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.
James A.
