Master GPS Navigation in Snowdonia: A One‑Day Field Course from Capel Curig

CAPEL CURIG HIKING FIELD GUIDE

Master GPS Navigation in Snowdonia: A One‑Day Field Course from Capel Curig

A one-day, instructor-led GPS Course teaching device setup, waypoints, tracks and how to combine GPS with OS map and compass navigation—essential for practical mountain navigation.

Master GPS Navigation in Snowdonia: A One‑Day Field Course from Capel Curig.

Duration
1 day
Location
Capel Curig
Operator
Snowdonia Adventures
Category
Hiking
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set against the rugged approach to Snowdonia, the GPS Course in Capel Curig is a compact, hands-on day that teaches practical device use alongside traditional map-and-compass skills. The program is designed to show the strengths and limits of GPS units in the hills and to put those lessons into field practice so you leave with usable navigation skills.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SKILLS

Hands‑on GPS programming and use

Learn to set waypoints, track routes and mark features; practice the functions—waypoint, track, route, go‑to and track‑back—so you can navigate confidently on foot.

THE INSTRUCTION

Small-group practical teaching

The course runs with a controlled instructor ratio to keep sessions hands‑on: a maximum of eight clients per instructor ensures time for one‑to‑one guidance.

THE APPROACH

GPS and traditional navigation together

The day examines what GPS and digital maps can—and cannot—do, and how to use GPS with Ordnance Survey mapping to increase safety in the hills.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The course moves from explanation to applied practice: setting up a GPS to work correctly in the UK and understanding OSGB grid references, programming waypoints, tracks and routes, then testing those skills in the hills by locating your position, entering waypoints and following a simple pre‑planned route.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this course suits—and who might look elsewhere.

1
Beginners to navigationIdeal for those new to GPS or seeking a structured, one‑day introduction to device use and basic field navigation.
2
Families & mixed‑age groupsSuitable for all ages as an accessible, single‑day course that offers practical skills everyone can use.
3
Solo learnersGood for individuals wanting focused instruction; the maximum eight‑to‑one client‑instructor ratio gives space for personalised help.
4
Experienced walkersUseful as a refresher to understand GPS limits, OS mapping integration and to practise device functions in a controlled setting.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Duration: one day.

What to Bring

Clothing and footwear suitable for hill and mountain weather, packed lunch and drinks, your normal hill kit and optionally a pen, pencil and notebook.

Meeting Point

Meet at Caffi Siabod, A5, Capel Curig, Betws‑y‑Coed LL24 0EL, United Kingdom.

Group Size & Instruction

Maximum ratio is eight clients to one instructor to keep sessions practical and hands‑on.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the GPS Course?

The course is one day in length.

Where do we meet for the course?

The meeting point is Caffi Siabod on the A5 in Capel Curig (Betws‑y‑Coed LL24 0EL).

What equipment should I bring?

Bring clothing and footwear suitable for hill and mountain weather, your normal hill kit, a packed lunch and drinks; a pen, pencil and notebook may be useful.

How many clients per instructor?

The course runs with a maximum of eight clients to one instructor.

What navigation skills will I have after the course?

You will understand what a GPS can and cannot do, how to set up a GPS for UK use, how to use OS grid references, and how to program and use waypoints, tracks and routes to navigate a simple pre‑planned route.