Intermediate Navigation Course – Silver NNAS Award

The Silver National Navigation Award is an “intermediate” level award. Already happy using a map to follow paths and tracks, understand contours, wanting to “go a little further”, or, looking to learn how to use a compass? This is the course for you!

No need to hold the Bronze Award to join us on this course. Although, having the knowledge taught on that award would be ideal to get the most out of this one. Build on your knowledge, develop and add to your skills. Looking at accurate compass work and learning the navigational techniques to cross open country. All these will enable you to navigate to features and places away from paths and tracks.

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 the plan for the day and recap any 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!

Contact us with any questions or queries.