Geared advice - compact to standard

Go compact, but go for 50/36 if you can. (The gap between a 50 tooth chainring and a 34 tooth is huge and you're unlikely to need anything lower than a 36x25 in the UK).

Compact is the way to go, but I have to disagree regarding 25 being the lowest you're likely to need on the UK.

If you're riding Audax distances or some sportives you can stick a 28 or 30 on the back to deal with stuff like this.