Itinerary
9:30
– Meet Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
(Postcode will be emailed with booking confirmation)
Outdoor Classroom; open discussion
Maps
- Overview of UK Outdoor Activity Maps
- Ordnance Survey 1:25 000
- Ordnance Survey 1:50 000
- Harvey Maps 1:40 000
- Maps and Map cases - pros and cons
Compasses
- Look at various types of compass
- Component parts of the compass and how they work
Digital devices
- GPS Watches
- Mobile Phone Apps
- Mapping Software
10:30 Start of Practical Navigation Walk
Training Topics:
- Orientating the Map, also known as 'setting the map'. How does this 15 second task make navigating much easier?
- Map Symbols and Information panel 'key or legend'
- Interpreting Contour Lines
- Identifying Key Places
- Using a Compass: Holding and practical use
- Taking a bearing
- Checking direction of travel
- Walking on a bearing.
- Phones and metal objects
- Measuring the distance we travel
- Practical navigation skills
During the day we introduce basic navigation techniques, after
each technique is introduced and practiced we build on another skill.
Walking sections of countryside, practicing each new technique is a sure
way to adopt them into your walks.
Finish will be between 3:30 – 4:00 pm
Finishing location is back where we started in the morning.
Kit list
You only need to bring your personal kit for the day
- Small day bag - 20 to 25 litres should be sufficient
- Please wear comfortable walking clothes
- Trainers or walking boots
- Waterproof Jacket (with hood)
- Waterproof trousers
- Spare Fleece
- Wide brimmed hat in summer, woollen hat and gloves in winter
- Sun screen/lip balm
- Small Personal first aid kit and any personal medication
- Packed lunch and a couple of snack to eat on-the-go
- At least 1 litre of water, more if it is hot on the day
- Wrist Watch
You are welcome to bring your own Maps and Compass if you have them. We will have plenty to go round so don't go out shopping.
We will be looking at and trying different compasses during the day and we will guide you to the best compass to suit your needs.
We will mostly be using the OS Explorer Series map 1:25 000,
Sheet Number 135, Ashdown Forest.
During the day, while walking and during rest breaks and lunch we will chat informally and discuss some relevant topics, including, but not limited to:
- Clothing: What to wear and what to avoid – and the reason why.
- Equipment: How much should I carry? what is essential kit?
- First Aid: What would you put in your first aid kit? Instructors will show you the range of first aid they carry.
Additional Information
- Please do not bring your dog
- No smoking or vaping please
- Please note: Ashdown Forest now charge for car parking. Approximately £5 /day- pay by parking apps. Please ensure to download the relevant app before arrival to avoid any inconvenience
- Duration: We will walk for about 5 hours, taking plenty of breaks
- The distance covered will be between 8 – 10 Km
