Hill Skills

by Poppy Holden

I recommend this 2-day course, based in beautiful Marsden in the Peak District, to anyone who wants to consolidate or completely start from scratch on compass work, map reading and gearing up.

After teaching us the basics and providing us with bespoke waterproof OS maps and Explorer compasses, plus a complimentary measuring tool card, Emily put our new skills to the test on increasingly difficult moorland walks. We learned to use our individual pace to measure a walk on a compass bearing, and after a couple of tries we were spot on — an extremely useful skill to get out of trouble, when combined with intelligent reading of the map to spot any hazards.

We came away with a fine BMC Mountain Safety booklet to cement our learning.

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