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Cairns - What Are They?30th September 2011
Cairns are placed at regular intervals and a series of cairns can be used for the following:
Most trail cairns are small, a foot or less in height, but may be built taller so as to protrude through a layer of snow. Hikers passing by often add a stone, as a small bit of maintenance to counteract the erosive effects of severe weather. Sometime on busy summits or crossroads where many paths meet, there may be an overcrowding of cairns, making them confusing as route markers, so always ensure you rely on your map and compass (or GPS unit) if you’re in any doubt about which way to go. DID YOU KNOW? Cairns in Dartmoor were constructed to mark Bronze Age burial sites or ‘tumuli’ – a mound of earth and stones over a burial site. Many of the larger cairns throughout the UK are actually tumuli. |
Mountain Equipment celebrate 50 years with short-film release19th September 2011
"Personal reflections of some of the worlds most significant mountaineers have been brought together with rare footage to take you on an intriguing journey through the last 50 years in the mountains" To view the 19 minute long video in full, visit www.mountain-equipment.co.uk |
Lakes launch Junior Ranger scheme2nd September 2011 A plan to encourage teenagers into the outdoors is being launched by the Lake District National Park. Open to 14 – 18 year olds, the scheme will launch in the autumn and will enable young people to assist National Park rangers with their work – specifically in the areas such as Haweswater and Thirlmere, which are owned by United Utilities, who are supporting the scheme, and offering training. Potential recruits should enquire at learning@lakedistrict.gov.uk |
Norfolk Army Cadet Force South African Expedition - October 20115th August 2011
Norfolk Army Cadet Force is currently working with the Wilderness Foundation UK (http://www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk/) to send 16 Cadets to South Africa in October 2011.
During their trip, the cadets will travel to the Imfolozi Game Park – a remote and wilderness area, where they will dig for fresh water and trek in extremes of heat carrying all they need on their backs. The cadets will also take part in a unique cultural exchange with young Zulu people less fortunate than themselves and will hopefully on their return raise money to help make village life a little easier. The hope is that the cadets will have:
To enable the cadets to do this, they will have to fundraise in the region of £1,980, which will secure their place on this trip. They will have to work hard to reach this target and they have many good ideas for raising the money but will need help and support to do this. Please visit Norfolk Army Cadet Force http://www.norfolkacf.com/ for more information. RFAR hopes the cadets are able to raise enough to reach their target and take part in this worthwhile opportunity! Good luck!
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Geocaching with a (not so) secret hiding place14th July 2011
The market town of Wetherby, North Yorkshire had a geocacher feeling a little sheepish when the cache he had hidden was mistaken for a bomb. His antics had closed a busy shopping street for three hours whilst a unit from the Royal Logistic Corps at Catterick Garrison were called to carry out a controlled explosion. |
RFAR member takes on Cambodian Community Project20th May 2011
RFAR always likes a good challenge, so when the opportunity to help Kate arose, we couldn’t resist! Kate’s written a great article for us, all about her forthcoming community project and we look forward to hearing about her project as it progresses. Good luck Kate!
So, there I was flicking my way through a copy of Glamour magazine, lazily glancing at the glossy photos of beautiful models and skimming over the reviews of the best hair serums, when I came across something which really caught my eye. An advert from Scope about their upcoming Cambodia Community Project. Now, for people who know me, it came as a bit of a shock when I decided to take the challenge of trekking through the jungle and up mountains, and camp and work in the Cambodian villages – where would I plug in my hair straighteners? Where would the mirrors be when I needed to put my lippy on?!
Kate Green. |
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Mountain Equipment have made a short film, in conjunction with Venture Film.
The Wilderness Foundation was established in 1976 by Dr Ian Player DMS, (international conservationist renowned for saving the White Rhinos) and Sir Laurens van der Post (writer, explorer and philosopher), whose vision is to preserve the world’s last remaining wild places and highlight their impact on the health of the individual, society and planet. This is the reason why they provide opportunities for schools, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Groups and other Youth Organisations to participate in wilderness trails and community experience programmes in South Africa.
On a serious note, this is a huge personal challenge for me – getting in tip top fitness and starting to fundraise – but something about the project really caught my eye. Scope is an amazing charity, doing amazing work in our local areas, throughout the UK and internationally. So, part of my challenge is to raise money as part of my minimum sponsorship, but mainly I want to raise awareness about Scope and how they strive for equality for disabled people and help to support families who are caring for a loved one with cerebral palsy. 
Bridgedale: Quick Sock Washing Tip
Before washing your Bridgedale socks, ensure you turn them inside out - all the sweat, skin and oils you have lost in your socks during the day is collected on the bottom of the sock, so now the inside of the sock will get clean in the process.
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Bothies - what are they and how are they used?
"To maintain simple shelters in remote country for the use and benefit of all who love wild and lonely places”
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The National Grid and Six-Figure Grid References
You may have been walking for a good few hours and now need a rest stop. You check your map and it shows there is a drink-stop in the area. However, it can take a while to walk an entire square kilometre, especially when you're in need of a break! Therefore you need a six figure reference number.
Click here: The National Grid and Six-Figure Grid References |
How to contact Mountain Rescue
You're out in the hills and something goes terribly wrong – suddenly you're out of your depth and you need assistance, so you call mountain rescue. But how do you go about it and what do you need to know?
Click here: How to contact Mountain Rescue |
How to use binoculars
You’re out and spot something of interest but are not sure what it is, vowing to purchase a pair of binoculars ready for the next hiking venture. There are so many different styles on the market, so many printed with various numbers on them – 8x42, 7x50 or 10x25 and then there is the type of prism to consider. This article is here to give you some advice and to help you on your way to purchasing your first pair of binoculars and using them correctly!
Click here: How to use binoculars
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Download a Route Safety Card
You might know where you are going on the hills - but does any body else? Simply print out the document below and fill it in, and leave it with a responsible person before you go. It could be the owners of a guesthouse or hostel, a family member or friend.
Click here: Download a Route Safety Card
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Geocaching Explained
Geo: World Cache: A safekeeping or storage place Geocaching is a treasure hunt using GPS co-ordinates to find a cache. There are over 1 million caches hidden around the world! It is a great way to explore your area as well as starting up a new hobby too!
Click here: Geocaching Explained |
These boots were made for Walking
Walking is about being on your feet all day. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look after them! A decent pair of boots is the most important piece of kit you can own. Our downloadable worksheet discusses factors you should considering when purchasing the right pair of boots for the type of walking you wish to undertake.
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Walking Poles
Walking poles - do you own a pair? Research has found that walking poles help maintain muscle function and reduce soreness and damage in the days following a long hike.
Check out our news section for more information and our activities section on Nordic Walking - what it is and how it benefits you.
Meanwhile, our downloadable worksheet shows you how to use walking poles
Click here: How to use walking poles
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How to put up a tent...
It may seem obvious, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Hopefully our guide will help explain the nuances of putting up that all important roof over your head in the outdoors.
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Day hike kit list
We have heard from a few leaders that it would be helpful if they could have a kit list for day hikes so here goes..
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Outdoor nutrition It's difficult to know what to eat while on expedition so hopefully this guide will be helpful!
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Compasses... explained
The compass can be a confusing piece of kit, so hopefully this guide will help explain the parts of the compass you were unsure of.
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Taking a picture in winter If you or your group are interested in taking a picture this winter, RFAR has put together a little guide to make the most out of those crisp winter scenes. And don't worry you don't need an expensive camera either!
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A few hints and tips on how best to pack your bag before going on Expedition. A well packed bag can make the world of difference and will make the expedition go just that little bit smoother!
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We've compiled a worksheet to aid in predicting the weather whilst out walking or camping. By knowing there is bad weather coming you can pitch your tent early or carry on for slightly longer than planned, safe in the knowledge there is guaranteed good weather.
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Take up a new sport! Doing your DofE means you have to complete a physical activity for a prolonged period so why not take up a new sport? We've suggested some sports that you may not have thought about yet but are still great fun and very rewarding. |
Understanding OS map symbols Good navigation is obviously key to completing your DofE award so it is vital for participants to be able to recognise certain symbols. This guide and worksheet should help them on their way.
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Blisters can easily ruin an otherwise enjoyable expedition so we have put together a guide to help make sure they don't affect your exped. Advanced warning: do not read if you have just eaten/ are eating!
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Tying knots Having a good knot up your sleeve always comes in useful during an expedition so our guide helps to explain how to do 3 of the most useful knots out there. So read on to make sure you're never caught short in a rope tying situation.... |
There's nothing worse than getting partway through your expedition to find your rucksack digs in to your shoulders. Oops! Never fear, this guide will help you choose the correct rucksack for your journey.
Click here: Purchasing the Right Rucksack
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How to care for your tent Fabsil is a product on its own in the aftercare market, having been around since our granddad’s went on camping trips as young boys. It is recognised as THE camping accessory, prolonging the life and performance of your tent.
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Weatherproof your gear Now that the weather seems to be improving as we arrive into Spring, we start to think about weatherproofing our gear, ready for walks and expeditions throughout the spring, summer and autumn months. With a number of Grangers products on the market, this worksheet is here to help make sense of it all!
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Using morse code The universal signal for "help needed" is SOS and is used by mountaineers, boaters, hikers, drivers - basically anyone who needs help but is too far away to call out for it. Our worksheet will hopefully help you to understand morse code. We have also supplied a downloadable version of the morse code alphabet. And to make things more interesting, we have also uploaded a competition for DofE groups or individuals, where a code needs to be cracked! Winning entrants will receive a survival kit! Congratulations to Barry Peak of Queens Road Baptist Church DofE Group for cracking the code and winning a survival kit!
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Lightweight Gear
Why is lightweight backpacking and outdoor gear so important? Lightweight backpacking gear is amongst the most technologically advanced outdoor gear available. The importance of this to the lightweight backpacker, is to can move over-ground faster, with more stability and / or efficiency with less weight but the same benefits as if regular-weight outdoor gear was carried.
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Predicting the Weather
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