NEWS ARTICLES
 | New Logo Opposite is the new logo for Argyll Outdoor Navigation, this will be the official logo from now on. |
A Midge Free Summer!!
According to Edinburgh University Center for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, billions of midges have been frozen to death by the cold weather earlier this year, so this summer may be comparatively midge free! Last year with a cool spring saw a reduction in the midge population.
Midges are quite susceptible to the weather and their survival will go down in the wrong conditions, but they will never go away forever due to Scotlands landscape so they are here to stay.
 | Royal Navy Search and Rescue HMS Gannet, the Royal Navy's search and rescue (SAR) unit in Prestwick completed a total of 447 call outs in 2009.There are eight military SAR based units around the UK, as well as four Coastguard bases. The unit provides a 24/7 SAR capability all year round, saving lives on the mountains, at sea, on the roads and medical evacuation from remote areas and the islands. |
How to get of the summit of Ben Nevis
You can see from the map above that all the cairns have been moved, this will make things easier for the not so experienced navigators to find their way from the summit in bad weather conditions (hopefully).
Mapyx
Mapyx has developed a modular system to satisfy all the needs of search teams by providing a new platform of specialised software and hardware to assist in the planning and operation of search and rescue services.
The system, known as SARMAN search and rescue management solutions, is a modular system providing the capability to better plan, coordinate and manage the work of Mountain Rescue in England and Wales and other search and rescue organisations.
Multimap
Multimap have introduced and have taken a costly move by offering free Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 mapping on its site. The draggable, zoomable maps also now feature a dedicated OS button which takes you directly to what you want.
Has you know 1:25,000 scale maps are the key to essential navigational detail.
Silva Compass
Have launched a new Explorer Compass which incorporates a 1:40,000 Romer for use with Harvey Maps
Fences
When putting up fences, farmers take time and effort to make sure that the wire is very tight. If you climb over a fence in the middle between the two posts, you will stretch it causing it to sag in the middle, therefore it will be loose enable sheep to get under it. If you must climb over a fence, do it by using the post
Ordnance Survey Maps to become free online
Gordon Brown has announced that by April 2010, he his planning to make Ordnance Survey mapping freely available online as part of the Smarter Government initiative, which aims to open up data in order to improve efficiency and transparency.
The maps would be available to everyone - including commercial users - and it is expected that they'll be provided down to 1:10,000 scale, which offers even more detail than the 1:25,000 Explorer and the 1:50,000 Landranger maps currently available.
Disappointment over mapping (article above)
The long awaited announcement of the Goverments plans to give away free online Ordnance Survey mapping has been mat with disappointment. On April 1st, the Department of Communities launched it's OS Open data scheme, which allows users to download a range of mapping and geographic in formation direct to their computers and use the mapping as a base to add their own walking routes and other information. While the data included in the scheme includes the 1:10,000 scale street view digital atlas, it does not include digital versions of 1:25,000 explorer and 1:50,000 landranger maps which are currently the only maps showing the majority of information for walkers.
There are several reasons why Explorer and Landranger mapping would not not be released for free, including ensuring the sustainability of ordnance survey paper maps and "other market participants" providing mapping, as well as to ensure a sustainable business model for Ordnance Survey.
So there you have it !
Lochranza Youth Hostel, Isle of Arran
Lochranza youth hostel has re-opened following a half million pound overhaul. The Arran hostel has been fully refurbished and redecorated inside and out. Particular attention has been given to its carbon footprint, with the installation of rain water harvesting, heat pumps and energy efficient lighting. http://www.hostellingscotland.com
To view any of the video clips just enter title in the search box
Chris Moyles Snowdon. Climbing in Skye. Climbing Ben Lomond, Climbing The Cobbler,
Climb of Ben Nevis
