The courses will help boost hillwalkers' confidence

Hillwalkers who want to brush up their navigation skills can take advantage of subsidised courses in the Highlands.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland is hosting the one-day introductions to finding your way on the hills, in Strathspey and Braemar in September. Similar courses being run in Edinburgh and Glasgow are already full.

The training is available to non-members and will cover map reading and compass bearings; hints and techniques for locating position in poor visibility, and confidence in finding your way on the hill.

The council’s mountain safety adviser Heather Morning will run the courses, which cost £25 for the day.

Minimum age for the training is 18 and there are spaces for 12 on each course which is aimed at both introducing and refreshing the skills for hill navigation.

Maps and compasses will be provided, but participants will need to equip themselves with waterproof jacket and trousers, boots, gaiters, warm hat and gloves, and a map case. They will also need food and drink for a day on the hills and a map case or clear polythene bag.

The Strathspey courses will run on 11 and 12 September and the Braemar ones on 25 and 26 September.

Further details can be obtained and bookings made by phoning the MCofS on 01738 493942.