| The Mountain
Navigation Challenge is a two-day mountain marathon type score event
for teams of two people traditionally held in, or near, the Lake District.
However the 19th MNC saw it’s first venture North of the Border
to the Moffat Hills last year, and this year it is remaining in the
south of Scotland but moving to the Langholm Hills. The time limits
are seven hours on day one and five hours on day two, during which
teams visit as many controls as they can. Teams must carry all the
equipment and food they require for two days and one night on the
fells. The maximum number of teams is only 20 and the event has a
history of being fun and friendly and yet retaining the element of
competition.
The 20th MNC
will start from Ewes Public Hall, 5 miles north of the town of Langholm
on the A7. There will be a staggered start from 11 am on 23rd August,
registration and control details from 9.30 am. We aim to be finished
by 2pm on the Sunday to allow for driving home.
Teams should be competent with a map and compass,
have experience of navigation on the fells in poor visibility, be
physically fit and take full responsibility for their own safety.
All competitors must be aged over 18 years on 23rd August 2008.
The organisers accept no responsibility for any injury or loss,
howsoever arising.
Rules
1. All teams must hand in their control card to one of the organisers,
even if they are retiring. Failure to do so will cause significant
problems for the organisers and may result in a mountain rescue
call out.
2. All teams must follow the country code, and familiarise themselves
with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (found at: http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com)
3. Each pair must remain together at all times, except in case of
emergency.
4. Each individual must wear appropriate footwear (fell running
shoes or hiking boots) and clothing and must carry or wear waterproof
jacket and trousers, thermal base layer, sleeping bag, compass,
whistle and torch.
5. Each team must carry a 1:25000 map (see below), tent with sewn-in
groundsheet (bivi bags are not sufficient), stove and cooking equipment,
food (including emergency food), plasters and bandage.
Entries
Entry cost is £20 per team plus any accomodation required.
This amount covers small prizes for the winners and refreshments
at the finish. Entries are allocated on a first come, first served
basis. Entry forms are available from the Entries tab on the menu.
Any questions, e-mail: mtnavchallenge at yahoo.co.uk
Accommodation
Sleeping space is available in Ewes Public Hall, which is also the
start point on Saturday morning. The hall has a kitchen and toilets,
but the sleeping area is communal and you will need a kip mat and
sleeping bag. The cost is £3 per person. If you would like
to reserve a place, please include this with your entry fee. Camping
is available right next to the hall at the Bush of Ewes Campsite
at a cost of £5 per tent. Phone the proprietor, Jane Fisher,
on 013873 80902 to reserve a pitch.
Map
The 2008 event will use the area covered by OS Explorer 1:25000
Maps 323 /324. As an alternative to buying and carrying two maps
at a cost of £7.75 each, we can supply a single map centred
on the start point for £14.50. These must be pre-ordered and
can be collected upon registration.
Langholm Hills
The Langholm hills in southern Scotland are steep sided with rounded
summits, with a mix of heather moorland and rough grassland. Although
the higher hills tend to be between 500 and 600m in height, the
terrain should not be underestimated, especially as there are few
paths in an area little-frequented by walkers. There is some great
wildlife to look out for as you’re hurtling through the hills,
including hen harriers, merlins, black grouse and mountain hares.
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