Discover the joys of navigation on one of our NNAS Bronze award courses on Dartmoor or on the Quantock hills in Somerset. The Bronze Award covers the essential map reading skills. You'll learn about using “handrail features”, like paths and walls, to guide you along your way. You’ll also learn the basics of how to use a compass and how to use it with your map to ensure you don’t get lost. A bronze course will take you from relying on friends or guidebooks to being able to plan a walk and follow it successfully.
BRONZE NNAS
£125pp
2 Days
Dartmoor/Quantocks/Mendips/Bespoke
1:8
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. The course will cover the following:
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Navigate using a variety of maps and scales.
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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.
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Orientate the map using handrails, obvious point features and major landforms.
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Use linear features (e.g. paths, tracks, clear boundaries) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
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Relate prominent landforms such as large hills and valleys to corresponding contour information on the map.
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Orientate the map by aligning a compass needle against grid north and be aware that magnetic variation causes an inaccuracy.
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Use an orientated map to confirm the direction of travel.
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Use clearly identifiable features to confirm position along the route and to recognise when the target has been overshot.
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Measure horizontal distance on the map and estimate distance on the ground using timing, pacing and simple visual judgements e.g.100m.
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Plan and implement simple routes and navigation strategies based on the above skills.
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Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply simple relocation techniques using handrails and prominent features.
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Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues, access legislation, personal responsibilities and the Countryside Code.
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Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of walking equipment, safety equipment and emergency procedures.