Report on UKML 1 Day Navigational Skills Course

run for EFOG Members on Sunday, 12th August 2012

Leader:   Danny Crump  -   UKML Mountain Leader

EFOG Members participating:      Gill Light, Amina Ali, Val Shepherd, Lynne Edmond, Eileen Cullen, Louise Bloom, Pam Fleisch and Ken Kennedy

As the starting point was adjacent to the coffee stall it was inevitable that most of the group had a coffee during the assembly time.   By 9-50 a.m. we were ready to start.     After introductions Danny issued copies of the 1 : 25,000 Epping Forest & Lea Valley map 174 to everyone and a compass to those who needed one.    Each grid square on the map represented 1 km. on the ground.   4 cm. = 1 km.    He started with the basics assuming that we had little or no previous knowledge.    First he carefully indicated each of the main elements of the compass and explained its purpose and use.   He demonstrated how to orientate the map to the physical landscape by using the compass.    Group members were given individual assistance with the tasks where necessary.

In setting and using a compass bearing to assist navigation we were advised to remember the 3 D’s.   DIRECTION     DISTANCE   and   DESCRIPTION.

DIRECTION:  We were shown and practised setting a bearing to proceed from a given known point on the map to a further location.      Essentials here were :

1)  ensuring the direction of travel arrow was pointing from the current location to the one you wished to attain  
2)   keeping the base plate firm on the map whilst you turned the compass housing to align with magnetic north  
3) allowing for magnetic variation – currently + 2 degrees in S. E. England.   Again Danny was readily available to give individual help.

DISTANCE:   Being aware of one’s distance travelled along a route is important for estimating the overall time a walk is likely to take and for looking out for essential landmarks and turn-off points along the route.   This can be done in two ways:  by pacing and by timing.    We practised our average individual number of paces over 100 metres.   Danny paced off his (known) average and then we all did ours several times to get a reasonable average.   Mine is 72 double steps.    Also allowance should be made for ascents and descents where more steps will be needed.    Pacing is useful over short distances.  Estimating by timing is better for longer distances.   This can be done by following Naismith’s Rule  -  5 Km. per hour or an average of 20 minutes per mile.   Beyond this one needs to add roughly 10 minutes for each 100 m. of altitude (or descent)

DESCRIPTION:   This is about being aware of the physical and man-made features of the terrain over which you are travelling.   Some lines on the map may not be obvious or present.   Boundaries can change over time.   Features such as ponds, woods, roads, paths and field boundaries along a chosen route can be noted and ticked off as they are reached thus confirming that you are on the correct route.   Danny also dealt briefly with contours, contour intervals and contour patterns.   These also can confirm whether or not you are keeping to your chosen route.

The consensus among group members at the end of the day was that we had a much better understanding of map reading and navigation.    However, it was recognised that practising our new skills would be essential.    Plans are in hand for follow-up practise days.   We navigated our way over a  5 Km. circular route from High Beach via Tile Hill Farm, Wake Valley Pond, Great Monk Wood, the Lost Pond and Robin Hood roundabout.   At this point there was unanimous agreement that refreshments were necessary before making our way back to the car park.

Ken Kennedy, August 2012