I've moved this blog post to my website at www.walkandtravel.com
http://bit.ly/ZShKLE
Come and read my blog about travel accessories, walking gear, tips on outdoor gear, info and reviews. There is a smattering of advice posts on what outdoor gear you may want and outdoor gear you need. Hey, I sell outdoor gear, 'course I'll blog about it!. Will couple this with other interesting snippets on the outdoors as and when it pops up. Keep checking back and thanks for looking at the Walk and Travel Blog. Gareth Sear
Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label walking. Show all posts
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Beginners Guide to Navigation
Beginners Guide to Navigation.
5 Top Tips to Help with Navigation When Walking.
"Get lost!" I hear you say, or rather help me not to get lost.
To be honest you don’t really ‘get lost’ when you are out walking. I like to think of it as merely losing my place on the map. Rather like putting your book down, not marking where you are and ‘losing your place’. However, the ramifications of ‘losing your place’ on a map can be quite high.
Here are my five top tips to help with navigation.
Top tip 1: Read the instructions that came with your compass.
Silva, one of the most common makes of compass always put a small instruction manual in with their Silva compasses. They tell you how to use it, following the Silva 1-2-3 system. If you have bought your compass from a retailer ask them for a quick demo on how to use it.
Top Tip 2: Read your map.
A map is full of symbols and if you are a Dan Brown fanatic like me, then you will love reading maps. Symbology at its best. The symbols are translated in the key on the side of the map. Learn as many as you can, especially the ones around the walk you are planning to do. Look out for footpaths, cliffs and anything else that will make your walk interesting, dangerous and show you landmarks.
Top tip 3: Find a place you know and have a practice.
Try setting your map to North. Look for a landmark in the distance and see if you can find it on the map. Set a compass bearing to the landmark using the Silva 1-2-3 system. Work out the route to get there. For example; ‘follow the foot path on such and such a bearing for x km’s. Turn right at the footbridge’. So on and so forth. This is how guide books are often written, but it’s much more fun doing your own.
Top tip 4: Don’t over estimate how quickly you will walk.
How quickly do you walk? Walk a set route that you know the distance of and time it. If you are doing this on the local streets you will walk quicker than in the countryside. In the countryside you will be stopping to admire the view, to check the map, have a drink or snack. Uphill and uneven ground can add time to your walk. Take it easy and enjoy the walk.
Top tip 5: Reward yourself.
Think about what you have just done. You learnt to use a map and compass. You planned a walking route, you walked the route. What do you deserve more than tea and cake in a local cafe or a wonderful roast and a pint in the pub?
Navigation is a vast subject with books dedicated to it. For most simple walks in the local area, knowing the basics is important. If you are doing something more adventurous, learn and practice your navigation before you go.
Time for you to join in!
5 Top Tips to Help with Navigation When Walking.
"Get lost!" I hear you say, or rather help me not to get lost.
To be honest you don’t really ‘get lost’ when you are out walking. I like to think of it as merely losing my place on the map. Rather like putting your book down, not marking where you are and ‘losing your place’. However, the ramifications of ‘losing your place’ on a map can be quite high.
Here are my five top tips to help with navigation.
Top tip 1: Read the instructions that came with your compass.
Silva, one of the most common makes of compass always put a small instruction manual in with their Silva compasses. They tell you how to use it, following the Silva 1-2-3 system. If you have bought your compass from a retailer ask them for a quick demo on how to use it.
Top Tip 2: Read your map.
A map is full of symbols and if you are a Dan Brown fanatic like me, then you will love reading maps. Symbology at its best. The symbols are translated in the key on the side of the map. Learn as many as you can, especially the ones around the walk you are planning to do. Look out for footpaths, cliffs and anything else that will make your walk interesting, dangerous and show you landmarks.
Top tip 3: Find a place you know and have a practice.
Try setting your map to North. Look for a landmark in the distance and see if you can find it on the map. Set a compass bearing to the landmark using the Silva 1-2-3 system. Work out the route to get there. For example; ‘follow the foot path on such and such a bearing for x km’s. Turn right at the footbridge’. So on and so forth. This is how guide books are often written, but it’s much more fun doing your own.
Top tip 4: Don’t over estimate how quickly you will walk.
How quickly do you walk? Walk a set route that you know the distance of and time it. If you are doing this on the local streets you will walk quicker than in the countryside. In the countryside you will be stopping to admire the view, to check the map, have a drink or snack. Uphill and uneven ground can add time to your walk. Take it easy and enjoy the walk.
Top tip 5: Reward yourself.
Think about what you have just done. You learnt to use a map and compass. You planned a walking route, you walked the route. What do you deserve more than tea and cake in a local cafe or a wonderful roast and a pint in the pub?
Navigation is a vast subject with books dedicated to it. For most simple walks in the local area, knowing the basics is important. If you are doing something more adventurous, learn and practice your navigation before you go.
Time for you to join in!
- What are your top navigation tips?
- What are your thoughts on Navigation?
- Do you use a Garmin GPS or another make? Will it ever replace a compass...
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Reading maps and navigating - too much detail or too litte?
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| Silva Expedition 54 Compass |
This post has now moved to our website blog, http://www.walkandtravel.com/walk_and_travel_blog/reading-maps-and-navigating-when-your-eyesight-is-failing/
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Child Carriers and Devils Dyke
What a glorious day, the sun was shining and some friends had just moved to Poynings. For those of you who don't know Poynings, it nestles in the lee of the fine hills that forms the South Downs National Park. Putting two and two together we gave them a ring and headed down to look at their new house and get a stroll on the South Downs.
There was another opportunity here as well. Jack, our baby was now just over 6 months old, and ready for his first trip up the hills in his baby backpack. The baby backpack of choice was a Vaude Swing Child Carrier. I'd not used one before, nor had I actually adjusted it, before we went out, to fit me -not to worry though, this can be done on the hoof. Jack is a very patient baby when it comes to his fathers inability to organise things.
Our friends Mark and Liz have a cute little cottage in the middle of the village, about a 2 minute walk from the Royal Oak pub, which suits them well. I would like to say that within a 2 minute walk you are out their front door and up on the South Downs, but I really do think it is quicker than that.
It was time for Jack to saddle up and for us to get our walking boots on. The baby backpack was quick and easy to adjust, a simple tweak of the buckle that holds the seat in place and Jack could get perfect views of the back of my head. A quick tug on the straps of the rucksack back system and the baby backpack was perfectly fitted. Sadly jack wasn't too keen on being put in, hoisted up, hoisted down taken out, and going through this three times. Patient he his but I think I was pushing my luck. On the last attempt all was well and we off we went, Jack as happy as a happy baby can be. It was new and exciting for him, he was 6ft tall and loving it!
We walked round the back of their house and across a very muddy field taking pictures of chickens and old tractors and followed the path up through the chasm that the Devil dug out in his bid to flood the Sussex Weald. Mark was already genning up on his local history and informed me that this used to be a play ground for the Victorians. In all my years of coming to the South Downs and walking in this area I didn't know. It is great the things you find out about your local area when you are doorstep travelling.
Across the chasm the Victorians strung a wire bridge and the ladies that dared to cross would drop stones 80m to the valley floor below. You can still see the brick remains of the pillars that held the bridge up. The baby backpack was comfy and we traipsed up to the Devils Dyke pub. Now if you have been there, you may agree that this is a little bit of a sight for sore eyes -but a welcome stop off point for a hot pudding and a pint of Ale. I'm sure the Victorians would have had something a little better up here.
Fed and watered (well, aled) we headed off for the return walk. The views across the Weald were amazing, you could easily see the Hogs Back and Leith Hill way across in the Surrey Hills. This has to be one of my favourite views - across the Weald and along the steep wavy escarpment that makes up the northern slopes of the South Downs.
On the walk back down we passed the point where the old Victorian Railway climbed up the South Downs reducing the need for walking. Apparently the railway didn't make any money and within 10 years it had been dismantled, which is a shame, it would have been fun having a railway taking people to the top of Devils Dyke.
Back down and Jack out the baby backpack, we had a lovely few hours strolling around the delightful South Downs. The baby backpack was a success, Jack had about 30 minutes sleep in it on the way back (must have been the pudding and Ale in the pub!) and I found it perfectly comfortable for a three hour walk. And the history of Devils Dyke? Well, I only knew the legend of the Devil, it was great to find out some of the history of places on your doorstep.
Friday, 13 February 2009
Local Travel
There are lots of local places to go and visit right on your doorstep. Beat the credit crunch and get out and exlpore local. What is there around where you live? What is there an hours train journey away?
I took my Scouts out on a walk a month ago, just before the snows, on the Horsham Riverside Walk. The Horsham Riverside Walk is a fantastic 11 mile walk around Horsham in West Sussex, following bridlepaths, foot paths, and believe it or not the rivers of Horsham, the Arun or as some call it Red River.
The walk passes through housing estates, little cut through around the town, pass an old pill box, mott and bailey castle and an old water mill. You can learn quite a bit about the town and it's history as you walk along taking in the country side as well as the houses!
I took my Scouts out on a walk a month ago, just before the snows, on the Horsham Riverside Walk. The Horsham Riverside Walk is a fantastic 11 mile walk around Horsham in West Sussex, following bridlepaths, foot paths, and believe it or not the rivers of Horsham, the Arun or as some call it Red River.
The walk passes through housing estates, little cut through around the town, pass an old pill box, mott and bailey castle and an old water mill. You can learn quite a bit about the town and it's history as you walk along taking in the country side as well as the houses!
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Freezing on the hills.
Freezing on the hills.
Don’t you just love this weather? I do and I really wish I could get out more on the hills and enjoy it.
The South Downs did manage to entice me out for a walk the other day. It was freezing on the hills, but beautifully sunny and fresh. The local was just out of Steyning, up on the Bostal, which is one of my many favourite views across the downs.
On with the Hiking Books, Han Wag Lima (fully recommended for people with feet like me, if you want to know what my feet are like email me). Out with the thermals – now where did I put them? I took them skiing last year, it was plus 12 C so didn’t need them, I took them trekking in Andorra, just in case, didn’t need them, went to get them out and couldn’t find them – great and still can’t, even out on a night hike last night with my Scouts. Time to invest in some new ones. At least I managed to find my daypack.
The day was clear; the views went on and on. You really can’t beat a crisp winter day for clear air and immense absorbing views. The walk wasn’t very far as the wind chill really did make the temperature plummet, so we just headed up and along the South Downs Ways and looped back and round to the car after a few miles. My chin was numb, why did I leave my fleece neck tube at home? But so worth it, just for the views. But must get sorted with my cold weather gear! Get up onto Steyning Bostal any time of the year but get up their now before the cold snap ends to really appreciate the clear wonderful views across the South Downs and the Weald.
What have you been up to? Have you been walking anywhere and enjoying the slightly chilly weather? Let me know where you have been!
Don’t you just love this weather? I do and I really wish I could get out more on the hills and enjoy it.
The South Downs did manage to entice me out for a walk the other day. It was freezing on the hills, but beautifully sunny and fresh. The local was just out of Steyning, up on the Bostal, which is one of my many favourite views across the downs.
On with the Hiking Books, Han Wag Lima (fully recommended for people with feet like me, if you want to know what my feet are like email me). Out with the thermals – now where did I put them? I took them skiing last year, it was plus 12 C so didn’t need them, I took them trekking in Andorra, just in case, didn’t need them, went to get them out and couldn’t find them – great and still can’t, even out on a night hike last night with my Scouts. Time to invest in some new ones. At least I managed to find my daypack.
The day was clear; the views went on and on. You really can’t beat a crisp winter day for clear air and immense absorbing views. The walk wasn’t very far as the wind chill really did make the temperature plummet, so we just headed up and along the South Downs Ways and looped back and round to the car after a few miles. My chin was numb, why did I leave my fleece neck tube at home? But so worth it, just for the views. But must get sorted with my cold weather gear! Get up onto Steyning Bostal any time of the year but get up their now before the cold snap ends to really appreciate the clear wonderful views across the South Downs and the Weald.
What have you been up to? Have you been walking anywhere and enjoying the slightly chilly weather? Let me know where you have been!
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Night hike on the South Downs
Walking on the South Downs
Remember Remember the 5th of November, gunpowder treason and plot… It was our intention to head out onto the South Downs on this very evening to look at the fireworks from Lewes and across Brighton.
The start point was Ditchling Beacon car park, with a walk eastwards towards Lewes and their famous bonfire procession. The fireworks are always spectacular and world renown and we were hoping so have a grand view as they lit up the night sky in a myriad of colours, sparks and bangs loud enough to split your ear drums.
We set off and strode across to find a vantage point, we were on a mission to get as far as we could as time was not on our side. We needed to be back at the minibus by 10pm. Slowly the clouds started to wind their ways across the Weald bringing with them the spots of rain that you don’t really want when you have left your waterproof trousers back home.
There is something wonderful about a night hike. I’m not sure what it is. Perhaps the peacefulness of the night, perhaps the companionship of the darkness. We walked with our group of Explorer Scouts along the South Downs Way, most of it unrecognisable from cycling the South Downs Way or from the walks in the daytime. Perhaps that is what makes a night hike wonderful. It is more of an adventure, everything seems different you can’t see the sign posts, but you can see all little pin pricks of house lights and street lights strewn across the landscape, making it look like a different world.
As we hiked with Lewes in our sights, the clouds came in. The few fireworks we could see in the distance all but disappeared. We got as far as we could, time was against us and so was the timing of the Lewes fireworks. We has to turn round. The rain came down and we hadn’t seen a single Lewes firework, then bang, flash and a few fireworks lit up the sky behind us. Then as we crested the next hill, they disappeared from site and the rain, clouds and darkness accompanied us back to the minibus.
It was a very enjoyable 6 miles across along the South Downs Way and back. The cloudy, rainy weather made it feel very desolate, like we were the only people around after some terrible accident. But on the same hand it was very peaceful and you could certainly feel that you were out on the hills. Next year we will get nearer to Lewes so we can see the fireworks properly. Nest year will be full of moon, stars and crisp frost underfoot. Next year, remember the 5th November.
Remember Remember the 5th of November, gunpowder treason and plot… It was our intention to head out onto the South Downs on this very evening to look at the fireworks from Lewes and across Brighton.
The start point was Ditchling Beacon car park, with a walk eastwards towards Lewes and their famous bonfire procession. The fireworks are always spectacular and world renown and we were hoping so have a grand view as they lit up the night sky in a myriad of colours, sparks and bangs loud enough to split your ear drums.
We set off and strode across to find a vantage point, we were on a mission to get as far as we could as time was not on our side. We needed to be back at the minibus by 10pm. Slowly the clouds started to wind their ways across the Weald bringing with them the spots of rain that you don’t really want when you have left your waterproof trousers back home.
There is something wonderful about a night hike. I’m not sure what it is. Perhaps the peacefulness of the night, perhaps the companionship of the darkness. We walked with our group of Explorer Scouts along the South Downs Way, most of it unrecognisable from cycling the South Downs Way or from the walks in the daytime. Perhaps that is what makes a night hike wonderful. It is more of an adventure, everything seems different you can’t see the sign posts, but you can see all little pin pricks of house lights and street lights strewn across the landscape, making it look like a different world.
As we hiked with Lewes in our sights, the clouds came in. The few fireworks we could see in the distance all but disappeared. We got as far as we could, time was against us and so was the timing of the Lewes fireworks. We has to turn round. The rain came down and we hadn’t seen a single Lewes firework, then bang, flash and a few fireworks lit up the sky behind us. Then as we crested the next hill, they disappeared from site and the rain, clouds and darkness accompanied us back to the minibus.
It was a very enjoyable 6 miles across along the South Downs Way and back. The cloudy, rainy weather made it feel very desolate, like we were the only people around after some terrible accident. But on the same hand it was very peaceful and you could certainly feel that you were out on the hills. Next year we will get nearer to Lewes so we can see the fireworks properly. Nest year will be full of moon, stars and crisp frost underfoot. Next year, remember the 5th November.
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Walking in the Peak District
Have just had a great weekend in Sheffield (kind of excluding the funeral I went to in Doncaster on Friday) - It's a great city - and so close to the Peak District (should I move up there)I love going out walking on the peaks, my favourite route is up from Edale and over Kinder Scout to Kinder Downs Falls and then back along the Penine Way via Jacobs ladder to the pub, best way to end a fantastic, blustery walk across desolate peat bogs with hardly anyone around.... Get up there! Want to know more about the route - send me an email and I'll ping back all the details.
Make sure you wear your comfortable walking socks, pack your water bottle and outdoor safety gear for walking and of course don't forget your waterproof jacket!
Make sure you wear your comfortable walking socks, pack your water bottle and outdoor safety gear for walking and of course don't forget your waterproof jacket!
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
New to blogging
I'm new to all of this blogging lark and I was wondering how I can get people to look at my blog? I'll need to do some research. I thought there would be a search facility on the front/home page or something, but I can't really find anything. How do I search out other peoples blogs?
Well, I've not booked the flight and some accommodation for the trip to Poland for walking in the Polish Tatras. Flying with Ryan Air - from Stansted flight at 6.10am. Leave Horsham at 1am - great! Booked the flight direct on the Ryan Air website -coming in at about £71, only to have to add on another tenner as I wanted to take luggage! Honestly! Why didn't they mention that in the price to start with, cheap airline? Watch out! British Airways were only £30 more expensive and that was from Gatwick - crap flight times though. The accommodation we booked through www.hostelbookers.com and chose the cheap, but well rated Seventh Heaven Hostel in Krakow. will let you know what it is like when I am back.
It's useful having your own outdoor gear website, as I've been reading that you need to take a lightweight sleeping bag, I'm taking a Rab Quantum 250, lucky me, and a karrimat to sleep on in the mountain huts if there are no beds. I get the pick of the outdoor gear. That'll do me. I like Rab Sleeping bags, they are the best, well made and lovely to sleep in. (I think it is a fabric thing, goes well with the silk liner).
Well, I've not booked the flight and some accommodation for the trip to Poland for walking in the Polish Tatras. Flying with Ryan Air - from Stansted flight at 6.10am. Leave Horsham at 1am - great! Booked the flight direct on the Ryan Air website -coming in at about £71, only to have to add on another tenner as I wanted to take luggage! Honestly! Why didn't they mention that in the price to start with, cheap airline? Watch out! British Airways were only £30 more expensive and that was from Gatwick - crap flight times though. The accommodation we booked through www.hostelbookers.com and chose the cheap, but well rated Seventh Heaven Hostel in Krakow. will let you know what it is like when I am back.
It's useful having your own outdoor gear website, as I've been reading that you need to take a lightweight sleeping bag, I'm taking a Rab Quantum 250, lucky me, and a karrimat to sleep on in the mountain huts if there are no beds. I get the pick of the outdoor gear. That'll do me. I like Rab Sleeping bags, they are the best, well made and lovely to sleep in. (I think it is a fabric thing, goes well with the silk liner).
Sunday, 6 May 2007
Mountain Leader Training
Has anyone out there done their UK mountain leader training? I was wondering how beneficial you found it. I'm thinking of doing mine and trying to squeeze it in before I take my Scouts to Poland trekking in the Tatras Mountains. Main reason for this is because I was on an Expedition Medicine Weekend (run by Forest Knights in the sunny West Sussex countryside) and the guy who was running it asked me if I had a lost person policy and plan, i.e. what I would do if I lost one of my Scouts when I am out. In the mountains I imagine this could be quite important. So you learn how to deal with this on a Mountain Leader Training Course? Group management - I hope so. I think I'll do some reading up on it.
I'm also thinking about what kit I'll take and there will have to be a confidence rope in my day pack as well as the usual suspects of an Expedition First Aid Kit, survival bag and a group mountain shelter.
I'm also thinking about what kit I'll take and there will have to be a confidence rope in my day pack as well as the usual suspects of an Expedition First Aid Kit, survival bag and a group mountain shelter.
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
New Outdoor Products and Poland
Life is quite exciting at the moment, my website is doing well; www.walkandtravel.com and I'm introduced some great new products! Have you heard of Rab Sleeping Bags? These down sleeping bags are are some of the best in the world and sexy as hell! The down bags that I am stocking at the Rab Quantum Range, both for men and women. They are ultralight and have an excellent warmth to weight ratio. Have a look at the Rab Quantum Sleeping Bags.
While all that is going on, I'm still helping out with running an Explorer Scout Unit in Horsham in the UK, it's coming up to summer expedition time...how cool! We are planning to go to the High Tatras Mountains in Poland and trek to the highest peak Mt Rysys over four days staying in the mountain huts while we are there. Naturally there will be some time to experience the Polish culture in Zakopane and Krakow and hopefully, if we can sneak one in, a cheeky Polish Beer. Anyone had one? Is it good? If anyone has some travel tips for Poland and High Tatras mountains it would be great to hear them.
Bye for now!
G
While all that is going on, I'm still helping out with running an Explorer Scout Unit in Horsham in the UK, it's coming up to summer expedition time...how cool! We are planning to go to the High Tatras Mountains in Poland and trek to the highest peak Mt Rysys over four days staying in the mountain huts while we are there. Naturally there will be some time to experience the Polish culture in Zakopane and Krakow and hopefully, if we can sneak one in, a cheeky Polish Beer. Anyone had one? Is it good? If anyone has some travel tips for Poland and High Tatras mountains it would be great to hear them.
Bye for now!
G
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