Bronze Navigator Award
On completion participants will be able to plan and safely follow walks in countryside, primarily on paths and tracks, through being able to:
- Navigate using a variety of maps and scales.
- Orientate the map using handrails, obvious point features and major landforms.
- Use linear features (e.g. paths, tracks, clear boundaries) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
- Relate prominent landforms such as large hills and valleys to corresponding contour information on the map.
- Orientate the map by aligning a compass needle against grid north and be aware that magnetic variation causes an inaccuracy.
- Use an orientated map to confirm decision making and direction of travel.
- Use clearly identifiable features to confirm position along the route and to recognise when the target has been overshot.
- Measure horizontal distance on the map and estimate distance on the ground using timing, pacing and simple visual judgements e.g. 100m.
- Use 4 and 6 figure grid references with worded descriptions to define the position of a map feature and to locate a feature on the ground.
- Plan and implement simple routes and navigation strategies based on the above skills.
- Be aware of the use of mobile phone location apps as a back up to map and compass and in emergencies.
- Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply simple relocation techniques using handrails and prominent features.
- Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues, access legislation, personal responsibilities, the Countryside Code and sustainability.
- Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of walking equipment, care and attachment of a compass, safety equipment and emergency procedures.
Silver Navigator Award
The Silver National Navigation Award develops the navigation skills acquired at the Bronze level. It adds skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks. It teaches accurate compass work. It will also teach you to select the suitable navigational techniques to cross open country.
Silver National Navigation Award courses are taught in areas with access to open country and involve periods where you’ll be navigating away from paths and tracks.
Silver National Navigation Award courses are taught in areas with access to open country and involve periods where you’ll be navigating away from paths and tracks.
- Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze Award in the context of Silver Award navigation strategies.
- Relate small hills, small valleys, prominent re-entrants and prominent spurs to their corresponding map contours. Use prominent hills, ridges, spurs and valleys as a means of navigation in good visibility.
- Use landforms and point features to orientate the map and as collecting and catching features.
- Use a compass to: Accurately follow a bearing; aim off; check the direction of handrails and other linear features.
- Deviate briefly from a compass bearing to avoid obstacles or difficult terrain and accurately regain the original line.
- Use back bearings to check route following accuracy.
- Measure distance on the ground in varied, open terrain using timing and pacing and make practical allowances for any discrepancies.
- Simplify legs using coarse navigation, attack points and fine navigation.
- Recognise dangerous or difficult terrain on map and ground.
- Plan and implement navigational strategies based on the above skills.
- Maintain route finding accuracy in poor visibility or darkness.
- Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques.
- Understand how personal fitness and nature of terrain affect route choice both at the planning stage and on the ground.
- Understand the potential consequences of fatigue and physical discomfort in demanding terrain and/or extreme weather conditions.
- Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid items for walking in open country in all weather conditions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Countryside Code, current access legislation and the environmental impact of walkers on the countryside.
- Understand the responsibilities of walkers towards other countryside interests such as farming, forestry and conservation.
Gold Navigator Award
The Gold Navigator Award builds on the skills acquired at the Bronze and Silver levels and adds techniques and skills for dealing with complex contour features both large and small.
The Gold National Navigation Award has recently been review and updated, and now includes pre- and post-course question papers. These will be given to candidates when they book with their chosen Course Provider.
The NNAS Gold Navigator Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 6, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.
Gold courses are run by Course Directors who not only have plenty of top-level navigation experience but also have been on a special NNAS-run course in tutoring Gold courses.
For the full syllabus of the Gold Navigator Award see below:
The Gold National Navigation Award has recently been review and updated, and now includes pre- and post-course question papers. These will be given to candidates when they book with their chosen Course Provider.
The NNAS Gold Navigator Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 6, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.
Gold courses are run by Course Directors who not only have plenty of top-level navigation experience but also have been on a special NNAS-run course in tutoring Gold courses.
For the full syllabus of the Gold Navigator Award see below:
- Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze and Silver Awards in the context of Gold National Navigation Award navigation strategies.
- Utilise contours and fine detail as the prime method of navigation.
- Accurately: Follow a route, judge distance, check progress against time, use relevant compass skills and maintain continuous map contact.
- Use back bearings and transits to confirm the current position.
- Use aspect of slope as an aid to relocation.
- Select appropriate techniques within an overall navigation strategy.
- Navigate in intricate terrain in reduced visibility i.e. mist or darkness.
- Select an appropriate, safe route in relation to height gain and loss, dangerous terrain and other major hazards.
- Assess the route ahead in the field in relation to prevailing conditions or changing circumstances (e.g. weather, time, daylight, ability/fitness) and re-plan the route appropriately if necessary.
- Shorten a route, use an escape route and know emergency procedures.
- Recognise the occurrence of a navigational error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques.
- Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid for walking in remote areas in all weather conditions.
- Understand the physical demands created by hill and moorland terrain in all weather conditions.
- Understand the effects of cold, heat, fatigue and discomfort on decision making and execution of a selected route.
- Understand the implications of climate change on the outdoor environment and be knowledgeable in practical steps to mitigate its effect.
- Understand the pros and cons of appropriate electronic navigation devices and describe/demonstrate their use in the context of Gold terrain.
Tutor Award
In 2016 the NNAS launched the NNAS Tutor Award, a course for Providers and their Course Directors who teach navigation. It is a recognition that just because one can personally navigate it doesn’t follow that one can teach it!
Who is the Tutor Award for? All Registered Navigator Award Providers and their Course Directors have attended this CPD-accredited course in order to offer the Navigator awards.
The NNAS Tutor Award is suitable for people 16yrs+ only.
Successful completion of the NNAS Tutor Award will also enable (after approval by NNAS) those without a higher hill or mountain walking qualification, but with experience and interest in the outdoors, to help teach on a Bronze award under the guidance of a registered NNAS Course Director. They will be called “Bronze Tutors”. In this case, once the NNAS Tutor Award is completed, an application by email to the NNAS must be made and approved before that person assists on Bronze courses.
The course is a mixture of indoor and outdoor practical sessions and offers the opportunity for candidates to discuss their own methodology as well as learning new techniques from others.
Cost £75
Who is the Tutor Award for? All Registered Navigator Award Providers and their Course Directors have attended this CPD-accredited course in order to offer the Navigator awards.
The NNAS Tutor Award is suitable for people 16yrs+ only.
Successful completion of the NNAS Tutor Award will also enable (after approval by NNAS) those without a higher hill or mountain walking qualification, but with experience and interest in the outdoors, to help teach on a Bronze award under the guidance of a registered NNAS Course Director. They will be called “Bronze Tutors”. In this case, once the NNAS Tutor Award is completed, an application by email to the NNAS must be made and approved before that person assists on Bronze courses.
The course is a mixture of indoor and outdoor practical sessions and offers the opportunity for candidates to discuss their own methodology as well as learning new techniques from others.
Cost £75