Global Positioning System. A GPS is and does exactly what it says. It is the same as the satnav in your car but in this case it will be hand-held for use whilst walking.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based global navigation satellite system. It provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to users worldwide on a continuous basis in all weathers, day and night, anywhere on or near the Earth.

GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, scientific uses, tracking and surveillance, and hobbies such as walking.

It is made up of three parts: 32 satellites orbiting the Earth, four control and monitoring stations on Earth, and the GPS receivers owned by users. GPS satellites broadcast signals from space that are used by GPS receivers to provide three-dimensional location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) plus the time.

GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, scientific uses, tracking and surveillance, and hobbies such as walking.

Walkers appear use GPS in three main ways.

The first is to record a track when the walker travels it, probably when reconnoitring a route for the first time using a paper map. This can then by entered into a computer mapping programme to convert it into a route for later walks.

• The second is to retrieve that route from the computer, enter it into the GPS unit and follow it when leading other walkers.

 

• The third is to design a route on the computer using a mapping programme, load it into the GPS unit and then walk it perhaps whilst leading others.

 

Accuracy can be down to 4 or 5 metres anywhere on the planet and Ordinance Survey map references on GPS units are usually given to 10 places. A 6 figure map reference gives a position to within a 100 metre square whilst a 10 figure map reference reduces that square to 1 metre!

Mapping programmes for PC. A number of such programmes are available for home computers and they can be invaluable to amateur walkers.

 

Smart Draw, Tracklogs, Memory Map and others all produce mapping programmes that will let you work effectively with your GPS unit.

 

In the UK they are invariable based on Ordinance Survey maps which can be expanded by buying further maps as your horizons expand. The GPS unit can be programmed to work with OS map references so they tie in together.

 

When working with maps whether routes have been created on the ground or on the computer they can be stored in memory to be resurrected later and put on your GPS unit when required.

 

Because this is such a massive subject, if you are considering buying a mapping programme for your home use then I suggest that you talk to others to see what they think about the various programmes available.

 

 

Trekking poles. Depending on the terrain trekking poles are usually a help especially when going up hill. Travelling down hill, they allow the walker to steady themself against falls and to increase confidence.

 

Research has shown that using one, or preferably two poles will help greatly in reducing the load on hip and knee joints and will allow the arms to contribute to the effort required to push the body uphill.

 

There are three ways to adjust a pole…

 

1)

• Extend the lower section out to its maximum length and lock it,
• Stand upright and place the handle of the pole under an armpit,
• Extend the top section until it is a hands width under your armpit and lock it.

 

2)

• Extend the lower section out to its maximum length and lock it,
• Stand upright and hold one arm so that the humerus is vertical and the forearm is horizontal,
• Extend the top section until that hand is holding it and lock it.

 

3)

• Extend the lower section out to its maximum length and lock it,
• Extend the top section until you think it’s about right and lock it,
• Adjust it as you go influenced by the slope of the terrain!

 

 

Boot bag. We need something to keep our boots in and to transport our dirty boots at the end of a walk, this is where the boot bag comes in!

 

They are cheap and they do the job but the boots should not be left in the bag when wet and with the zips closed. Make sure that you clean your boots and dry them properly before storing them in the bag.

 

A cheaper alternative is a good sized carrier bag!

 

Sitting down. It is important to be comfortable and so we need to think about seats.

When we arrive at the start of a walk there is often nowhere to sit and I find it very uncomfortable trying to put my boots on whilst standing, or sitting awkwardly on a car seat and so I have bought a three legged stool.

 

This folds flat in the boot of the car and is always handy when I need it. It is also cheap!

 

There are other types but this one works fine.

 

Sitting down during a walk whilst having a break it is important to be insulated from cold and damp surfaces and so you will need a sitting pad.

 

Two or three types are available…

 

1. The first is a simple pad of foamed plastic which folds up small.

2. The second is a pad of soft plastic foam similar to a kneeling pad for use in the garden.
3. The third is a self-inflating cushion which will roll up small for carrying.

 

Have a look around and see which you prefer.

 

 

 

Hydration system. A hydration system is a posh name for a water container attached to a plastic pipe with a mouthpiece on the end!

 

The idea is that the bag (or bladder) is placed in your rucsac, the tube is taken over your shoulder attached to the rucsac harness so that the mouthpiece is held conveniently to hand. The mouthpiece can be operated on the move.

 

Capacities vary from about 1 to 2½ litres and they are much easier and more convenient than having to stop to take bottles out of your rucsac.

 

They should be cleaned after every use by allowing to stand with Milton steriliser or similar inside. The tubes should be cleaned ideally with a very narrow brush and then the whole thing allowed to air dry.