I was a member of the Army Cadet Force for over four years as a teenager eventually gaining the rank of Cadet Company Sergeant Major.
A good part of the curriculum for the Part 1 & 2 qualifications I gained and a requirement for The Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme was Map Reading. I learned how to read a map and navigate using a compass etc. OR SO I THOUGHT. The compass we used was a British Army Prismatic type, really far too accurate and complicated for what was wanted.

The mnemonic of "Along the corridor, then up the stair" was never really explained to me so finding a 4 or 6 figure grid reference on a map was a bit hit and miss with me and must admit its a good job I never had to rely on my "grasp" of navigation "cos we would ave got lost". Frank Finn, my commanding officer would certainly agree with that.


I have always had an interest in the outdoors, I used to go match fishing (dint win many though) so at the start of 2005 I got in contact with my local Ramblers Association group, Barnsley & Penistone with a view to giving walking a try. Helpful advice, practical tips and a really friendly bunch of people have made these first few months an absolute pleasure - plus I've lost over two stone in weight AND my Yorkshire Terrier is a fit as a racing snake. As I have always tended to be "unslim" I can recommend walking to anyone who wants to lose weight and get fitter.

Not an expensive pastime but getting the best boots I could afford has minimised the misery of blisters so I add bits of kit as I carry on. Being a true Yorkshire Man, the Barnsley Battle cry - (Ah Much!!) can be heard each time I venture into a specialist outdoors shop.

If you are thinking about walking as a pastime, TK Max is a retailer in most large towns where savings of 50% to 75% can be found on quality branded boots and the full range of outdoor gear. Also look in your local charity shops for unwanted walking gear. There is some real bargains to be had. Thats unless you are the type that likes to brawnge (Yorkshire term - to brag) about how much you paid for your North Face breathable, waterproof, windproof, three layer technical jacket that cost you upwards of £250.00, when the nearest it would get to adverse weather conditions, is dipping the sleeve in beer slops whilst leaning on the bar. In other words, a Taproom Mountaineer.

Relearning the mysteries of the Ordnance Survey maps AND the new type of orienteering compass has given me a few head scratching sessions but I'm getting there. I have recently been accepted by the Northern College for a Navigation for Walkers course (24 - 26 January 2007). I hope to prove to myself what I do know (or don't) before I venture out to lead a walk with my group.

I have just completed this course and can recommend it and the course tutor Steve Brunt. A must for any walker that wants to venture onto the moors and uplands. Thank you Steve and Northern College.

As this is my third season with our group and feeling a bit more confident. I have taken the position of Footpaths Secretary. This involves investigating any queries from Ramblers Association members or the general public regarding "Public Rights Of Way" the network of footpaths and bridle ways that criss cross the British Isles. It may be that a path has been blocked by builders, paths overgrown or filled with rubbish etc. or as can happen, a path that has been used for years (but not a PROW) is suddenly fenced off. It is the local government's duty to ensure that all PROWS are usable - it's just that sometimes they need a bit of a rousting first.

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