Waterproof BMC Map Covers Snowdonia

New from the BMC is a map covering the whole of Snowdonia, the second in their range of waterproof mountain maps produced in conjunction with Harvey Maps.

The map is the first 1:40,000 map to cover the entire Snowdonia region and also includes detailed 1:15,000 scale enlargements of Snowdon and Tryfan to aid micronavigation on those mountains.

The graphics have been designed by Harvey specifically for walkers and climbers with clear contour shading and colour changes marking out the difference between hills and valleys and making it very easy to use even if you're accustomed to OS maps.

The killer blow though is that the BMC map - like the first Lake District one - is printed on polyethelyne making it genuinely waterproof and highly tear resistant - it tends to stretch rather than rip. It's also approximately half the weight of a comparable laminated paper map and significantly easier to handle and fold thanks to its relative thinness.

And the end of the day, once you're done navigating, you can browse through the extensive information panels on both front and back of the map which include a Mountain Accident - What To Do panel, tips on map and compass use and extensive information on Snowdonia's rocks and landscape put together in conjuntion with the British Geological Survey.

Looks like an ideal replacement for that dog-eared Snowdonia Landranger most of us have lurking in the map box and while it's not cheap at £12.95 - £9.95 to BMC members - it should last for ages and save weight over a similar paper map by removing the need for a map case too.

Available from outdoor shops or direct from the BMC at www.thebmc.co.uk. More about Harvey Maps at www.harveymaps.co.uk.