Name: Navigation course - learn the basics of using a map and compass
Start: 2024-07-20T09:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-07-20T16:30:00.000Z
Location: Henley-on-Thames

Backabush is going back to Scotland to hike the spectacular North Highlands of Assynt!

Max group size - 12. Nights - 4. Cost - £349. Accommodation - Sea-front hostel.

Assynt is in the far north of Scotland on the west coast. It's mountains are unique, individual islands of torridonian sandstone rising steeply from a vast, glacially scoured moorland. They call it a 'knock & lochan' landscape and it's found in very few places worldwide.

Our plan is to meet at Inverness Airport. From there we will drive north to the town of Ullapool to find our hostel overlooking the sea on the shores of Loch Broom. Located in the town centre of Ullapool, we will not only have great access to the surrounding wilderness but also the convenience of the local shops, restaurants and the famous Seafood Shack.

For our 3 full hiking days in Assyst we plan to visit the some of the highlights of Northern Scotland. If the weather allows then this means mountain summits such as the magnificent **Suilven** (pictured above) an iconic fin shaped lonely mountain and a destination on many hikers UK tick list.

We will also plan to visit the wild coastline and playful lower summits around the bizarre geology of **Stac Pollaidh**, a unique collection of rocky towers atop an accessible 400m peak. We are really spoiled for hiking choices in Assynt, a wilderness littered with alluring peaks. Other classic hikes in the area are the triple Corbetts of **Quinag** and the grand Munros of **Ben More** and **Conival.**

Due to the nature of the hills in the area our hikes will involve lengthy walks (up to 12 miles/21km) through mountain terrain with no opportunity for short cuts. Therefore this trip is suitable only for fit and experienced hikers.

Wildlife lovers will also have the option to enjoy an amazing boat tour from Ullapool out to the Summer Isles, a stunning unique archipelago of islands at the mouth of Loch Broom. This highly recommended morning cruise provides jaw-dropping scenery including the mountains of Coigach and Scoraig peninsulas with views all the way to the Hebrides on a clear day. This remote coastline is dotted with remnants of ancient Scottish settlements and the quite unique coastal communities are still there today. Further out are the islands which are home to abundant marine life and birds, and made of fascinating geological features. Sea Eagles can often be sighted nesting high up on the cliffs!

**WHAT IS INCLUDED:**

* 4 nights hostel accommodation in shared dorm rooms booked exclusively for our group.
* All transport from Inverness.
* 3 full days of guided hikes by trained Mountain Leaders and qualified first aiders.
* Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.

**WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:**

* Meals - There are many local restaurants in Ullapool and we can help make some reservations so our group can dine together. There is also a self catering kitchen at the hostel.
* Transport to Inverness.
* Travel Insurance.
* Optional Summer Isles wildlife boat cruise.

**TRAVEL & MEETING DETAILS**

The meeting point will be at Inverness Airport on Saturday 1st June at 14:30. We will drop you off at Inverness Airport on Wednesday 5th June at 13:00.

Our airport transfers will be timed to meet the following flights:

• OUTBOUND - Saturday 1st June
easyJet flight EZY847
Departs - 12:25 London Gatwick
Arrives - 14:10 Inverness

• INBOUND - Wednesday 5th June
easyJet flight EZY848
Departs - 14:55 Inverness
Arrives - 16:35 London Gatwick

IF YOU CHOOSE TO BOOK ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 14:10 ON 1st JUNE AND DEPART NO EARLIER THAN 14:55 ON 5th JUNE.

We can also do a pick up/ drop off in Inverness town centre for those catching trains or staying in Inverness.

**HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP**

To book onto this trip please **email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com** and send full payment to the Backabush account. **Please** **use Assynt as your payment reference:**

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS

Sort Code: 090127

Account Number: 22440622

**Your RSVP alone is NOT enough to secure your place, payment is needed to make a reservation.**

BACKABUSH ADVENTURES - Travel & Outdoor Activity Group!

Geoff

Nathan

JUNE 1 - 5 - WILDS OF ASSYNT (optional Summer Isles wildlife viewing boat tour)

Would you like to learn navigation skills so you can hike in the countryside and not get lost? If so, then come along to this full day training course.

The course is designed for beginners with no navigation experience. By the end of the course you will feel confident walking in the British countryside with a map and compass. The course will take place at Henley-on-Thames and there will be practical exercises and lots of opportunity to ask questions. We will be walking around 8 miles.

The course will cover the following topics:

* Different scale maps
* Orientating a map
* Identifying features on a map
* Measuring distances on the map
* Contours
* Using a compass
* Taking a bearing
* Pacing (micro-navigation)

**WHAT TO BRING**

Compass. The SILVA Expedition 4 compasses are the best (https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/silva-expedition-4-compass-E9224115.html?colour=180).

Notebook and pen

Stopwatch – a smart phone will do the job

I will provide maps,

**CLOTHING AND FOOD TO BRING**

Please wear hiking boots as we will be walking around 8 miles through the countryside.

Packed lunch and drinks – at least 1ltr of water

Light snacks

Waterproof jacket

Something to sit on - we will spend quite a lot of time sitting down talking about theory so you might want to bring a rug/mat to sit on.

**COST**
£40 – payable when you RSVP

**HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP**
To book onto this course please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com and send full payment to the Backabush account. Please use HENLEY NAVIGATION as your payment reference.

The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

**NUMBER OF SPACES**
Maximum of 7 participants

**WHERE TO MEET**
I will meet you at Henley-on-Thames train station at 10am. There is a pay and display car park if you are driving.

If you are coming by train from London:

09:08 London Paddington > Twyford 09:37

09:45 Twyford > Henley-on-Thames 09:57

The course will finish around 5:30pm, in time for the 6pm return train.

BACKABUSH XPLORERS - Hiking & Outdoor Adventure Meetup Group

Robert Newnham

Navigation course - learn the basics of using a map and compass

Henley-on-Thames

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