Pacing & Compass Excercise

Q. Hello, many years ago when trying to learn how to read a map and use a compass, I knew of an excercise and I wonder if anyone can enlighten me as I have forgotten how to do it. Basically the excercise was to pace say 100 double paces on a compass bearing then repeat two more legs of equal length and the object was to arrive as accurately as possible at the start point. I feel sure that the initial bearing had to be between two points for this to work although my memory has sadly faded over the years. I would be very grateful if you can enlighten me. Best wishes, David

David Muncey, Pickering

A. Seems pretty straight forward. Walk on any bearing for 100 paces, Turn through 300 degrees and walk for another 100 paces, turn through another 300 degrees and walk the final 100 paces and, if your pacing is accurate, you should arrive back at your starting point.

For example, walk 100 paces on a bearing of 0° (due North). Then turn (left) through 300 degrees and walk on a bearing of 240° (i.e. a little S of WSW) for another 100 paces and then turn (left) through another 300 degrees and walk on a bearing of 120° (i.e. a little S of ESE) for another 100 paces.

Note in this respect, a pace is the distance covered by either your right foot or your left foot - see Pacing for more details.

For more information on Navigation Skills for walking and hiking see Navigation Skills for Walking and Hiking

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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