BROXBOURNE SCHOOL

YEAR 12 EXPEDITION TRAINING

WALKING IN THE HILLS

1. When ascending a steep slope zig-zagging is better than straight up.

2. Take care descending convex slopes you can’t see what’s ahead!

3. Contour around hills, rather going up and down all the time.

4. Early start and early to bed.

5. Wild country requires physical fitness.

6. Maintain your pace, shorten steps when going up hill. Do not keep stopping and starting

7. Wet grass and rocks are slippery. care in wet conditions.

NAISMITH’S RULE

This should guide you when working out timings when walking.

On expedition with a full rucsac allow 4Km per hour and 10 minutes for every 100m climbed. ( one minute for each contour).

The rule does not take into consideration the wind, terrain, or rests. So 4km maybe optimistic!!!

DRINKING WATER

On expedition in mountainous country

You will have to use stream or lake

water.

1. Never use streams below the highest

habitation(300m),2. Only use fast flowing

streams going over rock.3. Check upstream for dead

animals in the water.

There is a risk of using such water but

you can reduce the risks by:

1, Boil for 15 minutes.2. Use a commercial filter3. Use purifying tablets –

follow the instructions!4. Add few drops of iodine.

EXPEDITIONS IN WILD COUNTRY

Distress Signals.

Accepted signal is six blasts on a whistle, six flashes with a torch, shouts or waves of

something bright. Wait one minute and repeat.Acknowledgement is 3 blasts or flashes etc.

MOUNTAIN RESCUE

Rescue teams are voluntary and unpaid. RAF helicopters

also help in rescues.Follow the following safety precautions if you have a team member who needs

emergency aid.

1. Use the phone numbers in the order you are given on the red

emergency card.2. Be prepared to give your location and a six-figure grid reference and

the condition of the casualty.3. When help arrives the rescue team

will decide whether a helicopter is required.

FLARES – not used much but RED means emergency help required!

THE WIND CHILL FACTOR

Loss of heat from your body can be increased even with a slight breeze.The higher you go the lower the temperature!

EXAMPLE:If the temperature is 8 degrees and the wind speed is 15mph, the true air

temperature is 2 degrees.

As you gain height the air temperature drops. A warm day in the valley will mean winter like conditions on the tops, this does not include the

wind chill factor.

LIGHTNING

Violent thunderstorms canBe frightening in the hills.

•Keep of summits and ridges.•Shelter behind rocks, in caves,

or hollows.•Sit out in the open on spare

clothes or rucsac.•Tuck knees under chin and

clasp your legs.•Put metal objects away from

you.

BE PREPARED FOR A SUDDEN CHANGE IN WEATHER!

9.00 AM

10.00 AM

11.00 AM

THE MOUNTAIN CODE

BE PREPARED.Have knowledge of basic first aid – how to navigate properly – have a

good level of physical fitness – follow the country code.RESPECT THE LAND

Keep to public rights of way, permitted footpaths, and agreed access land.Camp on only permitted sites or areas.

CONSERVE WILDLIFEDo not disturb domestic or wild animals and leave plants and flowers for

others to enjoy.CONSIDER OTHER PEOPLE

If you dislodge a stone shout ‘BELOW’. Do not remove deserted equipmentIt may be collected later by the owner!!!

BE WEATHERWISEConditions change rapidly. Be prepared to turn back if conditions

deteriorate. Avoid stepping stones across rivers after heavy rainfall!

Are we lost Mr. Harvey?

MODIFYING YOUR ROUTE PLAN

1. Low cloud and mist but dry weather calls for extra care, but

should not alter your plans.

2. If any of the following two are present you should use your bad

weather route.• Steady rain• Strong wind• Dense cloud

3. Heavy driving rain and gale force winds demand that you stay put, and find shelter, unless you can escape

easily and quickly.

On a qualifying expedition the assessor may tell you to modify your route.