What type of compass should I buy for walking in the UK hills?

Get a baseplate compass like a Silva or Suunto. The clear plastic base lets you see the map underneath, which is essential for taking bearings—those heavy military-style compasses in metal cases are useless for map work because you can't see through them.

Do I still need to add or subtract magnetic variation in the UK?

Yes, but stop using old rhymes—just read your map legend. It tells you whether magnetic variation is East or West for that area, then add for West or subtract for East. The magnetic pole is drifting, so those old rules don't work everywhere anymore.

Can my phone mess up my compass reading?

Absolutely. Smartphones have magnets and electronics that can pull the needle off by twenty degrees or more if the phone's near the compass. Keep it well away when taking a reading—same goes for steel walking poles, wire fences, and metal gates.

Staying on Track

The Compass: How to Not End Up as a Local News Story

Eventually, the horizon is going to vanish and you'll have to decide if you trust your gut or the little red needle that’s actually right.

20 July 202615 min read