Hillwalker News 2001/03B
Hillwalker News 2001/03 - Appendix B
In this issue:
MULTINAVIGATOR
About 6 months ago ISYS advertised the Silva MultiNavigator GPS. The lead times turned out to be quite long, but everyone who ordered has now received theirs. I feel we can now re-advertise this fantastic product as the quoted lead time is now down to 6 to 8 weeks.
Silva Multi Navigator - Made in Scotland
This is a new generation of GPS with very fast acquisition times and very easy to use. Unbelievably the altitude is accurate to within 1m, uses only 2xAA batteries (not included)(four is normal) which last for weeks rather than hours. The figures are easily read on the large screen. The height accuracy is obtained using a built in barometer which is also used to give a weather forecast and a 24-hour pressure history. Operating temperature is -30 to +60°C which might just fit in with the British weather! It has a built-in thermometer. It has the choice of 10 grids including UTM, Ordnance Survey and Latitude/Longitude. It also has a One-button-GPS (TM) gets you back safely. Being Silva it also incorporates a compass.
There are cheaper GPSs around but you will search long and hard for a better one. At £325 including delivery and VAT, it is a tool every hillwalker should have. As this is a brand new product, allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Orders will be met on a strict rotational basis, so e-mail ISYS now to book your Multi-Navigator GPS.
FOOT AND MOUTH
I am not convinced that it is a good idea, but certain Highland hills are re-opening for business (or pleasure). There are certain basic rules like dogs on a lead at all times and keep away from livestock. I don't like to see a dog on a lead on the hill but these are exceptional times and for once I will conform - if I go out at all. I really would not like to be the one to take F&M to the deer population. Personally, I think the only way to tackle F&M is to hit it very hard and very wide and not move until it is contained. My estimate of the duration stays at six months. I, however, do not make the rules but think that it is my task to pass on the official line without (too much) comment.
The best place that I have found for information on the status of hills and routes to hills is the Tiso website. To get there, visit our website http://www.hillwalker.org and look in Links under Shops. The Foot and Mouth access position is the first item on the Tiso page. Check regularly though, the information is very fluid. I have always found the estates themselves to be very helpful and at this time especially, I am sure they will be very glad to help.
I was quite perturbed to hear a Government spokesperson saying that the Lake District was not closed. Until I heard the detail, that is. Yes, Cumbria is open. You can go to the Lake District, visit the shops and the museums, drink in the pubs and look at the fells.
The farmers have my complete sympathy in these troubled times, and I would be quite prepared to wait the few months until the disease was completely contained.
THE APRIL NEWSLETTER
The April Newsletter will be quite long and will have some quite interesting information on one of our products. Look out for it about the middle of the month.
Iain R White
Isys, authors of
Serious Hillwalker Software for not so serious hillwalkers
Web site: http://www.hillwalker.org
e-Mail: support@hillwalker.org.uk
Current Products in the Hillwalker Series:
The Munros £39.99 (upgrade from v1 £20)
The Corbetts £39.99 (2,000 Scottish hills)
Lakeland Fells £39.99 (mail order version only)
Post and Packing £3.50 per order