NSC Outdoor Adventures

Navigation Training

We are a registered National Navigation Award Scheme Trainer and Assessor.

As Sir Chris Bonnington says: "Maps and navigation are literally the lifeblood of anyone walking or mountaineering.  You need to know where you want to go, and how to get there."  But I would add '- and how to get back' as most incidents occur when attempting to return.  Things look different in the other direction especially if the weather has worsened or it is getting dark.

The Award Scheme runs through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.  With Gold being equivalent to the technical level of the Mountain Leader scheme.  Successful assessments provide recognition of personal performance through badges and certificates.

The Bronze Award may be undertaken without previous practical navigation experience though to gain the most benefit familiarity with Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 mapping is highly desirable. Students who are not familiar with these maps will probably need additional introductory training prior to this level.

The Silver Award is designed to take those with Bronze Award skills to the next level, after an appropriate period of consolidation by personal experience.  Experienced clients may be able to start at this level, contact us for a discussion first.

The Gold Award requires candidates to be very familiar with the techniques required for navigating using contour features.  Candidates would be expected to have navigated in difficult terrain on many occasions prior to assessment.  This level is equivalent to the standard expected from a Summer Mountain Leader.

Each award can be delivered over a weekend or series of evenings which are typically based on multiple 2 hour sessions.  Specific courses can be tailored to suit the participants.  Gold assessments are carried out by an external assessor.  A two day weekend course including a Friday and Saturday evening session if the Introductory module is being taken provides the best opportunity for consolidation as it avoids having to relearn things from previous sessions.

These awards are delivered in the outdoors, therefore you will need meals and equipment for a day in the outdoors, each day.  The exception to this is the Introductory Module which is classroom based, for which a packed lunch/snack is advised depending on the timing.

Introduction to Mapping.  Depending on your basic map knowledge it may be necessary to undertake an additional Introduction to Maps module of around 4 hours tuition before taking a Bronze course.  A basic understanding and familiarity with Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 mapping is highly desirable in order to maximise the learning experience at the Bronze level award course.  Unlike the formal award courses this is classroom based, but waterproof clothing is advised as there are some short outdoor exercises.  If combined with a weekend Bronze Award course this could be programmed for the preceding Friday afternoon or evening.

Bronze Award – Aim: To be able to plan and follow routes in the countryside using paths, tracks, and other linear features, with basic map interpretation and compass work.  This course has a minimum of 12 hours of training including an assessment over a distance of between 3 and 5 kilometres of suitable countryside.

Silver Award – Aim: To be able to plan and follow walks in the countryside away from paths and tracks.  Using the skills acquired at the Bronze level and adding skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks.  Accurate compass work is required and an ability to use appropriate navigation techniques to go cross-country. This award includes at least 12 hours of training, including assessment over a distance of 5 - 8 kilometres in terrain which allows for the demonstration of the appropriate skills.

Gold Award – Aim: To be able to plan and follow routes in any open countryside, forest or hill environment.  It uses the skills of the first two awards, but adds techniques and further skills for dealing with complex contour features on terrain with few man-made features.  This award requires a high standard of navigation skill.  A minimum of 12 hours of training is required plus an external assessment, taken at a later date.  The assessment covers a distance of 6 - 10 kilometres and takes place in wild terrain appropriate to this level.

For further details please contact us.  All navigation equipment is provided, including maps, map cases and compasses.  The courses are based in the outdoors so candidates should come ready and prepared for walking in the weather and conditions at the time.  Packed lunch, snacks and drinks will be needed but are not provided.