happy to navigate at night, this would only be attempted in good weather and in familiar terrain.  Practised in the use basic navigational equipment and confident with the process for calculating bearings, plotting grid references and able to read a 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 map.  You may be familiar with pacing and use of Naismith's Rule, but rarely employ the techniques.  Overnight wild camps would pose no problem and is and activity that you are familiar with, although not on a regular basis

LEVEL IV

Fitness Level IV | 4 fitness sessions per week, and able to walk 30km in a day. At this level a person would plan to tackle 3 to 4 Munros in one day.

Technical Difficulty Level IV | Confident in the basic navigational skills to allow movement in unfamiliar terrain during daytime in good and bad weather and at night.  Are practised in the use basic navigational equipment and confident with the process for calculating bearings, plotting grid references and able to read a 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 map.  Familiar with pacing and use of Naismith's Rule and regularly use the techniques to aid in route planning.  Overnight wild camps would pose no problem and is something that you regularly undertake

LEVEL V

Fitness Level V | 5 fitness sessions per week. Criteria highlighted in Level 4 would pose no problem and a person would be able to complete similar distances on consecutive days

Technical Difficulty Level V | Confident in your navigational skills and equipment to allow movement in unfamiliar terrain, of varying nature at all times of the day; in all weather conditions and during all seasons.  Overnight wild camps would pose no problem and is and activity that you are familiar with and carry out on a regular basis in the form of single of multi-day expeditions

Equipment List

Below is a list highlighting the clothing and equipment that's required to undertake the activity.  Seasonal demands as well as personal preferences will alter the type of clothing and equipment for the day's activity.  As a matter of course, Contour will advise, in your pre-joining instructions, what's needed before you head out on your adventure. If you don't own it then you may be able to borrow it from us (asterixed), or purchase at a discounted rate from our preferred equipment partner Trekitt Mountain Sports.  Click on the for Trekitt Logo (below) for details on discounts and offers relating to clothing and equipment used for walking and navigation

EQUIPMENT LIST | Walking & Navigation with No Overnight Camping                           

Daysack 35 Litre*     

Waterproof liner for day sack*                                                      

Compass*

Torch* (head torch preferable)

Map *

GPS* (spare batteries)

Watch

Whistle*

Notebook and pen

Penknife or multi-tool (e.g Leatherman)

Toilet paper

Sun cream

Insect repellent

Small first aid kit

Personal medication

Spare glasses 

Waterproof jacket (with hood).

Waterproof trousers (preferably with leg zips)

Hat (synthetic or wool)

Hat (sun protection)

Gloves and spare gloves                                                                           

Base Layer: Thermal underwear (synthetic or wool)          

Mid-layer: Fleece (synthetic or wool)                                       

Walking trousers

Walking shorts                                                                                       

Socks (plus change of socks)                                                                                             

Boots                                                                                             

Gaiters                                                                                           

Water bottle or flask                                                           

Food                                                                                               

Camera

Sunglasses                                                                                  

Mobile phone        

                                                                       

Additional Items for Overnight Experiences & Courses

Rucksack (50- 65Litre)*                                                                          

Sleeping Bag and Compression Sack

Sleeping mat                                                                                

Tent*

Food                                                                                               

Water bottle

Stove, fuel and accessories                                                    

Pots and cleaning pad

Knife, fork & spoon                                                                                            

Toiletries & Towel

Spare clothing (additional socks & underwear)                                                                             

Flip-flops or similar for wear in campsite

Note | For Contour's extended walking expeditions a separate list detailing extra items and recommendations on equipment required for each tour will be sent on booking