When the Path Fades: After Dark

WHEN THE PATH FADES: AFTER DARK Night navigation shaped around the experience, confidence and ambition of the group. 2026/27 OPEN GROUP DATES Saturday 7 November 2026 Saturday 5 December 2026 Saturday 9 January 2027 Saturday 6 February 2027 Saturday 13 March 2027 £55 per person | Maximum 1:6 ratio | Saturday evening and night After Dark is the Saturday night part of When the Path Fades. Once daylight disappears, familiar ground changes completely. Distance becomes harder to judge, landmarks vanish and small errors become less obvious. This session uses a focused set of practical techniques that genuinely work in British mountain terrain at night. The aim is not to fire dozens of methods at you, but to build a calm, repeatable process using bearings, pacing, timing, contours and relocation. THE SESSION The exact location, length and difficulty depend on the weather and those attending. The session begins in a controlled way and develops with the group. For some, that means consolidating core techniques on carefully chosen terrain. For a stronger group, it can become a much more demanding session across rough, vague ground. The darkness creates the pressure. The aim is to work through it without rushing or guessing. CORE HIGHLIGHTS Navigation without distant landmarks or visual shortcuts. Using bearings, pacing and timing when the terrain offers little help. A flexible level of challenge, from careful consolidation to serious night navigation. WHY BOOK WITH MOUNTAIN CRAFT? Night navigation removes many of the clues people rely on during daylight and demands closer attention to the map, compass and shape of the ground. Each monthly weekend uses a different venue, giving returning participants new terrain, different problems and changing winter conditions. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE After Dark can be booked with the full weekend or as a standalone session. Anyone booking independently should already have some experience using a map and compass in mountain terrain. I may contact you before confirming your place. You will need suitable clothing, footwear, a reliable headtorch and spare batteries. WHAT’S INCLUDED Night navigation coaching Maximum 1:6 ratio Pre-event kit and logistics information Weather-aware route planning Emergency satellite communication BUILD THE WEEKEND Combine with Reading the Ground and The Journey. Complete weekend price: £215, saving £30.