Night navigation walk, focusing on micro-navigation on hills just outside of Birmingham

Night nav walk, focusing on micro-navigation on hills just outside Birmingham. BMC walk leader, Frank Bruce, will be guiding the exercise. Frank is a Mountain Leader and NNAS qualified navigation tutor. The distances walked will be short and in stages, with close reference to the OS Explorer Map 1:25 000 for this area, which is sheet 219. Please bring a copy if you have one. During the evening, we shall look particularly at contours and other features of the landscape, both natural and man-made, identifying them from the map. There are a few steep slopes on the Waseley Hills, as well as wooded areas, fences to handrail, and we may also try a little pacing. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to share your experience, as well as ask questions and follow up any particular features of navigation that you are interested in.

We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable evening in the outdoors!

Meet the Leader

Frank has been Hill Walking for over 20 years both in the UK and in Pakistan and is a qualified Mountain Leader. He is also qualified in first aid and mental health first aid. Frank is a volunteer walk leader for charities including offering wellness walks and mental health support; walks for LGBTQ organisations. Frank is also a mentor for the Mountain Leader programme with the Mountain Training Association and organises small group experience quality mountain days as well as hosting walks for the BMC. Frank can often be found out in the hills designing unusual and challenging navigation routes.

Walk Details

Walk Grading: Easy

Distance: Approx 4 km (2.5 miles)

Ascent: 125 m (680 ft)

Duration: Approximately 2 hours

Obstacles: A few stiles/ gates. In case of rain, possible sections of muddy path.

If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others

Meeting Details

Time: Thursday 18 November, 18:45pm for a 19:00pm start

Location: Boleyn Road, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 0LG

OS Grid Ref: SO 97927 78192

Google map pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BGu23CQffmjgW5aG7 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/BGu23CQffmjgW5aG7)

Parking: Free parking on road. Park on Boleyn Road and meet at the road junction, opposite the Crematorium entrance. Please Park considerately

Please check out the BMC Liftshare service

Facilities: None

Public Transport: Bus 63 from Birmingham Digbeth Moor Street Queensway (Stop MS23) to Frankley stops on Boleyn Road

What to Bring

We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or shoes with good grip

Clothing: Dress in layers, including a warm layer and waterproofs, as conditions can vary; bring a hat and gloves

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a 2-hours walk; there will be no places to purchase refreshments en route

Other Essentials: Headtorch is required. OS Explorer Map 219

Who Can Attend

Over 18's only. Please keep an eye out/contact us, for future walks, where we hope to be welcoming children along too. Well behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control at all times, please indicate on your booking if you will be bringing a dog

Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them

If you are unsure of your ability or would like advice regarding kit and suitability for this walk, please email the leader in advance

This walk incurs a £2 donation fee towards our hill walking projects. If you are unable to pay this fee, please contact us in advance, and we will anonymously include you for free

BMC Participation Statement

The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement

Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk

By participating in this walk you agree to the BMC Code of Conduct. (https://thebmc.co.uk/en/safeguarding) Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tolerated

Questions

Feel free to contact BMC Hill Walk Leader, Frank: frank.bruce@btinternet.com (https://)

Description supplied by the event organiser.