BMC Hill Walking Skills evening: Night Navigation in the Lowlands

On Friday 9th January, you are invited to join a peer-led training activity, hosted by BMC Midlands Hill Walking Rep, Christopher Sweetman. Chris has extended knowledge of navigation and is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation.

There will be opportunities to discuss how to navigate in the dark and apply the techniques required: measuring distance, timing, pacing, using a compass etc… Although this activity takes place in a lowland area navigation techniques deployed on this event can be applied to both hills and mountain environments. The leader will provide copies of the Ordnance Survey map and baseplate compasses. However, you can bring your own map - OS Explorer 246 1:25,000 Loughborough and compass.

We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable night in the outdoors!

Walk Details

Walk Grading: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Approx. 10.5 km (6.5 miles)

Ascent: 110 m (360 ft)

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others

Meeting Details

Time: Friday 9th January, 18:00 pm for a 18:15 pm start

Location: East Leake Car Park, Gotham Road, East Leake, LE12 6PG

OS Grid Ref: SK 554 263

Google map pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gKmmb3zSwqnoPvcXA

Parking: Free

Please check out the BMC Liftshare service

Facilities: Toilets are available across the road from the car park

Important information: The A6006 will be closed from Monday 6th October 2025 until Monday 20th July 2026 due to the replacement of a railway bridge near Sutton Bonington. This means during this period you will not be able to access East Leake from the A6006 at Hathern (A6) but will be able to do so from the A60 at Rempstone.

Public Transport: NCT number 1 bus leaves Nottingham Beastmarket Hill at 9am and arrives at East Leake shops at 9.38am. Please alight at this stop as it is just across the road from the car park

What to Bring

We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or shoes with good grip

Clothing: Dress in layers, including a warm layer and waterproofs, as conditions can vary; bring a hat and gloves

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a 3 hour walk

Other Essentials: As this is a night navigation event, essential equipment needed is a head torch along with a spare battery

Who Can Attend

Anyone, under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. As this is a training event, dogs are not permitted

Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them

Covid-19: Please do not attend if you feel unwell or have Covid-19 symptoms

BMC Participation Statement

The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement

Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk

By participating in this walk you agree to act in a kind and inclusive manner. Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tolerated

Questions

Feel free to contact BMC Hill Walking Rep, Chris: chrisonholiday@outlook.com