This is a map reading and navigation workshop designed for runners who want to be more confident in route finding, or may want to explore more then just the way marked paths. It's also for those who maybe want to enter events where self navigation is a feature of the race itself. 

Being able to map read without a GPS or electronic equivalent is a skill that is learned through practise, but knowing the basic skills and techniques is vital. This course will teach you those skills such as:

Orientation of the map to ground

Aiming off.

Thumbing the map

Using a back stop

Use of a compass

Your instructor is a qualified Mountain Leader and has been running on the fells, including Dartmoor for 30 years, as well as competing in mountain marathon events that require navigating over rough terrain for two days. 

The day will be split into two parts. After a morning coffee or tea at the Fox Tor Cafe (not included in the entrance fee) for introductions we will then head out on a loop around the area using map only, with no compass so that you can get the feel of the ground and the features that appear in the map. 

Although we will be running, the day is a teaching session so expect to have lots of stops and the running to be at a gentle pace. 

We will then break for a lunch break back at Princetown for 30 minutes, before learning about the compsss. We will then head out onto the moor again using the conosss and the skills learnt in the morning. 

We will aim to be back at Princetown for 1600, where we will have a short debrief and any questions will be answered.

Those who sign up will be sent over a presentation showing some of the basics of map reading which will serve as a good introduction before turning up on the day. 

On completion, a short test route will be sent out for you to run and test your new skills in your own time. 

Kit required:

To be worn or carried on person:

Full trail/fell running attire to include trail shoes, waterproof top and bottoms, Hat & gloves, warm layers. Running pack to carry the extras, plus some snacks and 1 litre of water. 
Please also bring a change of clothing to be kept in your vehicle for the lunch stop, plus a packed lunch.

If you have a 1:25000 map of Dartmoor please bring and also a compass if you have one, although these will be provided on the day to use if you do not posses either. 

Dress for the weather and not a short parkrun....you have been warned!

Parking is best in the main Princetown Car Park. There is a small shop and public loos. 

All running abilities are catered for as this is not a race. 

See you on the hill.

Col