The Compass
by Gnasher the Dog (aka Mike Knipe)

This is a device apparently used at school to get 'O' level geometry, or to stab that irritating little kid from 3b. You know, the one with the spiky ginger hair and the freckles.

Compasses are of no practical use on the hill, except to open difficult sardine tins (with the pointed end) or write a note to your husband/wife/partner (with the pencil).

I just can't imagine why most hillwalking skills books think this device can be so essential, unless I'm missing something about drawing circles on an Outdoor Leisure Map.

Useful phrase: "Of course, according to Pythagoras, the sum of the sides is worth twice as much as the square root of the total thingy of the other sides, so it must be equilateral."

© Mike Knipe. Mike Knipe is an experienced outdoor enthusiast, walk leader and writer who has worked with Durham County Council and English Nature (aka Natural England).

Other articles by Mike Knipe on go4awalk.com include:

The Mike Knipe Column

The Art of Getting Lost . . .

How to start Peak Bagging . . .

How to sound like a walking expert . . . (writing as Gnasher the Dog) and

Is that a Mitt in your pocket - or are you just pleased to see me?