Maps

The UK is blessed with good maps from the Ordnance Survey.

• The Pathfinder and Outdoor Leisure Series maps are the ideal 1:25 000 scale for walkers.
• At a pinch you can use the Landranger Series at 1:50 000 scale.

Six Figure Grid References

The national grid divides the UK into 100 km by 100 km squares and each square given a two letter code. These are further divided into 100m by 100m squares and given a six figure reference. The first three digits counts the squares to the right (Eastings) and the second three digits count the squares up (Northings). Hence Edale YHA, Rowland Cote, Edale has grid reference SK 139865.

Waymarking

In the UK waymarking can be a little erratic, to say the least. Different symbols and styles of waymarking have evolved to meet the needs of each Long Distance Footpath rather than to fit to a national plan. However the following may help.

• Each LDFP has its own sign or symbol. For example, the Pennine Way uses the letters PW, while the Ribble Way is indicated by two wavy lives curved into the letter ‘R’. You may sometimes see an acorn symbol which is the generic sign for a LDFP.
• Legislation requires a clear ‘public footpath’ sign where a path joins or leaves a road. So if you lose a path it is often a good idea to make for the nearest road and search for the place where the path next crosses.
• Away from the roads waymarking depends on the discretion of the local council and the co-operation of the landowner. More and more ‘public rights of way’ are marked with a yellow circle.
• Stiles and ‘kissing gates’ are usually the best indicator you are on the path. If there is an arrow or sign post it is usually carefully aligned to indicate direction to walk to hit the next stile. A good pair of binoculars are useful to spot the next stile. Some kind farmers will place a high post with bright paint on it to guide you over a raised field where you cannot see the far fence.

On the mainland of Europe things are better organised. The French mark their GR (Grande Randonee) with a system of red and white stripes on rocks or tree trunks every 50 metres or so. Now there is a thought!

Trig Points

A trig or triangulation point is usually a small concrete pillar about 1.2m high, with a three spoked bronze plate cast into its top surface. They were originally provided to support optical equipment, as part of the military (ordinance) survey of the UK.

Shown on all OS maps as a small open triangle they make invaluable landmarks for hikers and climbers. Built in high places with good line of site to other landmarks they give a precise location in places which often lack distinctive features.

There was a public clamour when the government decided to abandon trig points, following the arrival of mapping satellites and laser measuring equipment. Since then many trig points have been adopted and maintained by local outdoor and hiking groups.