{"id":622,"date":"2025-07-08T10:39:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T10:39:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/?p=622"},"modified":"2026-04-24T10:50:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T10:50:10","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-using-a-compass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/a-beginners-guide-to-using-a-compass\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Using a Compass"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_e09d3c644e7ccff202c61dcbaa68c326\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy radial\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/map-reading\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMap Reading\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/beginners-guides\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBeginner&#8217;s guides\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/shop-2\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Using a Compass\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center SingleHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Jonathan Elder\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2025-07-08T10:39:28+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">July 8, 2025<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t5 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"485\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/map_reading_guides_hero4.01cb00adc45b0ff4606cafecfa96a4b7.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Map_Reading_guides_hero4.01cb00adc45b0ff4606cafecfa96a4b7\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/map_reading_guides_hero4.01cb00adc45b0ff4606cafecfa96a4b7.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/map_reading_guides_hero4.01cb00adc45b0ff4606cafecfa96a4b7-300x76.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/map_reading_guides_hero4.01cb00adc45b0ff4606cafecfa96a4b7-1024x259.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/map_reading_guides_hero4.01cb00adc45b0ff4606cafecfa96a4b7-768x194.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/map_reading_guides_hero4.01cb00adc45b0ff4606cafecfa96a4b7-1536x388.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/map_reading_guides_hero4.01cb00adc45b0ff4606cafecfa96a4b7-1376x348.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_62cd963c1282eceea78f34696ee56a07\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-you-use-a-compass\">How do you Use a Compass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even with a GPS in your phone, it&#8217;s important to know how to read a compass just in case technology fails or visibility is poor. Here&#8217;s a step-by-step beginner&#8217;s guide to using a compass, so you can learn the basics of how to navigate with a map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;re going to assume you are working with the most common type of compass used for navigation, the baseplate (or orienteering) compass, and know what the various bits are called. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If not have a quick look at our beginners <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guide-to-the-compass\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guide to the compass<\/a> first. Then you can buy a compass and check out our Pathfinder guide titled <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/pathfinder-guide-navigation-skills-for-walkers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Navigation Skills for Walkers<\/a>, which includes information on map reading, compass and GPS.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_0fc7bc1e6e35a3a17be7198133531843\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none      \"  data-color-scheme=\"default\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceProductsBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper BigCommerceProductsSwiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper Products\" data-products=\"2994\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center BigCommerce__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-line-up-your-points\">Step 1: Line Up Your Points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass-bearings.jpg\" alt=\"how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass bearings\" class=\"wp-image-628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass-bearings.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass-bearings-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass-bearings-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Step 1: Line up your points<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To start with you need to <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/navigation-pinpointing-your-location\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">know where you are on the map<\/a> (point A) and where you want to go to (point B).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get the map flat  &#8211; a stiff map case, flat rock or your knee works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Line up point A and B with either the side of your compass or one of the black lines running down the base plate, making sure that the direction of travel arrow is point in the direction you want to go in (so towards point B).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A compass with a larger base is useful here for covering longer distances, but you can use a straight edge with a smaller compass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the moment, don&#8217;t worry about the north arrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"h-step-2-align-to-grid-north\">Step 2: Align to Grid North<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_align_to_grid_north.jpg\" alt=\"how_to_use_a_compass_guide_align_to_grid_north\" class=\"wp-image-627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_align_to_grid_north.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_align_to_grid_north-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_align_to_grid_north-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Step 2: Align to grid north<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, hold the compass still and turn the compass housing <strong>bezel<\/strong> so that the \u201cN\u201d on the bezel and the orienteering arrow are point to grid north (the top of the map). To help do this \u2013 make sure that the orienteering lines are lined up with the easting lines on the map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try to get this as accurate as possible &#8211; and if you have folded your map check which way is north!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, ignore what the compass needle is doing at this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-adjust-for-magnetic-variation\">Step 3: Adjust for Magnetic Variation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_magnetic_north.jpg\" alt=\"how_to_use_a_compass_guide_magnetic_north\" class=\"wp-image-626\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_magnetic_north.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_magnetic_north-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_magnetic_north-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Step 3: Adjust for magnetic variation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you need to allow for the difference between magnetic north and grid north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;re lucky in the UK that this variation is small, but where accuracy is important, you need to adjust for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The adjustment varies across the country and you can generally find it printed on your map in the key. Look for &#8216;magnetic north&#8217;. Ignore any references to &#8216;true north&#8217; as we don&#8217;t need them. At the moment GB magnetic variations are between -1\u00b0 and 4\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick up your compass and turn your compass bezel <strong>anticlockwise to ADD<\/strong> the positive magnetic variations, or <strong>clockwise to SUBTRACT<\/strong> negative variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many compasses have a smaller scale inside the compass housing to make this easier, or use the outer scale. Most compasses only show a marker for every 2 degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>With such a small variation for Great Britain you can often ignore it, but it can become critical in some parts of the world or in featureless areas.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-line-yourself-up\">Step 4: Line Yourself Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass_bearings.jpg\" alt=\"how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass_bearings\" class=\"wp-image-625\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass_bearings.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass_bearings-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_compass_bearings-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Compass bearings step 4: Line yourself up<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now put the map away. Be careful you don&#8217;t move the compass bezel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hold the compass flat and near your body, with the big &#8216;direction of travel&#8217; arrow pointing straight ahead. Turn yourself <em>and<\/em> the compass around slowly until the red end of the needle lines up with the orienting arrow, as in the picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The direction of travel arrow should still point straight ahead &#8211; that&#8217;s the way you are going, towards B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look up, and pick an object in the distance that&#8217;s in exactly the right direction. It could be a distinctive tree, rock, hill peak or similar. Don&#8217;t use sheep, as they tend to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try to avoid looking at the compass all the time as you walk, as this is less accurate than using a more distant target. If you reach the target you are aiming for check the compass again, pick a new target object and carry on until you reach your next waypoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_dace0380f03b1c98ac46abdedd0e8b2c\" class=\"Inner InnerGoodToKnow\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row align-items-center jusitfy-content-start\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__icon InnerGoodToKnow__icon--warning\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26.6\" height=\"22.973\" viewBox=\"0 0 26.6 22.973\"><path d=\"M40-857.027,53.3-880l13.3,22.973Zm4.171-2.418H62.429L53.3-875.164Zm9.129-1.209a1.17,1.17,0,0,0,.861-.348,1.17,1.17,0,0,0,.348-.861,1.17,1.17,0,0,0-.348-.862,1.17,1.17,0,0,0-.861-.348,1.17,1.17,0,0,0-.861.348,1.17,1.17,0,0,0-.348.862,1.17,1.17,0,0,0,.348.861A1.17,1.17,0,0,0,53.3-860.655Zm-1.209-3.627h2.418v-6.045H52.091ZM53.3-867.3Z\" transform=\"translate(-40 880)\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDon\u2019t Move the Bezel!\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The two biggest errors by beginners are: Moving the bezel \u2013 it\u2019s set and should not be changed at this point. Secondly, not holding the compass pointing directly away from the body. Also, be aware of any magnets or metal near the compass: mobile phones, magnetic buttons, metal belts and similar can \u2018deflect\u2019 the compass needle, making it inaccurate.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_7c9b0863ca9c0b31189df95c9c354cc7\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none      \"  data-color-scheme=\"default\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceProductsBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper BigCommerceProductsSwiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper Products\" data-products=\"2136,3039,3402\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center BigCommerce__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-use-a-compass-top-tips-for-beginners\">How to Use a Compass &#8211; Top Tips for Beginners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re unsure about using a compass the best thing to do is get the <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/explorer-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">map of an area<\/a> you know really well, where you wouldn\u2019t usually need a map to get around. Take yourself off for a walk, using the map and a compass to navigate your way as you reach each turning. This way you shouldn\u2019t get lost and you can compare that the direction you think you should be travelling in matches what the compass is telling you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure that the direction of travel arrow is pointing in the direction you want to walk in \u2013 it\u2019s called the direction of travel arrow for a reason!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always make sure that the orienting arrow is pointing to grid north (the top of the map) rather than grid south (the bottom of the map) \u2013 even if you are walking south \u2013 the orienting arrow still needs to point north.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unless you always want to walk due north \u2013 follow the direction of travel arrow rather than the compass needle. The compass needle stays above the orienting arrow in or very close to the compass housing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure that the landmark you pick is a feature on the landscape that is not liable to move \u2013 pick a tree, gate post, gorse bush or boulder for example rather than a cow, sheep, person or bird!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n<div class=\"home_hero_20_mix_match\">\r\n    <div>\r\n        <h2>NEW DOG FRIENDLY WALKING GUIDE BOOKS<\/h2><h4>A collection of brand new books from Ordnance Survey<\/h4>\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/books\/os-short-walks-made-easy-guidebooks\/os-swme-dog-friendly-walks\/\" class=\"Button Button--red Button--smaller\"><span class=\"Button__text\">Shop Now<\/span><\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div>\r\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/swmedogs.png\" alt=\"OFFER: save 20\" height=\"250\" width=\"250\" \/>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<hr class=\"ad_hr\" role=\"none\">\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n .InnerBlocks .home_hero_20_mix_match h2 {\r\n    margin-top: 20px;\r\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n}\r\n   \r\n.InnerBlocks .ad_hr {\r\n margin: 20px;\r\n border-color: #9f9f9f;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-flow: row wrap;\r\n  background-image:  linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dog-in-peak-district.jpg\");\r\n  background-position: center center;\r\n  background-size:cover;\r\n  border-radius: 25px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  > div {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  padding: 2% 8%;\r\n  color: #ffffff;\r\n  text-align: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  > div:nth-child(2) {\r\n  padding: 0;\r\n  padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  align-self: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match > div > img {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  height: auto;\r\n  max-width: 250px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  h2 {\r\n  font-size: 3rem;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  p {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.home_hero_20_mix_match  a {\r\n  font-size: 2rem;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller {\r\n  padding: 8px 20px!important;\r\n}\r\n    \r\n.Button--smaller span {\r\n  font-size: 20px;\r\n}    \r\n\r\n\r\n@media (min-width:50em){\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match {\r\n    background-image:  linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.45) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.30) 40%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 50%), url(\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dog-in-peak-district.jpg\");\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  > div {\r\n    width: 50%;\r\n    text-align: left;\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  h2 {\r\n    font-size: 5rem;\r\n  }\r\n  .home_hero_20_mix_match  p {\r\n    font-size: 3rem;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-test-yourself-practice-route\">Test Yourself &#8211; Practice Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a practice route showing the settings for each leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_bearings.jpg\" alt=\"how_to_use_a_compass_guide_bearings\" class=\"wp-image-624\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_bearings.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_bearings-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/how_to_use_a_compass_guide_bearings-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Practice your compass bearings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-to-b\">A to B<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SU 236 042 to SU 244 048<br>Initial measurement: 52\u00b0 from north<br>Add 1\u00b0 for variation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heading: 53\u00b0, distance: 1.01 km<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-b-to-c\">B to C<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SU 244 048 to SU 250 048<br>Initial measurement: 91\u00b0 from north<br>Add 1\u00b0 for variation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heading: 92\u00b0, distance: 0.59 km<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve ignored the slight kink in this path, but in poor conditions add an intermediate waypoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-c-to-d\">C to D<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SU 250 048 to SU 249 058<br>Initial measurement: 352\u00b0 (just off true north)<br>Add 1\u00b0 for variation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heading: 353\u00b0, distance: 0.96 km<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-take-a-compass-bearing-with-steve-backshall\">How to Take a Compass Bearing with Steve Backshall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to take a compass bearing with Steve Backshall and Ordnance Survey\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/rZd0RfsC-9I?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https%253A%252F%252Fosmaps.com%252Fdiscover\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find more <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/map-reading-week\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">navigation and map reading tips here<\/a> including this <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guide-to-the-compass\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">basic guide to the compass<\/a>. You can buy <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/maps\/paper-maps\/explorer-maps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maps<\/a> to help your practice. Find out <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/which-compass-is-best-for-me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">which compass is best for you<\/a> and your chosen activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/hiking-for-beginners-a-complete-guide\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/copy-of-the-beginners-guide-to-hiking-1000-x-300-px.png\" alt=\"beginners guide to hiking\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to find out more about getting out into the hills and mountains? Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/hiking-for-beginners-a-complete-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hiking For Beginners Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_03d89dfb5e435500960512da637ccfc0\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none     BigCommerce--slider \"  data-color-scheme=\"default\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceProductsBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper BigCommerceProductsSwiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div 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d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">42<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Jonathan Elder\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Jonathan helps run the OS Shop and GetOutside, and in his free time can be found walking, playing computer games or, in the winter, falling off mountains with a plank of wood strapped to his feet.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Even with a GPS in your phone, it&#8217;s important to know how to use a compass just in case technology fails or visibility is poor. 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