Topic: Navigation Courses in the sperrins (Read 12442 times)

RDeckard · « **on:** March 06, 2014 »

Hello

Does anyone know of any basic navigation courses in the Sperrins or Co Donegal, the only ones i can find are on Tollymore, bit too far for me to travel.

Rich.H · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2014 »

I've looked as I live in that direction but haven't found anything yet. There are two outdoor companies I know of in this direct. Far & Wild, and Four Elements. Neither of them do that sort of course though when I asked. Unless there is a hidden gem somewhere I think the best most of us can do at this end of the country is get out and about with some of the hill walker clubs to pick some brains.

whoRya · « **Reply #2 on:** March 06, 2014 »

The Sperrins Hillwalking Club did some training recently. I don't know anything about them and am not from the arae, I just googled it

Windy · « **Reply #3 on:** March 06, 2014 »

http://ghostsoferrigal.co.uk/ have some great day trips and relevant material . Its a weekly blog written by a member of the Foyle walking club http://www.foylehillwalkingclub.co.uk/. The Donegal Mountain rescue maybe another source

RDeckard · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2014 »

Thanks for the replies, i'll check out all the links and hopefully hit on something.

A company called "Walk with Marty" popped up on google for me, based in the sperrins, i emailed him but no reply yet.

Anybody know anything about it?

Rich.H · « **Reply #5 on:** March 07, 2014 »

Never heard of that one but took a quick look on google and saw the basic explore ni page about the firm. My only real issue is that it states "has some leading experience" this is a vague explanation at best.

What is your own level of navigation and hill/mountain experience? My main worry would be if you do not have much in the way of navigation skills yourself you are throwing yourself at the mercy of someone with no proven navigation skills.

The Foyle and Sperrin hill walking clubs include qualified mci memebrs so with those groups you can be sure you have someone who definitely knows navigation to ensure you do not get lost. You can also be sure the things they show you about navigation will be up to date and correct.

RDeckard · « **Reply #6 on:** March 07, 2014 »

Thanks Rich.H

I took your advise and contacted the sperrins hill walking club, they have passed my details onto a guy called Shane Brunker who they use for their training so a good recommendation there.

Have you heard of him?

phil_b · « **Reply #7 on:** March 07, 2014 »

Would a decent gps device not negate the need for much in the way of navigation skills?
When I first started walking in the mournes I brought a map and compass every time, now I couldnt even tell you where I last saw them.

RDeckard · « **Reply #8 on:** March 07, 2014 »

Yes, i do want to get a gps at some stage but thought learning the basics of navigation might be a good back up to have.

What gps do you have?

Rich.H · « **Reply #9 on:** March 07, 2014 »

True that for 90% of the time here you can just use a gps as baring serious injury you will never be more than a few hours from a farmhouse or village. But they can and do fail as well as flat batteries etc so knowing how to navigate is a great tool. Cost can also be a serious factor for some of the quality dedicated gps devices, jumping on one of those instantly would be like buying a Rab for your first weekend walk.

Even with a quality gps device you still need to know the basics of navigation to get the full use of the device, if you can't recognise how a feature on a map translates to the terrain in front of your eyes you can just as easily get into bother.

RDeckard the type of gps you get really depends on how much you intend to do and what sort of thing as you will find one that fits throughout those requirements along with a huge price range. However if you have either an iphone or android phone you can try out the viewranger app to get a low cost feel for that sort of device. What is your general outdoor past experience? If you are starting out from scratch I'd say don't worry just yet about getting any of that sort of thing and instead spend the money on some decent footwear, then get out with one of the clubs. That way you will get a chance to have some use out of gear without paying for it and begin to get a feel for what method will suit you best.

Windy · « **Reply #10 on:** March 07, 2014 »

Gps v Compass. Compass would be my choice as I enjoy working out mag to grid ,backbearings etc. Never used a gps so can't comment but did get stuck in Donegal when the mist came down back bearing came in handy. Compass is lighter and has no batteries also gives you something to do in the evenings working out the next days routes etc

RDeckard · « **Reply #11 on:** March 07, 2014 »

Rich.h

I have most of the kit such as boots etc just looking to get out on the hills now! I have walked some of the way marked trails and done sawel and dart - weather was good so no issues there but could have done with solid nav skills to back it up!

Not really looking to join a club, i volunteer for a local community group and also work full time so when I have a free weekend I just want to getaway for the day.

Rich are you based in Co Tyrone, I'm on the outskirts of Strabane.

Rich.H · « **Reply #12 on:** March 07, 2014 »

I'm up in Derry so just up the road from you.

RDeckard · « **Reply #13 on:** March 07, 2014 »

Do you go out with the foyle club?

Rich.H · « **Reply #14 on:** March 07, 2014 »

Never have yet most of my time tends to be solo and recently I have been pushing more towards fast and light trips. The foyle club looks to be geared more towards general walking and taking pictures which for me currently doesn't fit.

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Author Topic: Navigation Courses in the sperrins (Read 12442 times)

RDeckard

Navigation Courses in the sperrins

Rich.H

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

whoRya

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Windy

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

RDeckard

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

Rich.H

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

RDeckard

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

phil_b

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RDeckard

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Rich.H

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

Windy

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

RDeckard

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

Rich.H

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

RDeckard

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

Rich.H

Re: Navigation Courses in the sperrins

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