5.0

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This is a review of the Alpkit Compass, a cheaper alternative to the popular Silva Type 4.

I’ve been using Silva compasses consistently throughout my life in the outdoors. First as a teenager learning to navigate in the hills and mountains. Then subsequently all throughout my career as an Mountaineering and Rock Climbing Instructor; on Mountain Leader training and assessment in North Wales, Winter Mountain Leader training and assessment in the Cairngorms and my Mountaineering Instructor Award. There has been a Silva compass in my rucksack or in my hand for almost 40 years.

The Silva Type 4 has been the compass most recommend for Lowland, Hill and Moorland and Mountain Leaders for good reasons. It’s accurate, reliable and has a well laid out base plate with all the relevant scales and romers. I bought my first one for my Mountain Leader training in 1986 and have been using one ever since.

Night navigation course in the Peak District. 3 men with head torches, map and compass. — Learning poor visibility map reading on a Beyond the Edge Navigation course.

Early last year we were looking to buy some new compasses for our navigation and map racing courses and a fellow Mountaineering and Rock Climbing Instructor mentioned the Alpkit compass as a cheaper alternative. At over half the price of the Silva the Alpkit Compass was definitely worth a try so we bought a few for use on our navigation courses and we have been very happy with their performance.

The Alpkit Compass is made by Williams and looks very similar to the Silva Type 4. The size is identical and has a very similar bezel. The baseplate is a little different with less lines for aligning the compass with the grid lines on your map and lacks a millimetre and inch scale but it does have romer scales for 1;25,000, 1,50,000 and 1;40,000 maps enabling you to use Ordnance Survey, Harveys and British Mountain Maps.

We have been using these fairly extensively for the last few months in a variety of weather conditions in the Peak District, North Wales and the Lakes. They have certainly worked very well and have so far proved durable enough for professional use.

We always recommend carrying a spare compass so if you already have a Silva Type 4 the Alpkit is a good economical option to stash in the bottom your rucksack in case of problems with your main one.

Buy the Alpkit Compass here – https://alpkit.com/products/williams-expedition-compass

For the Beyond the Edge navigation and map reading courses go here – https://www.beyondtheedge.co.uk/skills-courses/navigation/

Alex

zygasas16

21 September 2026

Top team really! Completed my RCI training with Alex and Chris. Learned a ton. Completed my RCI assessment with Alex, learned even more. Then came back for outdoor first aid refresher with Chris and had an opportunity to learn from a real mountain rescuer who had a wealth of real life experience and knowledge. 10/10

Simon Lawrence

20 September 2026

I completed a two day Hill Skills course with Alex leading and Nigel assisting. There were seven of us with a range of experience and confidence. Alex and Nigel set a lovely tone with it being friendly, relaxed, interesting, and encouraging. We spent a couple of hours both mornings familiarising ourselves with the equipment and testing it out. Then went for a walk that utilised and challenged those skills. Everyone was really friendly and helpful throughout. If you don't know what taking a bearing is, an OS reference, how (or why) to use an emergency shelter, or pacing is, or know the difference between a path or a right of way on a map, then this course is for you. I just completed a two day Lowland Leader training course and used all of the skills from the Hill Skills on it!

Ollie Russell

13 September 2026

I recently attended a NNAS silver award. The course was well organised from pre-course contact right through the two days. Claire who instructed the course was friendly, informative, and made sure I maximised my learning and experience for the weekend. Alex also instructed the second day and was equally great. I'd have no hesitation in attending another course with Beyond the edge and recommending them to others.

Simon King-Cline (theupsidebiz)

13 September 2026

I did the two day climbing and rope skills course with Alex. It was excellent in every way. His immense experience and knowledge combined with a very patient approach and encouraging attitude delivered a course that was great fun, and full of first class learning. I look forward to doing the remainder of the trad course later this year. 2 months later I then did the two day learn to trad course with James. Again this course was excellent in every way. I look forward to doing more courses such as the multi pitch in Wales.

George Noble

12 September 2026

The learn to lead trad course exceeded my expectations. Plenty of practice after some short lessons, James was a brilliant instructor throughout who adapted the course to the goals and level of each student, gave excellent advice to us as individuals and the group, and has offered substantial after care as we consolidate the course material by leading climbs in our own time. Would recommend to anyone.

Kirsty Malcolm

11 September 2026

I have just completed the two day Hill Skills course and I can’t recommend it more highly. I’ve been hiking for years and have even done serious hikes like the three peaks, Dolomites and in Austria, but like many I’ve been relying on apps and my phone and knew it was really time to build a proper foundation for my hiking skills. I was blown away by how much I learned from our brilliant instructor Graham. From getting confident with map reading and plotting routes off the trails, to learning about mountain rescue and what to do if things go wrong, this course was packed with amazing info and hands on practical skills. I’ll now be looking to complete my Lowland Leader accreditation and will definitely be back to Beyond the Edge. Thanks again!

Max McKie

7 September 2026

Fantastic 2 days spent on the outdoor first aid course. Chris is a great instructor with a lot of experience. I would highly recommend doing this course and booking with Beyond the Edge.

Matthew Hall

28 August 2026

Had a brilliant 2-day Learn to Lead Trad course with Beyond the Edge. Alex was really knowledgeable, friendly and a great instructor. Learned loads and came away feeling much more confident leading trad. Would definitely recommend!

Salvador Rosas

25 August 2026

My wife and I recently attended a first aid course with Beyond the Edge, and it was an excellent experience from beginning to end. Caroline led the course brilliantly. She was knowledgeable, welcoming and engaging, and explained everything clearly while keeping the training practical, interesting and easy to remember. The relaxed and supportive atmosphere made it comfortable to participate, practise the skills and ask questions. I left feeling much more knowledgeable and confident about responding to an emergency. It was also a pleasure meeting Chris, who made me feel very welcome, and our certificates were sent through promptly after the course. I would highly recommend Beyond the Edge to anyone looking for professional, practical and genuinely enjoyable first aid training.

Shannon Beal

23 August 2026

Just completed my RCI Training with Beyond the Edge, and my nerves were put at ease instantly. Our course leaders Alex, James and Chris ran the training in a very relaxed manner, no question was a stupid question, and they are genuinely exited to encourage new people into the outdoor world, and i have left with a full suitcase of new skills, knowledge and enjoyment. Great company to start your outdoor qualification journey with!

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