Pippa set a great wee navigation score course for a bit of orienteering training. It took in Caerketton and the North side of Allermuir plus a bit of Woodhouselee. Large Map
Lying in the sun at the start was very pleasant and with blue skies and views to Ben Ledi, it wasn’t going to be too tricky. After being turned down buddying up with either Ina or Morag I let them head off before choosing an CW direction to avoid an uphill finish. It was t shirt weather so after 2 checkpoints I opted for the direct line from the Erraid Wood kissing gate to the top of Caerketton via the steep East Face. This got a sweat on.
At the top I came across Gio MacDonald wandering in the heather so we buddied up and headed to Woodhouselee discussing how the accurate setting of a map, understanding contours coupled with a blade of grass as a pointer, was just a effective as a compass.
Nice bog, trods, climbs and descents took us to the finish meeting others on the way. My line was just over 8km, others a bit further. The ski centre cafe provided coffee and cake in the sun to finish.
Mark Hartree