Introduction to Map & Compass

 | Overview

Technical Rating

Moderate  

Easy scrambling, elements of exposure, some rough terrain.

Endurance Rating

2  

Long distance, some steep ascent and descent, moderate amount of stamina needed in bursts, suitable for reasonably fit walkers. Have had recent experience of walking for 5-7 hours? Have you recently walked up (and down) hills without physical too much distress? If your answer is "No", we'd guess you'd be happier doing a walk rated a level lower than the one you’ve just read! As noted previously, we're into FUN so we don't want you to miss out by overdoing it.

 | Photo Gallery

 | Walk description

Where this session will take place will be determined by the conditions on the day, but it’s likely to be off-path for at least some of it, quite possibly in a less frequented area of Arran.

The pace will be quite slow as the focus will be on reading the landscape, comparing what can be seen on the ground and on the map, practising setting and walking on compass bearings and trying out timing and pacing as well as other mountain navigation techniques.

At the end of the day, participants will hopefully feel more confident about having a go at using map and compass to navigate in the hills, an essential skill for walking in the British mountains.

 | Advised Kit List