ULSTER FEDERATION OF RAMBLING CLUBS – a course for Hill Walkers
A course has been organised with Tollymore National Outdoor Centre.
Date : Saturday, 26th September 2015
Time : 09.00hrs – 17.00hrs
Venue : Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, Hilltown Road, Bryansford, Newcastle, BT33 0PT
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Using a GPS in the mountains.
In recent years more and more hill walkers are making greater use of a GPS for navigation in the mountains. This course has been designed for hill walkers who have just acquired a GPS and who would like to get to grips with basic GPS skills; and also 
for those with some knowledge of a GPS wishing to become more proficient in its use.
Course Aims
– develop a basic understanding of the GPS, its uses / limitations
– choosing the most appropriate GPS
– setting and following simple and more challenging routes
Skills Covered
– finding your way around a GPS receiver
– Way points
– GO TO
– Planning a route / inputting information
– Practical navigation in the mountains
The course will take into account the varying skill levels of participants.
Participants are asked to indicate the type of GPS they will use in the hills and to bring this GPS to the course. Please contact George Acheson (Tel : ) if there are any particular GPS skills they would wish to be included the course.
*Participants owning a Smart Phone should bring this with them – there is a free app called “Viewranger” which should be downloaded on to the phone before attending the course.
GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE DAY FOR THE COURSE
09.00 Arrival and Register – enjoy tea/coffee and biscuits
09.30 Meet up with instructors followed by a morning classroom session
12.30 Light lunch of soup and sandwiches will be provided
13.00 Practical session in the nearby hills
16.30 Return to Tollymore NOC – consider what has been learnt
17.00 Depart
WHAT YOU WILL NEED : those attending should bring their usual hill walking clothing and equipment. As a minimum this should be proper hill walking boots, warm clothing layers, fleece jacket, waterproof jacket and trousers, warm hat and gloves, gaiters, 1:25,000 Mournes map, Silva type compass, small first aid kit and any personal medication, torch, notebook, pencil and a small day pack @ 30 litres. Perhaps a change of clothes in case of wet weather. Those attending the course should bring their GPS.
A flask with a warm drink may also be useful – and any other small snacks you normally carry in the hills. These courses can be quite static so it is better to come prepared and keep warm and comfortable.
Click on the link for the form
Click Here for the Adult Health Declaration. This must be brought with you
