This is the last of our series of blog posts on how to read a map and use a compass. Over the past few weeks we've looked at which type of map is best for you, what that map is telling you, how to take grid references and last week we looked at all the parts of a compass. Now to end the series we're looking at how you use a compass.

To begin with there are two essential things that you need to know. The first is where you are on the map (we'll call this point A) and where you want to get to on the map (we'll call this point B). Once you know this ...

• Line the edge of the base plate up so that it joins point A and point B along the long edge. Make sure that the direction of travel arrow is pointing towards point B (the direction in which you want to travel in).
• Rotate the compass housing so that the orienting arrow is pointing to grid north (the top of the map) and the orienting lines are running parrallel with the easting lines on the map.
• If you look at the index line (in the compass housing bezel)it will tell you what your grid bearing is. Allowing for the magnetic variation you will need to add around 2 degrees on to this (this will be adding one black notch on the compass housing bezel).
• Without moving the compass housing - lift the compass off the map. Stand up, with the compass in front of you with the direction of travel arrow pointing directing out in front of you.
• Physically turn yourself (don't move the bezel) around until the compass needle lies on top of the orienting arrow.
• Looking out directly in front of you (this should be the same way that the direction of travel arrow is pointing and NOT the compass needle) look for a natural / static landmark that is directly in line with the direction of travel arrow. Pick something like a tree, gorse bush or boulder - don't pick a sheep, cow or person that is liable to move!
• Walk towards this landmark. When you get there - check your compass again, find another landmark to walk towards and repeat until you reach point B. By picking a landmark on the horizon to walk towards will enable you to better negotiate any obstacles that may be in your path such as a ditch, wall or rock.

So that's it - easy! If you've read the series of posts you now know the basics of how to read a map and use a compass. All that is left for you to do is go and enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer.

Happy exploring!