Straight after three days of filming in April Kev and I went straight to Bowley International Scout Camp to deliver our Advanced Navigation Course. The course for 2016 introduced an extra day which proved invaluable for our students and staff alike. On the Friday the basics were taught within the Lodge such as map orientation, map symbols, 6 figure grid references, taking bearings using the compass, pacing etc. On the Friday evening the students were given a set of grid references so they could plan a route card for the Saturday.

We were on the hoof early on the Saturday morning putting into practice what was learnt the day before. This exercise went really well as we could add in some natural navigation, tree and plant identification and spot plenty of wildlife. The Saturday afternoon was the advanced stage, peeling away the layers of the map to find the minute detail that our brilliant Ordnance Survey people provide. Also, we increased the accuracy, plotting grid references to 8 figure and using prismatic sighting compasses. The students were then given another series of 8 figure grid references, which they could plot for the final navigation exercise on the Sunday. As darkness fell we left the warmth and comfort of the Lodge to carry out a night exercise in the local area and try out some navigation using the stars.

An early start on the Sunday saw us on Anglezarke Moor just after 09:00 for the start of the exercise that puts all the previous days into practise. The weather was kind, giving at least a 40 mile visibility in all directions, even picking out the shaded outline of the Isle of Man. Anglezarke Moor is a perfect area to learn navigation, rough boggy, rolling moorland is among the toughest terrains to navigate.

Mid afternoon saw us back at our vehicles with all students more confident in their navigation skill, with the onus on practise, practise and more practise. A big thanks to all the students and staff for making the course a smashing weekend.