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| At spot height 429 - Lurden Top |
With the wind howling across the moors, I arrived at the Rams Head Inn, Denshaw, to find my fellow owls still sheltering from the wild weather, in the protective cocoon of their cars. Wrapped in layers of warm clothing, we took shelter behind my van for the first lesson in night navigation.
With the first checkpoint identified, Anita Copplestone successfully took the group to our intended destination using handrail features and catchment points. As we arrived, the silent ghostly figure of a barn owl swept down in front of us and stealthily soared across the moor, in search of its prey.
Hunkered down in the protection of the small quarry, we discussed measuring distance and the use of 'pacing'. With a new checkpoint identified, Mark Bowden, jumped at the opportunity of trying out the pacing system and led the group to a footbridge at the northern end of Crook Gate Reservoir.After discussing more principles of navigation, it was the turn of Nicky Torr to lead the way. Always full of enthusiasm, Nicky relished the opportunity to test her skills and successfully navigated the group to a small re-entrant on the eastern shores of a prominent water feature.
With everyone now gaining in confidence, it was Gareth Evans' turn to lead the group. Now using a combination of techniques, such as handrailing, tick-off features, pacing and catchment points Gareth easily led us to a small track junction at Dowry Green.
After more discussion, it was time for James Black to jump into the hot seat. Tasked with taking us to a small water feature on the moor, we passed the old remains of Dowry Castle, where we explored this once former Victorian dwelling. Whilst checking our maps for the next leg of the journey, a small bat rose from the old cellar to investigate our intentions.
The next part of the evening was spent looking at taking both grid and magnetic bearings, route planning and how to effectively 'march on a bearing', using a variety of tried and tested techniques. Spot height 429 (Lurden Top) was our next destination. Using the principles discussed, the whole group individually navigated themselves to the right point.
With the icy wind increasing its speed, we took in one more checkpoint en route back to the Rams Head. Whilst tonight we didn't cover a great distance on our Owls Run, it was a great opportunity for people to learn new skills or improve on their existing knowledge. We have more Night Navigation sessions planned for the near future, to which people are welcome.
With the first checkpoint identified, Anita Copplestone successfully took the group to our intended destination using handrail features and catchment points. As we arrived, the silent ghostly figure of a barn owl swept down in front of us and stealthily soared across the moor, in search of its prey.
Hunkered down in the protection of the small quarry, we discussed measuring distance and the use of 'pacing'. With a new checkpoint identified, Mark Bowden, jumped at the opportunity of trying out the pacing system and led the group to a footbridge at the northern end of Crook Gate Reservoir.After discussing more principles of navigation, it was the turn of Nicky Torr to lead the way. Always full of enthusiasm, Nicky relished the opportunity to test her skills and successfully navigated the group to a small re-entrant on the eastern shores of a prominent water feature.
With everyone now gaining in confidence, it was Gareth Evans' turn to lead the group. Now using a combination of techniques, such as handrailing, tick-off features, pacing and catchment points Gareth easily led us to a small track junction at Dowry Green.
After more discussion, it was time for James Black to jump into the hot seat. Tasked with taking us to a small water feature on the moor, we passed the old remains of Dowry Castle, where we explored this once former Victorian dwelling. Whilst checking our maps for the next leg of the journey, a small bat rose from the old cellar to investigate our intentions.
The next part of the evening was spent looking at taking both grid and magnetic bearings, route planning and how to effectively 'march on a bearing', using a variety of tried and tested techniques. Spot height 429 (Lurden Top) was our next destination. Using the principles discussed, the whole group individually navigated themselves to the right point.
With the icy wind increasing its speed, we took in one more checkpoint en route back to the Rams Head. Whilst tonight we didn't cover a great distance on our Owls Run, it was a great opportunity for people to learn new skills or improve on their existing knowledge. We have more Night Navigation sessions planned for the near future, to which people are welcome.
