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NNAS NAVIGATION SKILLS COURSE
Fri 18 Sept
|Peak District National Park
A combined NNAS Straight to Silver Award course, taking you from the foundations of map reading right through to confident, independent navigation in the mountains.
Time & Location
18 Sept 2026, 09:30 – 20 Sept 2026, 16:30
Peak District National Park
About the event
Join Made Wild Adventures for this NNAS Bronze and Silver Awards to take you from map-reading basics all the way to confident, independent navigation across open hillside. You'll learn to use a map and compass properly, understand contours, estimate distance, and make smart decisions in poor visibility including a session of night navigation. By the end, you'll have the skills to plan your own routes, explore new areas, and head into the hills without relying on a phone app or anyone else to lead the way.
Location: Peak District National Park
Date: 18-20 Sept 2026 (0930 - 1630)
Experience level: Suitable for beginners and above (no prior experience required)
Duration: 3 days
Distance: ~5-8km per day
Elevation: ~300m
This is your one stop shop to go from complete beginner to confident navigator in a single weekend. Whether you've never picked up a map or you've been fumbling your way around one for years, this course will give you a proper foundation and take you all the way through to navigating confidently across open terrain. The goal is simple: to leave with the skills, knowledge and confidence to plan and complete your own mountain days, independently and safely and have a fun weekend in the hills along the way!
What's included:
3 days navigation training (NNAS Silver Award)
NNAS Silver Award digital certificate upon successful completion.
£13 NNAS Course Fee included in the price
What's not included:
Travel to and from the meeting point
Accommodation
Personal travel and health insurance (highly recommended)
The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a personal performance scheme for all ages to learn navigation skills and gain confidence to get out and enjoy the countryside. Their Navigator Awards give lovers of the outdoors, whatever their sport, age or fitness, the freedom to explore the paths, trails, hills and mountains of Britain. Progress through the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards to take you from being an absolute map and compass novice to become an expert navigator. You can view the full syllabus in the FAQs below. Our experienced instructors will share their knowledge with you and answer any questions you have about exploring the hills and mountains of the UK.
The Silver NNAS Navigator Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 5, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion. Successful candidates receive a digital certificate along with their nationally recognised qualification. Upon successful completion you will receive a NNAS Silver Award. For more information on what you'll learn and the award syllabus see below:
Bronze Navigation Award Syllabus
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.
Silver Navigation Award Syllabus
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.
Still not sure if this is for you? Contact me (Lucy) on madewildadventures@gmail.com and I'll get back to you asap or check out our FAQs page
Tickets
NNAS Navigation Award
Sale ends
17 Sept, 16:00
NNAS NAVIGATION BRONZE & SILVER AWARD
£210.00
Total
£0.00