Day Activity 17 Jan 09

[mike f]

Day Activity for January - Navigation Practice Day.

The aim of the day is to practice compass and map work on the moors to the west of Durham.

As 95% of the time, we usually manage to find our way round the hills on well defined paths. It is easy to let our navigation skills get a bit rusty. So it's time to dust off the Silva and wake up the brain cell.

The activity will concentrate on practical application of navigational skills for moving in poor visibility. Including:
Estimating Distance Travelled, Compass Bearings, Adjusting for GMA, Identifying position by Back bearings and Navigating round a circuit.

All abilities welcome, the plan will be to operate in teams 3-4, and I have a couple of volunteers to mentor anyone who needs a guiding hand. Despite the heavy subject matter, the tone will be relaxed, and we should be able to include a Pub/Tea shoppe option.

You will require the usual kit for a day out on the hills, including packed lunch. Maps will be provided (OS Sheet 87 Hexham and Haltwhistle). Bring your own compass (though I will have a couple of spares). You will need a small pocket notebook/pad and a sharp pencil.

I will posted details on where to meet and directions, after checking the route. Start time will be about 1000am. Allow about 30 min for travel from Durham.

Please post if you are interested.

Mike

[Daniel]

Hi Mike,

I can make this so will be happy to help out. i have a couple of different compasses to use too and also will try and bring a 1:25000 scale map to practice using two different map scales.

See you then

Daniel

[Lindsay]

Hi Mike

I would be interested in coming along to this too. My navigation skills definately need refreshing.

See you there

Lindsay

[Nadine]

We will come along too. Sounds good. Will dust off my compass.
Nadine and Duncan

[Gordon]

Hi Mike

This is a great idea so count me in. I'm happy to help out too and have a couple of spare compasses and depending upon the exact area you choose maybe a spare map.

Gordon

[pete]

Hi Mike

Yes please, I'll get the pevcil sharpener out.....

Kathy

[mike f]

Location and Directions

The navigation day will be based in the area around the Waskerley Way Cycle Way, on Muggleswick Common.

Meeting point is Car Park at grid reference : NZ 031454

Follow the A691 from DURHAM, (past the Park and Ride), through LANCHESTER, at the LEADGATE roundabout turn left follow, A692 signed CONSETT and CASTLESIDE. Follow the bypass round CONSETT, (4 roundabouts) always follow signs for CASTLESIDE. At the 4th roundabout turn left for CASTLESIDE. Follow A692 to junction with A68. Go straight ahead onto minor road, signed STANHOPE. After about 800m at T junction keep right (signed Edmundbyers). There after keep straight ahead following signs for STANHOPE. You will pass the water works at HONEY HILL and the MOORCOCK pub. Ignore first brown tourist sign for Waskerley Way and about 1.5 miles after pub, you will see a second brown sign for WASKERLEY WAY and HAWKSBURN HEAD. Car Park is immediately on right after leaving road.

Look forward to seeing you all there
Mike

[susanr]

Hi Mike,

Would it be possible to come for the morning only (assuming I could find my car again at lunchtime!)? Sounds a great idea, but have heaps of things I need to do at the weekend.

Cheers!

Sue

[Nadine]

Unfortunately Duncan and I have both been hit by a stomach bug and don't want to spread it around. We won't be able to make it Saturday. Shame, we were looking forward to it. Standing up is a challenge at the moment. Hope you get this before Sat.
A very green Nadine and Duncan

[Kathy]

Hi Mike

Unfortunately I have to bail out as well - have rubbish cold so will be keeping warm instead.

Hope it goes well

Kathy

[Daniel]

Hi Mike,

is this still going ahead, just with fewer numbers now are you rearanging it for another time . Me and linz can still make it. Please confirm its on.

[alastair]

Howdy,

Gordon and I are still up for it, so that's another two!

Alastair

[mike f]

Thanks for all the posts with all the updates. Hope the ailing recover quickly.

I am averse to cancelling/postponing at this late stage, in case someone fails to pick up the message.

I will go up there for the appointed time. Given the changes in personnel we can adjust the plan to suit those who turn up.

We can look at reprogramming the event, for those who were unable to attend.

Mike

[pennyswaine]

Sorry I didn't come to help Mike - I've been South to bury my mother and am devestated at the turn of events

[Daniel]

Just wanting to say a big thanks to Mike for a very well organised navigation day. I think everyone who was there learned alot. Looking forward to the advanced navigation day already. Maybe try the cheviots? For those wanting athe website for the magnetic variation i'll post it in this and that.
Cheers
Daniel