MAPS + NAVIGATION

For hiking and walking, OS Explorer maps offer detailed information on footpaths, rights of way, and terrain at a 1:25,000 scale. For cycling or longer routes, OS Landranger maps provide a broader overview at a 1:50,000 scale. Choose the map type based on your activity and the level of detail you need. 

Place the compass on your map, aligning the edge between your current location and your destination. Rotate the compass housing so the orienting lines match the north-south grid lines on the map. Then, hold the compass flat and turn your body until the needle lines up with north - your direction of travel arrow now points the way. 

Basic compasses show direction but lack precision. Baseplate (or orienteering) compasses are ideal for accurate navigation with maps, while mirror compasses provide greater accuracy for long treks. Sighting compasses are designed for taking precise bearings from distant objects, often used in triangulation. 

Magnetic variation is the difference between grid north on your map and magnetic north indicated by your compass. This variation changes by location and over time. Adjusting for magnetic variation ensures your bearings are accurate, which is crucial for precise navigation in unfamiliar terrain. 

Yes, you can use visible landmarks and terrain features to orient yourself, but a compass greatly improves accuracy, especially in areas with few obvious features or poor visibility. A compass is considered one of the Ten Essentials for safe outdoor navigation.