Map Rambling - why it is unique.

Here are some images that tell the story of a Map Ramble - as the old adage says " a picture tells a ...".

Map Ramblers convene at a place we select - yes, these things are planned - we try to choose a freely accessible venue that provides shelter (should it rain) and a place to buy some refreshments. We also try to choose somewhere that may contribute ideas or inspiration for the Map Ramble - for our last two Map Rambles we chose the First floor cafe at the British Library (NW1 2DB) and the restaurant at the Geffrye Museum (E2 8EA) - pictured above are some early bird Map Ramblers at the Geffrye Museum.



Occasionally we have to remind participants to stop talking and get up and Map Ramble - as you can tell the early birds were well bedded in at the Geffrye Museum. Perhaps they are discussing which themes they might incorporate in their Map Ramble - we usually draw up a list of themes, but also allow participants to choose their own. Themes are only for prompting thought and discussion. We try to set off from 11.00am and Map Ramble for a couple of hours or so - here is a picture of some Map Ramblers setting off from the Geffrye Museum - Map Rambles are self-guided. There is no leader taking participants on a prescribed route, instead it is for the Map Ramblers as groups (or alone if Map Rambling alone) to decide where to go.

After a couple of hours Map Rambling (either alone or in groups), participants meet at a pre-determined place. Our last Map Ramble began and ended at the restaurant at the Geffrye Museum.

What makes Map Rambling unique?

When Map Ramblers come together after they have been rambling, they are invited to share and map their discoveries. Simple as that - or rather look at these other photographs to get a picture of what takes place.

Map Ramblers are each given a sketch book and pencil to help them record what they observe on their Map Ramble. Many of them take photographs, and some take audio and video recordings, others collect 'flotsam and jetsam" as souvenirs from their ramble. Together they are encouraged to Map their routes and record their discoveries on a large piece of paper (we provide the paper!).

Here's a picture of two proud Map Ramblers with their shared hand drawn map - they don't appear to have exerted themselves much - can we be sure that they actually went on a ramble?

Some Map Ramblers have told us that they enjoy drawing their encounters, ideas and observations - it is all in the detail. Others like the opportunity of discussing how their discoveries should be best illustrated or mapped. The creation of the maps of shared discoveries is a catalyst for discussion and general enjoyment.

Every Map Rambler receives their own sketch book and pencil - you should see the state of some of those that have been used on previous Map Rambles (or as useful notebooks for the shopping list etc.). We come equipped with lots of paper on which to draw maps, pencils, coloured crayons and pens, and sheets of tracing with which to create overlays.

Come along and join us, just by sending an email to Map Rambles to register.

We are novices at publishing the maps. We are looking at ways to scan the maps and publish them on this blog or other social networking websites, and we are also interested in creating interactive maps, so if you have an interest and a skill you are prepared to share then we would love to hear from you.

Happy Map Rambling