Who is the weekend aimed at?

One of the barriers to accessing the mountains and trails of teh UK is often navigation. This camp provides expert instruction and hands-on learning in order to develop the skills and confidence to nvigate in mountain environemnts. Ideal for those who wish to run in the UK mountains or need to train for mountain races. This is aimed at runners who are comfortable on their feet for 4-5 hours, and able to run around 10-15km on road and / or trails. We won’t be running fast, and there will be lots of stops included. The routes take us to some of the most beautiful parts of the National Park.

The camp comprises of 4 runs and a webinar. You will gain confidence in moving over different types of terrain. 

Aim

To give you the skills and experience so that you can confidently navigate in the mountains and trails of the UK. We will cover:

• Route planning

• Access and conservation issues

• Different types of map, scale and map symbols

• How height is shown on maps

• Using a compass

• Orientation of maps

• Strategies for navigating in poor weather 

• Dealing with emergencies

Itinerary

All distances and details are approximate and subject to change due to group experience and weather conditions. The pace is social.

• 27th June Webinar 7pm-9pm - in order to maximise our time on the hills, this introduces the key concepts that we will explore over the weekend. The training will be recorded for camp participants.

• Friday 6-10km shake out evening run from central Brecon. This is a guided run, stopping to consider some access and conservation issues. 

• Saturday two runs. The first covering around 10-15km, a chance for you to practise and hone navigation skills. This run will be over high level mountains and moor terrain. The second is a night run, simulating poor weather and visibility. During the Saturday evening you will plan a route to run on the Sunday.

• Sunday 15-20km, Mountain run. You will run in smaller groups, navigating to check points using a route that you have planned.

What is included?

• 3 fully guided runs by a qualified and insured Mountain Leader.

• 2 hour webinar covering navigation essentials.

• Instruction and running tips to meet your needs.

What is not included?

• Travel, accommodation and food. 

• Equipment

Board and Accommodation

Participants need to arrange their own accommodation. We recommend using the Brecon area as a base as it has a range of food / drinking / cafe / kit shop options.

Kit

This is the minimum for the Saturday and Sunday Runs. The Friday run we recommend a hydration vest and some spare layers. We will run regardless of the weather, although high level routes may be swapped for something more sheltered. The exact routes will be decided based upon the experience of those attending, so examples are given for illustration purposes only. On Saturday, the pace will be slow, so lots of layers are recommended. 

Essential:

• 1:25:000 map Explorer OL12 and compass

• Trail shoes with good grip, minimum 3mm lugs.

• Waterproof jacket and trousers with taped seams

• Spare base layer 

• Mobile phone 

• Enough food and drink to last the day. Plus at least 1 litre of water. It may be possible to top up using mountain streams enroute.

• Foil Blanket or Bivy Bag

• Basic First Aid Kit

• Head torch and spare batteries

• Hat / Buff and gloves

Recommended / optional / weather dependent

• An insulated layer / jacket

• Leggings / full leg cover

• Poles

• Subscription to the OS mapping app

Once purchased, a questionnaire will be sent to you.

Webinar only option

For those who want an introduction to navigation from Trail running, including the basics of apps such as OS Maps and Strava for route planning and finding your way, there is a Webinar Only option. You will join the 2 hour, interactive webinar on the 27th June. This includes acess to the recording afterwards.