Blog Page - North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales. Navigation Courses and Events
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“Map Skills – Moors and Dales”, – North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales – navigation courses, equipment and just life in general.
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Navigation Course, Chop Gate, 24/10/24 [North York Moors]
Friday 25th October 2024, a One to One Basic Navigation Course, with Vibert (Bertie).
Bertie was on holiday in North Yorkshire, and booked a course to improve his navigation skills.
We met up at 9am at the Village Hall car park (a National Park Car Park – the ticket machine has been upgraded and works, £5.50 for over 2 hours).
We spent about 45 minutes going over the information in the pre read, that I had sent him. Once the theory was out of the way, it was down to Bertie to navigate.
He stated he never realised there was so much information on a map, until then. He carried one but didn’t really look at it.
That changed today, with visibility down to 50 to 75 metres maximum due to fog, Bertie needed to navigate. Plus he had fun, as he discovered more and more.
Things he had done in the past, assuming that the track that was visible on the ground, was the track he wanted. Oops ! Not so, look at the map, read the map. Bertie quickly did so, the comments coming from him were all very positive.
New skills, being gained all the time. Taking bearings, following bearings, resection techniques, quickly came into use to confirm our location.
We had lunch up on Cold Moor alongside the Coast 2 Coast path, dropping down into a gulley to get out of the wind.
After lunch, we started our way back, practicing Aspect of slope and using bearing to confirm our location.
We finished just before 4pm, as it was getting dark. Bertie said, the time went so fast and good fun.
Nice to meet you.
Saturday 12th October 2024, the basic navigation course, I mentioned in the earlier blog took place.
A real pleasure meeting Nick, although he is from Yorkshire, he now lives in London.
He had already been taught a lot of the theory behind navigation, but that is not the same as putting it into practice on the ground.
As soon as we left the car park, we put into practice the 5 D’s of Navigation – Direction, Distance, Duration, Description, Destination.
Nick had the map and compass, and off we went. A bit of a chilly start weather wise, but we soon warmed up, as the walked up the Bridal way towards Horton Scar and on towards Hull Pot.
I got Nick to read the map, giving him a destination, only a few hundred yards in front at a time. He was quickly able to tell me, what the 5 D’s would be. The direction, how far, the way the land would slope, streams, woods, field boundaries and capture points.
On Horton Moor, we started using the compass, taking a bearing off the map to locate a small pond 400 metres away.
The pond was located – learn to trust the map and compass – your tools. Nick impressed himself!
We then spent time navigation across rough ground using the map and compass or just the map, if the physical features were there to navigate by.
A really good day, Nick got to put into practise the theory he had heard and read before, but that is nothing like, putting it into practice. Which he did outstandingly.
Navigation Course, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, 12/10/24 [Yorkshire Dales]
Scottish MRT - Arran - Prepare for shorter days and worse weather
Autumn is already here and winter is on the way.
The number of call outs is already increasing, as the weather deteriorates and the number of day light hours decreases. (A warning to Yorkshire Three Peak Challengers put out last week by the local MRT, as people are being caught out in the dark).
Read the Scottish MRT post here: –
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/odRx7YKrtu2pvuht/
Walk, Heathwaite to Carlton Bank, 06/10/2024
[North York Moors]
I have a Basic Navigation Course booked for Saturday 12th October, and was checking everything, and a Silva Expedition Compass was mislaid.
I have a number of compasses, no surprise there, but I like to know where each item is. Not in the compass store, not in the box where I used to store them. Not in the top pocket of my day sack. Clothing – all – No.
So a shorter walk, so I can locate the ‘lost’ compass, when I got home.
I was annoyed with myself, so I went on my favourite walk, which is near to the village of Swainby. It follows the C2C & Cleveland Way, a linear walk, up to Carlton Bank, and return the same route. Either way there are excellent views. You quickly get up on the Moors, then it is just a gentle incline up to Carlton Bank.
No matter, how grumpy I might be, having done this walk, everything in the World is good.
The ‘missing’ compass, in the mesh hip belt pocket on my rucksack. I left it there when practicing taking bearings last week. It never hurts to practice.
I returned to Black Hambleton. to continue my walk from the 29th, south along the Cleveland Way.
I had intended to walk the Coast 2 Coast in September 2024, but I hurt my right knee in the April, and it still hadn’t fully healed, by the September, so the walk has been postponed until May or June of 2025.
Today, was the start of the training, only 18 kilometres, but no problem with my knee – Happy days.
A fair number of walkers and cyclists on the Cleveland Way, a sunny but breezy day, perfect for walking. Now to put in the miles and extra exercise.
Walk, Black Hambleton - 04/10/2024 [North York Moors]
Walk, Black Hambleton, 29/09/2024
[North York Moors]
Having spent Saturday in my “office” updating the website and designing the card for the Gift Card/Voucher for Christmas there was a definite need by myself and Lola to get out and go for a walk.
Sunday was pretty grey and bleak, with plenty of load cloud. So having decided just to go for a walk, I chose to drive up to Square Corner, outside of Osmotherley on the North York Moors.
One of the first people I got to speak to said “It’s pretty grey today, not too good for photography.” He was right of course, but that set a bit of a challenge.
There were quite a few walkers, from south to north, walking the Cleveland Way, it’s normally busy about 2pm to 3pm, with people heading towards Osmotherley.
The Game Keeper has been busy with his paint brush. The sign at White Head (grid reference SE491 931) is true but misleading(?).
Yes, it is a private track, as it is not a public right of way. However, that part of the moor, is Access Land or Right to Roam land.
You have the “Right” to: – Walk, run, watch wildlife & climbing
What you cannot do (without the permission of the land owner):- ride a horse, cycle, camp, walk a dog other than on a lead (from 1st March to 31st July, the lead must be less than 2 metres long – No extending leads) [on a lead at all times around livestock], drive a vehicle or water sports.
{The sign previously said “No Bikes”}
Altberg - Boot factory & Sales room 24/09/2024 [Yorkshire Dales]
I was visiting Richmond, North Yorkshire and was on an Industrial Estate, when I saw a business named “Altberg”, I recognised the name as a well renowned boot maker, but didn’t realise they were based here in North Yorkshire. With the name “Altberg” I thought they would be based in Austria, not Swaledale.
Let me just say, I was in there faster than Usain Bolt!!!
Was I impressed, yes I was. There were two staff members helping to fit customers with boots. These men obviously knew what they were talking about, they made the boots.
My first question when I was served was “Do you sell size 50/15 walking boots?
Their answer was “Unfortunately, No, only tactical boots in that size. However, let us check your foot size first”.
I was expecting a mechanical foot measure, no this was all electronic.
I am not size 15, but 12.5 and extra wide.
I have been ‘forced’ to buy size 15, in order for there to be sufficient room to accommodate the size of my feet.
I was shown into the show room, let allow me to see, the walking boots available in my size. Basically three pairs, a lighter 3 season boot, a more rugged 3 season boot for mountain use, and a 4 season boot for use with articulated crampons (C2).
I chose the 3 season mountain boot, I tried on the 12.5 extra wide, that felt too short, for coming down hill, my toes were just hitting the front of the boot. Size 13.5 extra wide, they felt perfect & purchased.
I can highly recommend a visit
Altberg Limited
2B Racecourse Road
Richmond DL10 4TG
01748 826922 / 01748 850615 / 01748 824717
Email:: – sales@altberg.co.uk
Website: – https://wwwaltberg.co.uk
This Blog is not just about walking & navigation, it is about all things to be found in the North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales.
One of the BEST DAYS OUT and one we visit, is the WW2 Event held in Grassington, every September.
People love to dress up, re-enact and just enjoy that era.
The crowds are always friendly, with lots of live music, dancing and military bands etc
Grassington WW2 Event - 21/09/2024 [Yorkshire Dales]
A visit to Wild Boar Fell - not to be, the weather was against us. 14/07/2024 [Yorkshire Dales]
Not one to preach one thing, then do the opposite.
On Saturday 14th September 2024, I went with my friend Sue Evans to walk up The Nab, Wild Boar Fell, Nine Standards Rigg & Scarth Fell.
The weather on Friday, predicted the weather on saturday would be fine & sunny. As we drove westwards down the A66, the Fells looked black, not sunny. When we arrived at Aisgill Moor Cottages, near to Outgill, there was heavy rain.
We left our car, and climbed onto the Pennine Bridal way, passing the beautiful artwork near Rigg Side.
Having descended to The Thrang, we crossed the fields to Hazelgill, before ascending towards the “The Nab” and then up to Wild Boar Fell.
The wind was very strong, even at lower levels, so I decided to call it a day. On top the windy would have been even dangerous.
it was difficult to stand in the gusts.
Why continue, the mountains will be there another day, when the weather is more pleasant, to make the walk enjoyable rather than a battle.
I have fought my battles, when younger, older and wiser now.
Windy on Wild Boar Fell
High Paradise Farm - Bank Holiday Monday 2024 [North York Moors]
What to do on a Bank Holiday Monday? Spend some time with the wife!!!
North Yorkshire is massive, with a big land area, and a relatively small population, with sparsley spaced towns & villages to visit. We were on our way to Pickering, when I realised the wife had not been to High Paradise Farm Cafe, Boltby, Thirsk, YO7 2HT.
Google showed the cafe closed on a Monday, but a quick phone call, and the cafe was open. A change of plans despite the wife only wearing flip flops for the 1km walk from the car park at Sneck Gate SE 507 875, to the cafe at SE 503 887. We followed the farm track from the car park (parking for about 10 cars) then up the limestone covered track.
The cafe was fairly busy as a bank holiday, but well worth the visit. The Cleveland Way Long Distance Footpath, passes the front door of the cafe.
With the cafes warm and welcoming atmosphere, my wife loved it.
Speaking to the owners, they will be reducing the choice of food from the start of September, and I am not sure if they close after October until April. I will find out and update the post.
Corn Mill Bake-Well Cafe, Bainbridge - 25/08/2024 [Yorkshire Dales]
The village of Hawes was heaving with cars, motorcycles & people, as to be expected on a Bank Holiday, Sunday lunch time.
Luckily my mate knew of a little gem of a cafe just down the road in Bainbridge.
The Corn Mill Cafe, Newkin, Bainbridge, DL8 3EH.
From the Hawes direction, you enter Bainbridge and turn right, opposite the grass area towards Leyburn. As the road turns sharply to the left you carry on straight, The cafe is on your right.
From Leyburn, you enter the village, the road goes sharply down hill to the right, past a very small petrol station (one pump), then to the left, then right. At the right hand bend you turn left.
There is parking for a few cars.
We had the Corn Mill Cafe Breakfast Bap – bacon, sausage, black pudding, mushrooms and an egg. Fantastic. (Full breakfasts end at 11.30am).
A really good selection of cakes, Plus quiche, pies and other savoury delights.
Great value food, well cooked, a great atmosphere. All good.
[Speaking to the waitress, the cafe has been sold to another cafe owner from Askrigg (I belive she said) who take over in a couple of weeks. It is expected to stay the same, if it doesn’t that would be a shame – wait for an update – another visit required),
Langcliffe, Settle - August Bank Holiday 2024 [Yorkshire Dales]
The August Bank Holiday weekend, a few extra days to go off backpacking, away from it all.
The perfect idea, but NOT the reality. Storm Lillian was due to hit on the Friday evening – and it did.
I’m not an influencer, setting my tent up on top of a mountain to test myself & equipment, to get a few Instagram views. I’ve survived plenty of storms to put myself in harms way, for the fun of it.
Instead I went off to Langcliffe, Settle – Yorkshire Dales, to stay with my mate in his Luxury Lodge – a lot more spacious than a one man tent with Lola.
So a weekend of eating out, drinking in, chatting and messing around with cameras. His is a high end one, mine is a bridge camera, but perfect for taking photographs whilst out walking.
On both the Friday & Saturday there were deluges of heavy rain & high winds, so the right decision made. An “Indian summer” is predicted so I can go backpacking then.
Equipment purchase - 16/08/2024 [Yorkshire Dales]
It is August, people are on holiday, so I am not expecting to be busy with navigation courses.
So I had my birthday present from November 2023, a trip on a STEAM TRAIN, something I had always wanted to do. On the Embsay & Bolton Railway Line, near to Skipton. Ticked off.
Whilst in the area I popped into one of my favourite independent outdoor gear shops – Castleberg Outdoors, Settle.
The staff are super helpful & they have a good choice of quality equipment. There is always that itch to update your equipment, so I had to purchase a few bits. Support Local Independent Businesses or lose them.
Edinburg Tattoo Weekend - 09/08/2024
A weekend away in Edinburgh for the Tattoo. I am not a city person, but Edinburgh was a joy. OK the Royal Mile is a total tourist trap, with far too many cashmere, tartan and whisky shops.
However, away from that area, they are so many little independent cafes, eateries and artisan shops to visit.
The Fringe was on, so I was expecting the city to be super crowded, but luckily people tended to stick to the centre, so the wife and I had a great time, visiting the less visited areas.
The people of Edinburgh are super friendly, we will definitely be visiting again. We travelled by train, LNER, the upgrade to 1st class is very little and so worth it.
Urra Moor - 05/08/2024 [North York Moors]
I didn’t have a course this weekend, so no excuses, I had to catch up on chores – Gardening.
However, Monday, Lola and myself were free. I realised I had not visited the highest point on the North York Moors. Also a chance to wear my new baseball cap, to protect my face! (A great job Foxstitch – Thirsk)
Google – gave me the highest point on the North York Moors as Urra Moor, 454 metres. Not a mountain, but great views.
You will pass it on both the Coast2Coast & Cleveland Way.
Grid reference NZ 594015.
I really enjoy getting to talk to people who are out & about. All are so varied, there are no stereo-types.
I spoke to one couple who had camped at Paradise Farm, on the Cleveland Way, they gave it a BIG THUMBS UP>
Backpacking weekend - Sunday 28/07/2024 [North York Moors]
I was speaking to a previous basic navigation course client, and I was saying to him “Organising or starting a business takes over your life, everything has to have a reason, aimed at promoting the business”. On Sunday I just grabbed my gear and went backpacking on the North York Moors – just to enjoy the moment! I used my Lidl £45 two man tent, (1.2kg), D&D sleeping pad £35, and Mountain Warehouse £25 sleeping bag to prove it’s possible to backpack cheap, if you know the weather is going to be kind.
Learning to read a map is not just about navigation. By looking at the map I could see, that the area I intended to camp was not over looked by farms. There was flat land high up, so, if conditions were right (they were not , cloud banks), I could get great sun set & sun rise photos.
There was a fresh water source nearby, only 10 minutes walk from where I set up camp. Carrying fresh water is heavy = 1 litre = 1 kg or 2.2 lbs.
Paradise Farm Cafe, Boltby, Thirsk - 26/07/2024 [North York Moors]
Having lived in Northallerton since 2021, I had heard of and I’ve been told to visit the café at Paradise Farm. My wife was out with friends, (Fridays we often go in search of a new café together) so I took Lola the dog instead. The café is literally on the Cleveland Way. With a camp site open April to October -£10 per person. [The is a slight slope just saying].
Wainstones, Clay Bank - 21/07/2024 [North York Moors]
A twinge in my right knee today, so just a short walk from Clay Bank car park up and over to the Wainstones. It doesn’t have to be a massive walk to be enjoyable. You never know what you might see.
YouTube Video, Osmotherley - 19/07/2024 [North York Moors]
Click on the image to the left, to view a video of a walk starting and ending in the village of Osmotherley.
The walk includes parts of the Cleveland Way and Coast to Coast. Approximately 10km/6 miles.
Photographs - Sutton Bank Walk 15/07/2024 [North York Moors]
It is not all about running navigation courses. I love to take my camera with me, whilst out walking. Looking for photography opportunities, actually make you look more deeply at your surroundings. To see the changes around us, or just enjoying the bigger picture.
Navigation Course, Square Corner, Osmotherley - 01/07/2024 [North York Moors]
Well done to Alan & Tracey, who enjoyed a day on the Moors learning navigation skills.
The day started out grey, then turned to mist, fog and rain. Actually excellent conditions for navigation training.
Despite the grim weather, we all had fun, practicing different navigation skills. They both agreed they had learnt a lot, and would be putting it all into practice in the coming weeks.
Website error - Office 19/06/2024
It is when you ‘own’ something, that you do not see it, in my case literally.
When I construct this website I use a PC, everything is OK on there.
When I look at the website on my mobile phone, everything appeared ok on there!!!
However, after about 3 months of developing the site, the MAIN MENU was missing on mobiles & tablets.
All now sorted, note the yellow hamburger, which drops down the menu.
So annoying & frustrating.
Embroidery - Logo update - 110624
I will be more visible now, having had a delivery of clothing with my logo embroidered upon them. They do look really smart.
The Logo design is thanks to my wife.
The embroidery was performed by Fox Stitch, Thirsk – a family run local business. Excellent service, I highly recommend them.
https://www.foxstitchthirsk.co.uk/
Navigation Course, Square Corner, Osmotherley - 26/05/2024 [North York Moors]
A really wet day up on Black Hambleton, with Fred. He was needing to update his navigation skills, for adventures ahead.
Despite the horrible weather we had a really productive day. He had additional skills to learn
as well. He wants to return to do the Advanced Course, once he has mastered what he has learnt.
Navigation Course, Grinton Moor, Nr Leyburn - 19/05/2024 [Yorkshire Dales]
A basic course with two ladies, who had quite a lot of experience of walking in remote places, but no longer wanted to rely on an App for navigation.
The course took place on the moorland between Leyburn & Grinton, near to the Army Ranges.
A long but enjoyable day, with not only navigation, but a number of bird species seen.
Both purchased Silva Expedition Type 4 compasses, directly after the course (not from me).
Navigation Course, Grinton Moor, Nr. Leyburn - 25/04/2024 [Yorkshire Dales]
A father & daughter wanting to increase their navigation skills before starting to conquer the Wainwrights.
As you can see from their clothing it was a chilly day, so you need to dress for the conditions.
This course took place between Grinton & Leyburn. The conditions underfoot were wet, after the constant rain we had.
Two more who purchased, Silva compasses directly after the course (not from me).
Navigation Course, Hole-of-Horcum, Nr. Pickering - 31/03/2024 [North York Moors]
A basic course with Atul, who has taken up Ultra long distance running. Whilst training for a 120 mile event, he had become “navigationally uncomfortable” whilst crossing a Scottish mountain.
To prevent this happening again, he wanted to learn how to use a map & compass. Especially how to follow a bearing, over rough ground.
The course took place at the Hole-of-Horcum, near to Pickering.
After the heavy rain that preceded this course his running shoes were no longer bright orange about 15 minutes after this photo was taken.
They cleaned up after practising navigation through the heather. Great fun.
Book a course today.
Don’t put it off.
The courses are designed to be fun, as well as practicle.
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