Navigating on open moorland
This course is for anyone who has previously attended an introductory navigation course or knows the basics of map reading. It will equip you to plan your own moorland routes and to start navigating on open moorland, on what can often seem like rather featureless terrain.We will plan together a route of 7-8 miles, taking into consideration the weather, the conditions and the ability of our group.
We will revise the basics of map reading, learn how to take and walk on a compass bearing and practise these skills repeatedly. You will learn to look more carefully at gentle changes in the height of the land and other subtle features that may be all you have to navigate by at times. By the end of the day, you should feel a degree of competence to navigate on this terrain and be aware of your limits and of what you need to work on.
What you’ll learn
• How to plan a suitable and enjoyable all day route
• Revision of map scales, map symbols, grid references, map orientation
• Accurate reading of contours and other features
• Sensible approaches to navigating each section of a route
• Judging and calculating distances and timing
• How to take a compass bearing and stay on it
• Features to look out for so you know if you are on track
• Working outwhere you are when you think you’re lost
• Plus anything that comes up during the day, including your questions
Information
Time
10am — 4pm
Start point
Postbridge visitor centre car park PL20 6TH. Grid reference: SX64678
Distance
8 miles
Knowledge level
Intermediate – you must have some experience of using maps to follow a route.
Walk difficulty
Moderate – including some rough, tussocky, trackless ground and boggy areas.
Equipment
Maps and compasses for the day will be provided but, if you already have your own, feel free to bring them. Come prepared for all weathers, with walking boots/shoes and a packed lunch.
Children
Suitable for 14 years and above
Dogs
No
Maximum group number
Six
“I haven’t stopped talking to friends and family about how enjoyable the experience was, my wife is bored to tears of hearing about contours and bearings! I now feel confident enough to take on Dartmoor alone, or in a group, where I’d feel comfortable taking lead with my new skills.”
— James Rayner