Note that the compass bearing to find the footpath down from
the top of Ben Nevis (the purple circle) is 280º, plus a 4º compensation for
grid north and magnetic north variation (see below). The bearing will vary
according to the exact location of your compass, either on the map, or if you
were on the actual mountain top.
The method of using a compass is very simple. The compass has a
central circular dial which rotates on a rectangular compass base. Inside the
circular dial is a magnetic needle which swivels independently, always pointing
to this planet's magnetic north. There are three items that can be rotated: the
central circular dial, the red magnetic needle, and the rectangular compass
base.
Circular central compass dial with red magnetic needle
The critical Compass Reading rule: always keep the
magnetic red needle aligned with north on the dial
Only this rectangular compass base should be rotated
The arrow on this base is then used for reading and
following a bearing.
The complete compass - a very misleading, but very common
picture.
The red (magnetic) needle and north on the central circular
dial or housing must ALWAYS be kept aligned. While keeping the red (magnetic)
needle aligned with north on the central circular dial, the rectangular base
must be rotated to read the compass bearing (in degrees) that you need to
follow. The rectangular base arrow shows the direction of travel, shown in the
Ben Nevis compass animation screenshot below.
Setting a map and compass to take a compass bearing
When using the compass with a map, the compass should be placed
on the exact map location you wish to take a bearing from. Align the red
(magnetic) needle with both north in the central circular compass dial and with
the grid lines running north on the map. While maintaining this alignment,
rotate the rectangular compass base until its arrow points in the direction you
wish to follow. The bearing (in degrees) should be read from the central
circular dial at the point where the rectangular compass base arrow aligns with
it. Follow the direction-of-travel arrow on the rectangular compass base.
Magnetic north varies slightly both from grid north on the map
and true north (the north pole). Your map will tell you how many degrees to add
to your bearing. This can vary depending on where you are in the country. An
addition to your compass bearing of 4º will compensate for the magnetic
variation at Ben Nevis.
Note that the direction you walk in is always the arrow on the
rectangular compass base. Remember while following a bearing to always keep the
red (magnetic) needle and north in the central circular dial aligned.
To help you stay on track, take regular bearings during a trip,
dividing a journey into short sections and taking new bearings from the
landmarks seen on the way.
If the clouds descend while you are on the mountain, reading a
compass correctly can be a life-saving skill. In poor visibility, it is
essential to use a map and compass. Hazards can be avoided by following bearings
for distances measured from the map. Calculate the distance while you are
walking, by counting the number of paces taken and multiplying by the distance
of each pace.
Warning
Keep the compass away from all metal objects since these can
result in false readings by deflecting the magnetic needle. Objects to avoid
include wristwatches, keys, tables with metal legs or steel screws, mobile
telephones and even heavy framed spectacles.
