Bronze Navigator Award

Navigate with confidence!

We are pleased to offer this two session course in association with the National Navigation Award Scheme. The NNAS approach is to steadily build the levels of understanding to ensure the training is embedded and candidates can confidently progress through the stages to become excellent navigators. All Hillgoers instructors have undergone the Tutor Award Training course.

Aimed at novice level, the Bronze course will train you to plan and confidently follow routes in the countryside using paths and tracks.  Successful candidates will receive a nationally recognised navigation award at Bronze level accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.

These courses are limited to 8 places.

Bronze learning outcomes covered:

1. Navigate using a variety of maps and scales.

2. 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.

3. Orientate the map using handrails, obvious point features and major landforms.

4. Use linear features (e.g. paths, tracks, clear boundaries) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.

5. Relate prominent landforms such as large hills and valleys to corresponding contour information on the map.

6. Orientate the map by aligning a compass needle against grid north and be aware that magnetic variation causes an inaccuracy.

7. Use an orientated map to confirm the direction of travel.

8. Use clearly identifiable features to confirm position along the route and to recognise when the target has been overshot.

9. Measure horizontal distance on the map and estimate distance on the ground using timing, pacing and simple visual judgements e.g.100m.

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

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

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

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

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

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Course Duration

Day 1 and 2 the course starts at 10am and finished by 5pm.

Day 1 is usually classroom / coffee shop based in the morning then outsite for the remainder of the day. Day 2 is all outsite and you may be walking around 10-12 km with some up-hill sections.

We run these courses in various locations, please select your preferred date and location at checkout.

These events are graded aa Level 2. Find out more about our walk grading here.

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the course.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books). Our recommended compass for summer hill walking is the Silva Expedition Type 4 or Expedition.

Please contact us if you require more information.

Terms & Conditions apply