How to Take a Compass Bearing (And Actually Use It)

📬 Mountain Minute #06 – How to Take a Compass Bearing (And Actually Use It)

Your weekly 3-minute read for safer, smarter adventures in the hills.

The fog rolls in. The path vanishes. You’re not sure if you're heading toward a cwm or off a cliff.

That’s when you need a compass bearing.

Here’s the simple process:

1. Map to Compass: Place the edge of your compass from point A (where you are) to B (where you want to go).

2. Align the Bezel: Turn the compass housing so the red grid lines match the map’s north-south lines.

3. Find North: Hold the compass flat, turn your body until the red needle sits inside the red outline ("red in the shed").

4. Follow the Arrow: Walk in the direction the compass points, keeping your sights on a landmark ahead.

This technique keeps you moving in the right direction—even if visibility is zero. Combine it with pacing (counting your steps) for distance, and you’ll never wander off-track again!

Pro Tip: Bearings work best with confident movement. Stop frequently to check, and don’t drift with the terrain—trust the compass, not your instincts.

➡️ Want to practice this in real-world conditions? Our nav days are designed exactly for this. If you’d like to learn how, you can get in touch here.

Nav practise on home soil - The South Downs.