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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Stick" data-source="post: 535802" data-attributes="member: 3474">I had a bit of a shock today.When I first started using a map and compass as a kid here in the UK in the mid 80s the magnetic variation was something in the order of 6 - 8 degs west.  This meant that after taking a bearing on a map one had to add another 6 or so degs to the compass dial before attempting to walk on the bearing.  This became especially important to me as an outdoor professional when leading groups across the Scottish Highlands (especially in whiteouts in the winter) where accuracy became a matter of life or death.I rarely use a compass now as now I've retired I tend to gravitate towards the hills that I enjoy the most and hence know the best, so haven't really paid too much attention to how much the variation has changed.Listening to radio recently I was shocked to hear that the geographical point of magnetic north is moving approximately 50km/year.  On hearing this I thought I'd better check what the variation is now in my favourite hill ranges.  Turns out it's now nearly 2 degs east, meaning that after measuring off on the map, I now have to take away 2 degs on the compass before striking out.This lump we're stood on sure is a dynamic bit of kit.</blockquote>