Foundation Navigation Evening Workshop - 2 of 4

Foundation Map skills Navigation Evening - workshop 2 of 4 taking place in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh

This workshop is the second in a series of 4 which cover the same material as the 2 day Navigation Foundation Course.

This foundation map skills course comprises 4 workshops and together they represent the first in a series of navigation courses which enable you to achieve competence to the highest level. The core skills techniques and strategies learned are fundamental for navigating at every level in all conditions.

We are running two evening sessions for this first course in the series to enable those members who walk at the weekends to get on with it. Many find the shorter workshop format easier to handle and so get more out of it as the evening sessions offer the best in information retention due to the 3 hour timesclae and Holyrood Park provides a wealth of contour feature for our introduction to map reading providing ample opportunity to carry out real map/contour association and explore how to use contours and other features to relocate.

The second evening workshop will will expand on the course material of part 1 and so part 1 is a per-requisite for those taking part

What's it for? It focuses on map skills required to navigate in the outdoors using man made and natural features in fair visibility using map interpretation with re-location using features, pacing and timing.

Where will it take place? We have selected Holyrood Park for it's interesting mix of features normally only found in more remote areas this area will provide maximum opportunity to practice the skills and techniques of the core map skills course.

Equipment Required?

Map case:or improvised map case (a large polythene zipper food bag)

Compass: let us know if you don't have one and we will arrange a loan although it's really a prerequisite, so we recommend you purchase a Quality Compass so you can become familiar with the one you intend to use on the hill.

Silva expedition 4, or Suunto are good brands but usually cost more than £25 - Beware cheap imitations from Amazon.

Watch or stopwatch (waterproof) with second hand or digital timer (a phone will do at a push)

Paper/notepad and pencil.

We will supply maps , 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 maps of the area.

If you have an O.S. map of the area please bring it along.

You require to bring summer mountain equipment for a day on the hills, with boots giving good ankle support. Sun cream and hat is recommended and It's always advisable to pack gloves and a some warm layers and of course waterproofs. If you have hand warmers available then that may be helpful if the temperature drops.

Remember and bring enough water and drinks for a 3 hour session in the hills with food or snacks a break.

The end time is an approximation and is somewhat dependent on the number of participants.