Navigation Techniques for Off-Road Runners

The Fellrunner Magazine October 2008

says:

A book entitled ‘Navigation for Off-Road Runners’ recently came into my possession and after reading it I thought it would be worth reviewing for the benefit of others. The authors are probably known to many in the fell running world, especially those that have raced in the North East: Keven Shevels and Stuart Ferguson certainly have the right credentials for writing on this topic as they organise navigation training events and it is from these events that the Trailguides™ series of publications, of which this is the latest, was born.

I believe this is the lengthiest tome in that series consisting of 168 pages and 15 chapters. Topics in this book include map reading whilst running, contouring, and night navigation, amongst numerous other navigational skills. Each section is usefully annotated as either basic, intermediate or advanced level.

The book also includes a few introductory chapters of general interest about off-road running. Some of the material may seem like stating the obvious but you must remember that it is aimed at those with a wide range of abilities from novice to expert. I am sure that even the most experienced navigators will learn something from this book. For example, useful tips include using your thumb to track your progress on the map as you run, and navigating to points on a slope from above not from below.

Do I have any criticisms? Well, the feel of the book is a bit ‘home-made’ as evidenced by the reproduction of photos and some of the diagrams. To me this adds a certain charm but I suspect it won’t be to everyone’s taste. As regards the content, I can’t find fault but I am still learning the skill of navigation myself. Is it good value? Well, what does £13 buy you these days: A cheap compass? Two cinema tickets? A round of beers? I think it is excellent value and an ideal present for any fell runner or pursuer of outdoor activities.

Declaration of interest: I count both of the authors amongst my fell running friends but I have no financial interest in this or any related publication.

Newsletter of the Welsh Fellrunners Association April 2008

says:

Both of the authors have been involved in outdoor activities for many years, learning their navigational skills at an early age. They have both competed in events ranging from long distance fell and mountain running, to orienteering, to mountain marathons, many of these events requiring a high degree of navigational skills.

This training guide is one of a series produced in collaboration with the Run Off-Road Organisation. The series is designed to promote the sport of off-road running and to encourage participants to improve and develop their abilities and skills.

For those runners wishing to add an extra dimension to their running, by just exploring more of the open countryside, or perhaps graduating to competing in mountain marathons, being able to confidently find your way around by reading a map is a fundamental requirement, particularly in bad weather. In this book Stuart and Keven cover in considerable depth, the numerous elements of navigation, from describing the individual parts of a standard compass and their purpose progressing through to the more advance skills and techniques of fine navigation.

The descriptive text is supported by easy to understand diagrams together with photographs, making it ideal for both the beginner and more advanced user. I would suggest that for those members who have recently attended one of our Navigation Courses, this book would be particularly useful as a backup to the skills they have already attained