Learn to Navigate

The Irish hills are not generally high or even particularly rocky by international mountainous standards. But they have their own challenges, it’s not for nothing that we live on what is sometimes called the Misty Isle. The prevailing wettish Atlantic climate often sweeps in rain & mist and what starts as a fine clear day turns bad or vice versa.

It behoves anyone heading out onto our hills to take responsibility for looking after themselves, even when things turn bad. That involves having adequate clothing and food but also the ability to find a way along the chosen route and/or down off the mountain.

Phone apps showing position are common now but these won’t help you to know or decide what direction to go in, what route to follow. They may have a outline route line to follow but what happens when that’s not practical anymore? Or the phone runs out of power?

The solution: learn how to navigate using the map detail, how to understand contours and route selection. How to know what direction to walk in and for how far. How to look after yourself. There are many providers of such courses, running training weekends at various venues around the country. The Mountain Skills course covers all the above topics and more besides. Look up www.mountaineering.ie/content/MountainSkills/122 to find a local course.

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