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About us

Compass Point is an independent family owned retail business supplying a vast range of equipment for the outdoor enthusiast.

Compass Point was born in 1991 out of the enthusiasm for taking part in outdoor activities, an enthusiasm that still exists for the owners Rick & Angela Houghton. Rick started his climbing and fell walking in the Lakes back in 1973, going on monthly fell walks from school, and joining the climbing club. Both of them have been keen backpackers tackling many long distance walks.

Orienteering was started in the early eighties, one of his first events being the Karrimor Mountain marathon at Strathyr in 1983, Rick has since gone on to plan the elite and A courses on KIMM when held in Galloway in 1996.

The Houghton family is regularly at orienteering events with the Compass Point orienteering shop, since the start up eight years ago this has grown to become one of the leading outlets for orienteering equipment in the UK.

Product development and sourcing is an ongoing priority for both Rick and Angela. The children regularly take part in orienteering from stringcourses for the youngest member to colour coded for older ones. The children have a say as well, often giving important feedback on equipment for the younger activist.

More recently the orienteering shop has been increasing in size to add other outlets in both Eastern England and Scotland. The climbing shop in Lytham moved into larger premises in 1998.

Rick and Angela feel that one of the key ingredients to the success of their business, besides their own enthusiasm, is the participation of their staff who without exception are all active outdoor people.

• The UK's first secure online orienteering shop
• Fast & secure mail order service
• High street shop opens 09.30 – 17.00 hrs Monday to Saturday
• (20 mins west on M55 from M6 junction 32)
• Nationwide event coverage with mobile orienteering shops