NNAS Bronze Navigation Award

The Bronze National Navigation Award is a practical hands-on award. It is aimed at people with no navigation experience whether you are new to the outdoors or have been relying on others, guidebooks or easy well-defined routes.

  • Distance: 4 – 6 miles /6-10km (approx.). Each day.
  • Ascent: 400/1300ft (approx.). Each Day.
  • Difficulty: Easier.
  • Great For: Beginners or those wishing to gain a navigation award and build confidence with map reading skills.
  • Approx Timings: 0915 – 16 to 1700 each day. Final confirmation when you book.
  • Start/Finish: Hathersage Area, Peak District. Final confirmation when you book.
  • Location Map >

£140.00

SKU NNAS Bronze Navigation Award Categories ,

Description

The syllabus of the Bronze National Navigation Award teaches navigation in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features. Basic map interpretation and compass work is also included.

For a full syllabus of the Bronze National Navigation Award see below:

  • 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 National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a personal performance, non-competitive, incentive scheme for all ages to learn navigation skills and gain confidence to get out and enjoy the countryside.  Successful completion of the award will enable you to receive your Bronze Award Certificate after the course.

Additional information

The Walk

The syllabus of the Bronze National Navigation Award teaches navigation in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features. Basic map interpretation and compass work is also included.

For a full syllabus of the Bronze National Navigation Award see below:

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 National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a personal performance, non-competitive, incentive scheme for all ages to learn navigation skills and gain confidence to get out and enjoy the countryside.  Successful completion of the award will enable you to receive your Bronze Award Certificate after the course.

What’s included?

Included
  • Qualified Mountain Leader or Hill and Moorland Leader with Outdoor First Aid Qualifications.
  • Guiding throughout the day with briefing advice and support to ensure your safety.
  • Narrative on local points of interest, wildlife, geology, history and culture.
  • Optional photography of your day which can be shared with you.
  • The option of a free, return lift from a station or bus stop to the start of your walk to encourage sustainable travel. We can only arrange this if we have spare space in our vehicle and the pick-up point is reasonably close to your walk. Ask us when you book.
Not Included:
  • Parking or transport costs associated with your walk.
  • Essential walking kit or food.
  • Navigation equipment and maps for Navigation Courses (we will help if we have spares).

What to Bring

In addition to the Essential Kit List on our What to Bring page, please bring:

  • The relevant 1:25000 OS Explorer Map – we’ll let you know which one when you book. You can order maps online: Shop Ordnance Survey
  • A decent base plate compass, with map measuring scales and a magnifier. E.g. Silva Ranger, Silva Expedition 4, Suunto A-30 Compass or similar.
  • A waterproof map case.
  • A water-resistant watch or phone with stopwatch function.
  • For night navigation courses only, a durable, bright head torch with fully charged or spare batteries.

If you are struggling to get hold of any navigation items, we may be able to advise or lend you items. Just contact us.

Meeting and Parking

The meeting time is 0915.  We usually meet in the Hope Valley near Hathersage. We’ll let you know when you book.

Coming by Bus or Train
We’re keen to support public transport use and reduce emissions. If you’re arriving reasonably nearby we’ll give you a free lift.

Facilities

We’ll ensure we meet at location where there is a café, toilets and parking. Final confirmation when you book.

Walk Difficulty

These are Easier Walks on this course.  Here is our walk difficulty guide >

FAQs

We have created a separate page of the most frequently asked questions here >

Accommodation

We have created a page of Peak District accommodation we recommend here >

Respect, Protect and Enjoy!

We all want to respect, protect and enjoy the fragile upland environments where we walk, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.  Following The Countryside Code really helps…

Respect:
  • Be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
  • Leave gates and property as you find them
  • Do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
  • Be nice, say hello, share the space
  • Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect:
  • Take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
  • Do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
  • Always keep dogs under control and in sight
  • Dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
  • Care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy:
  • Check your route and local conditions
  • Plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
  • Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory
Want to know more?
  • Sustainability – our actions and fund raising to support the local environment, communities and economy.
  • Contact Us – ask a question or make a suggestion.