Learning Zone Kent
Navigation
Many people find map reading and compass skills difficult to learn but the principles behind them are quite straightforward. Regular practice is needed to keep your skills sharp. A GPS device is a useful tool to have in your rucksack but is no substitute for an accurate map and compass.
Map Reading
Ordnance Survey has produced the leaflet Map Reading, which explains the subject very clearly. A leaflet aimed at children but useful for all ages is Map Reading Made Easy Peasy. The Ramblers has produced the guides Navigation for Walkers and Maps for Walkers.
Map Zone
Divided into several modules Map Zone is a website produced by Ordnance Survey aimed at children between 7 and 16 years.
Homework Help teaches the map-reading skills covered by Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum Geography programme in England and Wales (years 7–9) and the Framework for Environmental Studies People and Place strand in Scotland (years P7–S2). The games and quizzes are educational and fun covering not only map reading skills but geography and maths too.
GPS
This GPS Buyers Guide article explains the key features of a handheld GPS. Go4awalk has an article that explains the myths and facts of GPS devices, as well as loads of other useful information for walkers.
Ordnance Survey Symbols
For an explanation of the symbols found on the Landranger and Explorer maps see Landranger series 1:50K and Explorer series 1:25K. A map scale of 1:50000 means one centimetre on the map is equal to 50000 centimetres or 500 metres or 0.5 kms on the ground. With a scale of 1:25000 one centimetre on the map translates to 25000 centimetres or 250 metres or 0.25 kms on the ground.
Mapping Software
There are several very good digital mapping products on the market including memory-map and TrackLogs. The initial purchase of the software can be expensive but over time may prove much cheaper than buying paper maps.
At Walk and Cycle we use Mapyx Quo when we design trails using Ordnance Survey Explorer maps - all other times we use Trail Designer. Quo software is available for free and then you only buy the map tiles that you need. This can make it a much cheaper option than other similar products.
Cycling
The CTC (Cyclists' Touring Club) has been promoting cycling in the UK since 1878. Bike For All is a terrific website for cycling advice, as too is Cycling For Fun.
Instruction and Certification
Why Cycle? offers advice and tips on learning to cycle. A list of instructors across the country has been compiled by the CTC. Other useful links can be found at Bike For All.
Cycle instruction in Kent is provided by:
- Young Lewisham and Greenwich Cyclists
The Highway Code
The Highway Code for cyclists is explained on the UK government website. Bike For All has a section on cycling laws.
Buying Advice
Why Cycle? has lots of information and advice on buying a bicycle.
Bike Maintenance
The CTC runs three bicycle maintenance courses: trailside repairs, advanced maintenance and fleet management.
