Dillon gives some idea of
the sheer scale of the Azores by
informing the reader that if a
county the size of Derbyshire was
arranged haphazardly throughout
England between Land’s End and
Northumberland, it would cover
about the same area as the Azores.
It’s another way of saying there’s
a fair amount of air or ferry travel
involved in exploring these mid-
Atlantic islands.
He splits his routes into eastern,
central and western groups
based on the main islands, with
alternatives which range between
pleasant coastal or woodland
strolls to more strenuous mountain
climbs to the spectacular rims of
extinct volcanoes or calderas. Using
the Azores’ splendid network of
signposted and waymarked trails,
he explores every corner of these
fascinating islands in this superb
and well-illustrated guide. The only
drawback are the maps, which lack
the detail of our trusty Ordnance
Survey.
Navigation: Techniques and
skills for walkers
that both authors are fi rmly of the
opinion that the satellite-based
Global Positioning System is no
substitute for always carrying, and
having the basic knowledge of how
to use, a map and compass.
As Hawkins says: “Those who
know me will tell you that when
it comes to navigation on the
hill, I am fi rmly old school, and
I would prefer everyone to use a
map and compass rather than rely
on technology.” Marsh concurs:
“Notwithstanding the versatility of
a GPS device, it is important to look
on it as complementary to a map
and compass, not as a substitute.”
The Cicerone title has the added
bonus of being pocket or rucksack-
sized and having a waterproof
cover. But the greatest advantage
is that it contains a very useful
Romer – invaluable for calculating
grid references – tucked into its
back fl ap, which also has pacing and
timing charts.
Pete Hawkins
Cicerone, £9.95 (pb)
Navigation skills for walkers
Terry Marsh
Crimson Publishing/Ordnance Survey,
£12.99
T
wo similarly-titled books
on navigation for walkers,
both of which give a sound
grounding for beginners venturing
out into the great outdoors for the
fi rst time. Both books also give
useful tips for experienced walkers.
They are written by two
very accomplished walkers and
navigators. Hawkins runs the Silva
Navigation School from his home
in the Peak District, while Marsh
is the author of countless walking
guides and several previous books
on navigation skills.
Both books also give handy
tips for the increasing band of
GPS users, but I was pleased to see
spring 2020 | Outdoor focus 11