In August 2004, the team ventured onto a mist bound hillside north of Craigencallie to fine tune their navigation skills. Concentrating on 'micro navigation' skills, the weather couldn't have been better suited to the day's training event.

Team member David McN, recently returned from his Mountain Leaders Course, assisted by Ian C marked out a challenging and testing route for participating team personnel.

The importance of good navigational skills cannot be understated and it is essential that the team train regularly to ensure that members are suitably proficient to navigate in the most difficult of conditions including during the hours of darkness.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are wonderful tools, but no replacement for the essential map and compass. Used properly they are an invaluable aid for mountain rescuers and the day's training event included the use of these electronic gizmos.

Walkers who venture into the hills should always ensure they have a map and compass and be able to use them in all conditions. We suggest you visit our safety page for more advice and useful tips before venturing onto the hills.