By: Blonde Two
Mr B2 and I seem to have a bit of a mapping issue. I am fairly sure that it is a unique one, I am also sure that Ordnance Survey would say that it is entirely our fault.
Whenever we visit another area (Dartmoor is easy because there is only one map), we always seem to pick a spot that is directly on the intersection of three maps.
Take Mid-Wales for instance, we both love visiting but end up having to print bits of maps (easy when you have OS Online Mapping) to cover the required area. For example, here is the location of the Claerddu bothy and below it a photo of the maps that you would need in order to navigate into it from any distance.
Copyright Ordnance Survey 2016
We have the same problem with tomorrow’s trip to the Cairngorms. Luckily I recently found Ordnance Survey’s Map Sheet Finder, which helps with this process (but only if you have a reasonable idea of where you are going to be). It displays a zoomable map of the UK with the OS maps overlaid onto it. You can choose between 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 and click on a point of interest to find out which map best suits your purposes.
For example, if you were a Blonde staying somewhere near to Tomintoul, you might use the Map Sheet Finder to find out that you need (obviously) the map sheet just to the east of the two you bought last year. This would be annoying if you didn’t like buying maps so much!
I gave in a long time ago – don’t carry any paper maps now. I have the whole country on an “iPhone 6S Plus” (bigger screen) and on an iPad mini, at both 1:50 and 1:25. OK, I do like maps, and you do get a better overall view of the surroundings, but I can also enlarge what I am seeing (much of the detail on the 1:25 is in very small print and difficult to see) also these maps include GPS positioning so I always know where I am, but you would think that is cheating? I was brought up in the dark ages and learnt how to find my way round before all this tech so I do have that experience to fall back on if needed, and so would you.
I have to admit to enjoying OS online mapping. I use it all the time at home. Paper maps or a laminated print out on the hills though, with maybe the odd check if I want to see how accurate my micro navigation has been
Peter Fleming, brother of Ian Fleming (James Bond, etc), was a hero, a terrific writer in his own right (News From Tartary, Brazilian Adventure) and was generally conceded “to have had a good war” during WW2. A phrase usually taken to mean “put himself at risk”.
I read much of what he wrote (including his Strix column in The Spectator) and I remember him saying that in war, when any small-scale covert action is contemplated, it is axiomatic that it will take place at the junction of two, sometimes three, OS maps. So you are not alone with your thesis.
The two books I cite are still worth reading. Superb examples of the way understatement enhances rather than diminishes descriptions of truly perilous activity.
When we took DofE Silver/Golds to that area a few years ago we ordered ‘self-centred’ maps. They were not at all selfish, but very helpful, as we chose our own centre point, and they were printed and laminated at a reasonable price – cheaper than buying all three!
Excellent idea but I came a bit unstuck in Feb because I couldn’t use the wider landscape.
My Christmas present one year was a personalised map for the central Lake District, because it was spread all over the corners of the usual four. The writing starts rubbing off at the folds much more easier, though.
Interesting. I have a Dartmoor one that my son bought me one Christmas. Centre point, Nun’s Cross Farm 🙂
Love my GPS ‘cos I’m superb at getting lost, but always carry a map and compass and – of course – the next sheet and the one beyond/before/above/below that – I live and walk on the edge!