Walking on a Bearing •
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To convert this grid bearing into a magnetic bearing which you can walk on, add the magnetic variation by turning the compass dial the appropriate number of degrees for that area. WHEN GOING FROM ‘GRID’ TO ‘MAG’ YOU ADD
Tips • When calculating bearings roughly figure out what it should be by just looking at the map, i.e.., 35° - 40° so that you will know if you make an error when using the compass.
Holding the compass flat in the palm of your hand, turn round until the magnetic needle lies on top of the orienting arrow (the red end of the magnetic needle pointing to the N on the dial). Then walk in the direction shown by the direction of travel arrow.
Walking on a bearing Whenever possible select a point ahead which is on the route (a boulder, a hilltop) and walk towards it instead of continuously looking at your compass. When that point is reached or can no longer be seen, take up the compass again, with the same bearing and find a new point ahead. Repeat this until you reach your destination. 111
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Common errors include aligning the orienting lines in the dial with the wrong gridline on the map. Or by placing the compass on the map with the direction of travel arrow pointing in the opposite direction to the way you want to go.
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Walking straight on a bearing often leads through rough ground, and unnecessary ups and downs. If the visibility is good it is usually easier to walk and navigate by following line features or ‘handrails’ (ridges, streams, etc.) and by careful reading of the contours rather than by bearings.
