2 Days
Beginner
Dartmoor, South Devon
Ratio: Up to 6 clients to 1 instructor:
1:1 £400
1:2 £220
1:4 £110
1:6 £75
About the course:
This is a great opportunity to hone the basic fundamentals of navigation using a map and compass. This two-day course will concentrate on planning a day walk on permissive paths, estimating how long it will take and looking at the techniques used to avoid getting lost – and relocating yourself if you do!
Objectives:
- Map orientation, map to ground, map orientation with a compass
- Map reading
- Public access land
- Planning a walk along permissive paths over Dartmoor
- Compass work
- Measuring distance
- Timing
- Relocating yourself if you think you are misplaced
Included:
- Highly experienced and qualified instructor
All you will need to bring:
- Essential navigation equipment (i.e. 1:25000 map of the area and compass – ask us if unsure!)
- Clothing which can be worn in layers, including a warm jumper in all seasons
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
- Waterproof walking boots
- Warm hat and gloves in Autumn/Winter/Spring
- Sunhat/cap in Summer
- Suncream
- Sunglasses
- Headtorch and spare batteries
- Water bottle (at least 2 litres)
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Personal first aid kit
- Your sense of humour
If you have walking poles, it can be a good idea to bring them (although these may need to be juggled with map, compass, reading glasses…). Gaiters also help to keep your feet dry and protect your lower legs/trousers from spiky plants. A flask with hot drink can be worth its weight in gold!
Physicality:
The walking distance covered on this course tends to be no more than five miles per day, but this can be over very rough ‘off the beaten track’, hilly and sometimes boggy terrain, so a moderate level of fitness will be helpful, as would well worn-in walking boots.
Previous experience:
Walking experience over rough ground would be helpful. Some previous map reading experience would be an advantage but not essential.