The Adventure
Learn the art of true mountain navigation in the rugged heart of Snowdonia. This two-day, one-night micro-expedition combines expert instruction with hands-on practice to help you build real confidence in the hills. From reading contours and setting bearings to navigating in poor visibility or under starlit skies, this is a chance to gain essential outdoor skills while immersed in one of Wales’ most dramatic landscapes.
You’ll come away not just with new techniques, but with a deeper understanding of the land and your own confidence moving through it — whether you’re planning solo adventures or simply want to be a more capable member of any mountain group.
Who Is It For
This weekend is ideal for anyone who wants to become more self-reliant in the mountains. Whether you’re working towards your Mountain Leader qualification, preparing for more ambitious solo trips, or simply want to understand how to use a map and compass in real terrain, you’ll gain crucial, lifelong skills. You don’t need to be an endurance athlete, but you should feel comfortable walking for several hours each day with a pack on your back. If you love learning by doing — and want to challenge yourself in good company — this course is for you.
Trip Itinerary
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Meet at Caffi Gwynant for an informal welcome and brief on the weekend ahead. Over coffee, we’ll chat about your experience, goals, and kit before diving straight into the essentials: map interpretation, compass work, and practical navigation setups.
Heading out with day packs, you’ll explore the nearby hills, using your map and compass to plot routes and identify features as we go. After a full afternoon of fieldwork, we’ll return briefly to collect our camping gear before venturing deeper into the hills to establish a wild camp. As night falls, the landscape transforms — perfect conditions for learning to navigate confidently in poor visibility. We’ll head out for a micro-navigation exercise beneath the stars before turning in for a well-earned rest.
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After a slower start and a good breakfast, we’ll pack away camp and spend the day consolidating all you’ve learned. Now carrying full kits, you’ll navigate more independently, refining route-planning, pacing, and relocation skills through real-time exercises. Expect an engaging, supportive day on the mountain with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and build lasting confidence. We’ll aim to return to our vehicles by around 16:00.
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The trip starts and finishes at Caffi Gwynant (SH 62698 50505), ideally located in the heart of Snowdonia.
By train: The nearest mainline station is Bangor, with frequent connections via Manchester, Chester, and London. From Bangor, it’s about 50 minutes by local bus or taxi to Caffi Gwynant.
By car: Caffi Gwynant is roughly 25 minutes from Porthmadog or 40 minutes from Bangor. Parking is available nearby — please check ahead if arriving in larger vehicles.
By air: The closest airports are Manchester and Liverpool. Onward travel is easiest by train to Bangor, then by taxi or bus.
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Group size: Small groups of no more than six, keeping instruction personal and flexible.
Guides: Led by local, qualified mountain leaders with years of experience teaching navigation in Snowdonia’s toughest terrain.
Fitness: Two full days of activity with some hill ascents while carrying a moderate load. You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and confidence walking on uneven ground.
Flexibility: The route may be adapted based on group ability, weather, and learning pace — always keeping safety and enjoyment front and centre.
Kit: You’ll need hiking and camping equipment suitable for one overnight. A detailed kit list will be emailed to you after booking.
Why Book with the GBAC?
Adventure, Authentically Delivered
Every journey with GBAC is led by passionate outdoor leaders who design their own adventures—trips as unique and inspiring as the guides themselves. Expect one-of-a-kind experiences that dive deeper, excite the senses, and promise memories no ordinary itinerary can match.
The UK’s Most Trusted Guide Network
Join the adventure community built by outdoor lovers, for outdoor lovers. With one of the largest guide networks in the UK, there’s always support, if a guide is unwell, your trip goes ahead with someone just as qualified and enthusiastic.
Create Unforgettable Memories
Our trips are crafted to leave a lasting mark—whether it’s summiting a new peak, discovering hidden wild places, or simply sharing laughter around the campfire. With GBAC, every adventure becomes a story worth telling, and the moments you share become lifelong memories.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Our guides are handpicked, fully insured, and qualified. Every one of them holds an enhanced DBS check and meets strict GBAC standards, so you can relax knowing your adventure is in safe, expert hands.
Feel-Good Booking, Fair Pay, Real Impact
GBAC guides and outdoor leaders are valued and fairly rewarded. We pay better by taking only a commission—helping expert guides earn more and focus on the experience, not just the job. Every adventure booked helps sustain a thriving, passionate community of outdoor leaders.
Small Groups, Big Adventures
Our trips aren’t crowded. Smaller groups mean a friendlier, more personal atmosphere—letting journeys unfold naturally, stories get shared, and every moment feel memorable.
Ready to create unforgettable memories in the wild? Choose GBAC—where every booking powers a more passionate outdoors, one unique journey at a time
Kit List
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Clothing & footwear
Walking boots (broken in — not fresh out of the box)
Walking poles with snow baskets (recommended, but optional)
3 pairs of socks (2 for walking, 1 spare)
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Gaiters (optional but useful)
Appropriate clothing for a days in the hills
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Sunglasses & sunhat
Backpack & kit
65L+ backpack, suitable for hillwalking, with a waterproof cover
Sitting pad (optional, but keeps your bum dry)
1.5L of water
Water filter
Food & drink
Sufficient food for 2 full days (inlcude some snacks!)
Safety & essentials
Personal first aid kit (your guide will carry a kit, but bring your own for blisters & small scrapes)
Foil survival blanket (tiny and light)
Whistle
Head torch
Personal medication (your guide will ask you for any relevent medical information prior to your departure)
Miscellaneous
Mobile phone
Debit/credit card
A bit of cash (just in case)
Insect repellent
Don’t worry, your guide will be in touch in advance of your trip, including links to recommended products, so you can get set up as easily (and cheaply!) as possible.
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You’ll need to be fit enough to manage a multi day hike carrying around your kit over undulating terrain. The pace and intensity can vary depending on the group, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate everyone — but an okay level of fitness is essential for this adventure.
About your Guide
Antony – Qualified Mountain Leader
Antony is an Expedition Leader, Outdoor Sports Professional and Safety Management Coordinator, His passion for the outdoors began at a young age and throughout his career he has guided groups of all skill levels through a variety of extreme outdoor terrains. His specialism is in delivering memorable, remarkable and safe multi-day expeditions to clients who have had limited exposure to these dynamic landscapes. Currently, Antony is delivering the Outdoor Learning syllabus at Concord College and is working as a Route Manager for Ultra Trail Mont Blanc alongside other Ultra Marathon experience providers as a Mountain Response Coordinator. When Antony is not , ski touring in the Alps, ice climbing in scotland or working on the hill and river he spends his free time creating his own adventures striving to continually pursue stimulating, expedition led-projects which enhance the lives of others.
Got Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
