Don't Leave Home Without a Map and Compass!

This evening, I had a chat with a walker on the Wainwright Coast to Coast route. The route, from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay, passes right through my village. He was a friendly chap with a Yorkshire accent, but was completely lost. He was walking in circles, looking for a shop that he thought was a marker on the route, and he was convinced that once he found it, he'd be able to walk to Dent Fell.

The problem was, he was in the wrong village. He'd been so convinced of his location that he hadn't thought to check a map or use a compass. I was happy to point him in the right direction, but it was a stark reminder of the importance of carrying a map and compass.

It's a common misconception that navigating the fells and other wild spaces with a compass is difficult. In reality, with a little practice, it's easy to learn the basics and stay safe. A map and compass are essential tools for any walker, and they can be a lifesaver in an emergency.

How to use a compass
A compass is a simple tool, but it's vital for finding your way. Here's a basic guide to get you started:

• Orientate the map: Lay your map out flat. Place your compass on the map and rotate the map and compass together until the red magnetic needle aligns with the north-south gridlines on the map. The red end of the needle should point to the top of the map (Grid North). Your map is now "orientated" and reflects the features around you.
• Take a bearing: If you know where you are and want to find a specific landmark, place the compass on the map so that the edge of the baseplate forms a straight line between your current position and your destination. Ensure the direction-of-travel arrow points towards your destination.
• Read the bearing: Rotate the compass housing until the orienting lines are parallel with the north-south grid lines on the map and the orienting arrow points to Grid North. The figure on the rim of the compass dial at the index line is your heading.
• Follow the bearing: Hold the compass in front of you, turn yourself and the compass until the red end of the magnetic needle lines up with the orienting arrow. The direction-of-travel arrow will now point towards your destination.

Triangulation
Triangulation is a brilliant technique to pinpoint your exact location when you're unsure of where you are.

• Identify landmarks: Look around and identify at least two, but ideally three, prominent landmarks that you can also see on your map. These could be hills, buildings, or other distinct features.
• Take bearings: Take a bearing from your location to each of the landmarks.
• Draw lines on the map: Place your compass on the map with the edge of the baseplate touching the landmark you took a bearing to. Rotate the compass and map until the orienting lines are parallel with the north-south grid lines and the orienting arrow points north. Draw a line from the landmark, back towards your position.
• Find your location: Repeat this for at least one more landmark. Where the lines intersect is your approximate location. If you used three landmarks, the lines will create a small triangle; you are somewhere inside that triangle.

Remember, technology can fail, batteries can die, but a map and compass are always reliable. Don't leave home without them!