National Navigations Award Scheme

Wanting to brush up on your navigation. Then try one of our weekend navigation courses. These courses follow the syllabus of and lead to a recognised certificate from the NNAS.

This course is physically tough so you need to be prepared for it.

BRONZE AWARD

On completed of this award, participants will be able to plan and follow simple walks in the countryside mainly on paths and tracks.

Syllabus – The Learning Outcomes

• Understand the nature of a map as a two dimensional plan.
  
• Understand how to use map symbols and scales, on a variety of maps.
  
• Take a 6 figure grid reference for any given position and also locate such a reference on the map.
  
• Orientate the map with and without a compass.
  
• Use the orientated map to identify land features and indicate direction of travel.
  
• Choose simple navigation strategies and routes.
  
• Use linear features (e.g. paths and tracks) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
  
• Estimate distance on both map and ground.
  
• Using a basic understanding of contours, match major landforms like hills and valleys to their map representation.
  
• Plan a safe, suitable walk.
  
• Relocate using simple techniques on paths and other handrails.
  
• Understand access rights and responsibilities.
  
• Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues and access legislation.
  
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Countryside Code, and of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.
  

SILVER AWARD

On completion of this award participants will be able to plan and follow walks in the countryside away from paths and tracks.

Syllabus – The learning outcomes: (additional to those of the Bronze Award)

• Devise a strategy for a navigational stage, to break it down into 'coarse' and 'fine' navigation and to use clear features en route to check that they are 'on course'.
• Understand and apply the following components of a navigational strategy 'aiming off', 'attack points', 'collecting features', simplifying navigation, and apply them in varying terrain.
  
• Demonstrate an understanding of contour features, both large and small, on the map and on the ground.
  
• Demonstrate an understanding of the navigation physical and factors affecting route choice.
  
• Judge distance accurately on the map and on the ground.
  
• Plan a safe walk or route involving Silver award skills and strategies.
  
• Employ simple relocation strategies when lost.
  
• Use a compass to follow accurate bearings and to check the direction of footpaths or other linear features on both map and ground.
  
• Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of fatigue and physical discomfort brought on by navigating in demanding countryside and/or extreme weather condition. Knowledge of basic first aid is also expected.
  
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Countryside Code and current access legislation as for the Bronze level together with an appreciation of basic environmental factors in mixing 'man with nature' (e.g. footpath erosion and methods of dealing with it), and responsibilities towards other countryside interests like farming, forestry and conservation.