The Bronze National Navigation course is designed for people with no or limited navigation experience. This course is also used as for Duke of Edinburgh students, scouts and guides and cadet groups who are looking to develop their outdoor skills. The course focuses on navigation in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features. Basic map interpretation and compass work are also included.

NNAS Bronze award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion. (See FAQs for more)

The full syllabus of the Bronze National Navigation Award includes:

• Navigate using a variety of maps and scales.

• 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.

• 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 the 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.

• Plan and implement simple routes and navigation strategies based on the above skills.

• Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply simple relocation techniques using handrails and prominent features.

• Be aware of the use of mobile phone location apps as a back up to map and compass and in emergencies.

• Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues, access legislation, personal responsibilities, the Countryside Code and sustainability.

• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of walking equipment, safety equipment and emergency procedures.

The Silver National Navigation Award develops the navigation skills acquired at the Bronze level or those who are already experienced through other activities. The course focuses on navigating to features and places some distance from paths and tracks. It also teaches accurate compass work. and how to select the suitable navigational techniques to cross open country.

Silver Award courses are taught in areas with access to open country and involve periods where you’ll be navigating away from paths and tracks.

The NNAS Silver Navigator Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 5 and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.

The full syllabus of the Silver National Navigation Award includes:

• 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.

• Understand how outdoor activities impact on the environment and how that impact can be minimised and sustainable use promoted.

As a Lowland Hiking Leader, our instructor can lead hiking groups in the UK Countryside for a range of people. These are done at request and upon further discussion depending upon factors such as distance to cover, number to be taken and activities on the route.

As a qualified Lowland Rescue Assessor, we can assess Lowland Search Technicians and their Team Leaders in their navigation skills for their team Training Officers. We design our sessions to ensure our students meet the Lowland Rescue Standards under Element 4.

Additionally Realm Hiker offers an automatic 50% discount for any Lowland Rescue team member upon confirmation of their records from Lowland.

Similar rates are available for other Search and Rescue organisations in the UK along with working our courses to match their required standards. Please contact us for more details.