Pub signs have provided a way of navigating through the streets for many a century. Instructions such as “Turn left at the Eagle and Child” or “Bear right at the Dog and Duck” have been commonplace.

Yesterday I wrote on our Lake District in Books site a short piece about Ordnance Survey maps. The response has been encouraging with several people stressing the importance of map, compass and the skill to use them. These responses via Twitter and email have led me to write again today, this time on the Around-England blog.

So what has this to do with pub signs? Well it just occurred to me that maybe there should be a warning on footpath signs pointing to the hills with wording such as “Map and Compass – Got them?” Someone could maybe design this incorporating a skull. Far too many people venture onto the hills ill-equipped, risking not only their own lives but also the lives of of the brave volunteers in the mountain rescue teams who would come out if called to rescue them. (See “Another Mountain Rescue Statistic – You? Me?“).

Yes, I know, if it were done there’d be cries of “nanny state” treating us like children. But then, maybe more of us should stop behaving like children and adopt a grown-up attitude of respect toward the mountains and the fells. But no, it’s not a serious suggestion. It is, though, a serious call to whoever reads this.

The map is the first thing, but without a compass it can be difficult to use especially in poor visibility, and once the light starts to go a good handheld or head torch becomes essential too. These should be part of the kit for every walker, but so often are missed. Further up this page I included a graphic of Peter Hawkins’ guidebook, Navigation: Techniques and Skills for Walkers (Cicerone Mini-guide): Using Your Map and Compass. If you’re uncertain as to your navigation skill level please get this book and digest it before your next expedition.

As a little extra help I’m putting here two videos from the Ordnance Survey featuring Simon King, the first on “Know Your Compass”, and the second, “How to Use a Compass”.

OSMapping have an extended series of videos on YouTube to help further.

From the Cumberland News I learn that the Forestry Commission’s new mountain biking coaching trail in Whinlatter Forest is due to open in a week’s time.

I’m afraid that my cycling these days is restricted to leisurely pedalling along the roads of England’s eastern flatlands but for those younger and fitter than myself, and committed to working hard at this sport, the new coaching facility near Keswick should be a tremendous asset.  For some it may also be a great introduction to the joys of the Lake District.

Apparently the trail will consist of serious training features way beyond basic humps and bumps.  The governing body for cycling sport in the UK, British Cycling, is likely to be using it for pre-Olympic training.  So let’s hope that this new Lake District resource will contribute to a good haul of Gold in 2012.