Robin Hood and his Merry Men might have known Sherwood Forest like the back of their hands – but what help is out there for today’s intrepid walkers?

Nottinghamshire County Council rangers are hosting a course resurrecting the traditional art of map reading providing basic skills to keep travellers on the right path.

The course, aimed at those aged over 16, will take place at the country park on Saturday, May 16, from 10.30am to 1pm. Course participants will learn basic map reading skills and generate grid references. Skills will include knowing the difference between a footpath and a bridleway and being able to spot a picnic site on the map.

To ensure that the information has been taken on board – the group will then join one of the county council rangers on a walk and have to negotiate their way back through the country park with just a map and compass!

Nottinghamshire County Council ranger Claire Watson said: “I learnt how to read maps when I went to Girl Guides and I am a keen walker so I am fascinated by maps. It is a great skill to have but not everyone knows how to map read so we hope this event will prove popular.

“As a ranger I know the terrain and will be with the group to ensure they don’t run into trouble, but it is still going to be a good test to see if their skills have been taken successfully on board to get back to the main base!”

The county council manages the 450 acres of Sherwood Forest Country Park which is set within the wider Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. Course participants will discover areas of the country park including the Robin Hood Way which stretches from Nottingham Castle to Edwinstowe Church and passes through the forest.

Claire says the country park is well signposted, but it is important for walkers, hikers and ramblers to have map reading skills in case something does go wrong.

Particular memories of coming to the aid of walkers have included one tourist in the centre of Sherwood Forest asking where the nearest Co-op store was, and more seriously, walkers who get caught out in foggy weather.

The course costs £4. Phone 01623 823202 to book a place.