All those on expedition this summer should keep an eye out for red kites circling above them. This species is a making a very strong comeback in mid-Wales and are slowly spreading out; last week after a bronze assessment, a pair were spotted just outside Newport.

Even if you’re not particularly interested in birds (I’m not especially…) they’re quite spectacular to watch, especially if they’re hunting. They have a distinctive red coloured underside with flashes of white on the wings and a wide, spread out V tail. To find out more, visit Gigrin.

If you’re interested, there are some great photos of kites taken during a silver qualifier trip in March in our gallery here.

Many of you will have come across blocked rights of ways. Sometimes nature has reclaimed the path with undergrowth and other times the site has been blocked by human activity, intentional or not. Sometimes land owners believe there is no right of way across their land. In all these situations it’s best to turn around and find an alternative route rather than risk a hawthorne bush or angry farmer (remember that your map is quite often wrong!). Instead it’s best to pass on the details to the appropriate authority who will investigate the problem.

I’m sitting here at my desk and this weather has reminded me that despite all the tales of rain, wind and snow, many expeditions are fortunate enough to have great weather but an unfortunate few have to deal with the heat. Unlike the cold which can be escaped in a snug tent, heat is pretty much inescapable. Remember to drink plenty of fluids, as much as is comfortable. Take every opportunity to top up your water bottles. Start walking as early as possible in the morning and aim to finish your day’s walking in the early afternoon. Wear comfortable clothes, a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes and most importantly… slap on the sun cream!

15-18 September 2005 at Ty’n y Berth Mountain Centre in Corris. This course is aimed at those who have completed BELA or Award leaders who already have some experience. There is no camping involved and the course consists of day walks in moorland type country. In order to attend this course, you need to register with Mountain Leader Training Wales [if you haven't, let me know and I will explain how] and you need to let me know you wish to attend and I will contact Terry Dawson at Ty’n y Berth who will then contact you to give you further details. Contact Dave Sommerville…

17-18 September 2005, hopefully in Haverfordwest. Adam Gent will be delivering this 2 day first aid course which is ideal for leaders who work with groups in remote areas. It is a perfect first aid course for those people wanting to do WGLA or ML assessment courses. It would also be advisable for anyone who leads Gold groups to do this course if they need a first aid refresher as there is far more details than on the Basic one that I do. Please note that it is PCC policy that ALL Award volunteers should be first aid qualified. Contact Dave Sommerville…