Navigation Refresher

A call came in from Jim, can I help? He's signed up for the Lakes 10 Peaks Challenge, a 73km run/walk with 5600m ascent, and his group are aiming to get round in under 20 hours. Given the arduous nature of the challenge - the route is advertised by the organisers as taking you  "over dramatic rocky crags, across open moorland and through low lying bogs" Jim thought it best to brush up on his navigation skills. A wise decision, as the challenge includes Helvellyn, Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Skiddaw plus six other classic Lake District peaks

Heading out from Glossop I chose an area which has plenty of features to use, observe and test Jim's skills.

Learning how to pace and time distances 

Hand-railing a broken wall

Spring lambs in the late evening sunshine

Walking on a bearing

Jim went off reciting the 5 Ds to himself, all set and feeling much better prepared for the challenge. Best of luck.

A guided wander

Today I was lucky to be working in the outdoors, taking a client on a guided walk around the Kinder reservoir area. Along the way we kept ourselves busy identifying plants and birds....the two curlew that were buzzing overhead were too quick to capture on my phone camera, but here's a few photos I took - some flowers still need to be identified:

Speedwell

Nettle

Forget-me-not

Wild Garlic

Wild Garlic

Wild Geranium

Wild Geranium

Poppy

Cow Parsley

William Clough directly ahead, western edge of Kinder the high point

Kinder Reservoir seen from White Brow, with Red Brook on the horizon

Sandy Heys at left horizon, footbridge across River Kinder at east edge of the reservoir

Kinder Reservoir from our lunch spot...seen from Upper Moor on the eastern side

Looking up to Kinder edge and Cluther Rocks area

If you'd like me to help you enjoy the Peak District on a guided walk, perhaps show you less popular areas, or teach you navigation, then please get in touch (07985 251185). I'm available during the week and at weekends for full and half day guiding/tuition.