Silver National Navigation Award Scheme Course

The Silver National Navigation Award is an “intermediate” level award. Your skills acquired at the Bronze level will be developed and added too. Learning accurate compass work and the skills to select the suitable navigational techniques to cross open country. Enabling you to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks.

There is no requirement to hold the Bronze Award. Although, having the knowledge taught on that award, would be ideal to get the most out of this award.

The NNAS Silver award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 5. With 2 SCQF credit points awarded completion, it is part of a suite of awards from the National Navigation Award Scheme.

Silver Navigation Course Information

Silver National Navigation Award courses are taught in areas with access to open country. Definitely involving periods where you’ll be navigating away from paths and tracks.The syllabus includes using pacing and timings, contour interpretation, use of bearings and associated safety and access issues. We recommend that participants are a minimum of 14 years. All under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This course takes place in the iconic and beautiful valley of Swaledale, around the town of Reeth. Using the areas network of footpaths and tracks, with access to open hillside and multiple different landforms, we have various opportunities to practice navigation. Our meeting point on day 1 will be one of the cafes or pubs in Reeth. Over a tea or coffee, we will run through some of the basics before moving out to put them into practice. Day 2 is out and about somewhere in the dale!

Your tutor for the course is an experienced mountain leader who also holds the International Mountain Leader carnet. With over 25+ years of experience in teaching navigation.

Maximum tutor to participant ratio is 1:8.A few days prior to the course, there will be a group meeting online to say hi and also run through the course details. During the course, the terrain used falls into the “Moderate” definition we use for our guided walks.

Wear clothing suitable for being outdoors. Waterproof jacket and trousers are essential items, along with hats and gloves. A lunch and drinks will be needed on both days. All navigation equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your own compass and map of the area.

Unfortunately, we cannot take dogs on this course; sorry!

Please contact us with any questions or queries.