Harvey British Mountain Map Schiehallion, Ben Lawers & Glen Lyon Review

This morning in the post I found the latest map in Harvey's excellent 1:40,000 British Mountain Map series. Designed specifically for climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers these maps are printed on waterproof polyethylene so no map case is required. This material is really tough and long lasting and easily withstands the worst Scottish weather. This new map covers the area bounded by Bridge of Orchy in the west, Loch Rannoch in the north and Loch Tay in the south and east. There are 26 Munros on the main map, though three are close to the bottom edge so routes from the south are not shown. On the reverse side is a smaller map covering Ben Chonzie. Fifteen Corbetts are also highlighted. There are topos of five crags showing rock climbing routes with grades too. The map is easy to read and names gullies and crags not marked on other maps.

On the back of the main map there is a geological map and information on geology and the landscape plus information on Maskelyne's 1774 Schiehallion experiment to measure the density of the earth and the invention of contour lines, important ever since for mountaineers and hikers; map and compass use; access advice; and first aid basics and emergency procedures. There's also details of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and the British Mountaineering Council, with whom Harveys has produced the map, along with the British Geological Survey. The map can be bought from the MCofS or the BMC with any profits used to fund their work programmes.

This is a lovely map that has made me itch to visit this area again, if only so I can use it in the field. If you're visiting the area or just love maps it's highly recommended.