Introduction to Map Reading and Orienteering course 2025

6th March 2025

Session one of our 3 part "Introduction to map reading and orienteering - POR level 1" was well received by our keen members. They learned about the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps used by TREC , discovering important symbols , using grid references and calculating distances on the ground from the map. We had a great time making new friends and finding connections. Magnifying glasses and head torches were everyone's best friend.

Quote of the day "Thank you for making map reading more understandable, I am now off the start line." Janette

22nd March 2025

Our intrepid explorers were tasked with completing a mini POR on foot. After measuring their pace count and given basic compass instruction, they were tasked with copying the master map. Before setting off they were shown how to orient their map at each turn and recommended to keep their thumb on their current position on the map - do as I say not as I do :) Off they went in groups of two and three, some clockwise and some anti-clockwise, accompanied by resident map experts Kathy and Chris. Groups made excellent progress and all made it at least 2/3 of the way round without any problems, the ending came a bit unstuck for two of the three groups, but it's not a challenge unless there are some problems to solve. When all were accounted for, we had a fab lunch and de-brief in Parc Y Bocs, Kidwelly. Quotes of the day "Great morning, I learned a lot and loved the company." Penny,

" Thank you for going through the map in detail before we set off, we nearly got it right, I've learned so much from today, really appreciated" Jannette

West Facing

March 26th 2025

Session three was the final session of the course where we were extending the learning and tying up loose ends. We practised six figure grid references, after learning about 4 figure references in session one. Then we looked at contour lines and watched the Steve Backshall video from the OS website. We then discussed horses' paces, speeds for POR and some advice from Kate Gillam which I have found very useful over the years - "1mm on the map is 10 trot strides if your horse does 40 in 100m." Last but not least we chatted about fixing all your equipment, not strangling yourself with your map case and where to keep your compass. Everyone agreed that it would be great to do some practice sessions in the future. So we went our separate ways to adventure into the countryside with our ponies and hopefully with the skills to make it home. A big thanks to all the intrepid TREC ladies who joined the course, to my trusty helpers Kathy and Chris and for offers of help from other RED Kite TREC Group committee.

Quotes of the week" Went out solo yesterday for the first time with our printed OS Map/set route to follow and pony..." -Ally. "Thanks Cathy! This set of sessions has been planned and delivered very professionally. I have learned a lot, more than I expected to!" Rachael.