3 Oct 2023

Navigation – Gold NNAS Award

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National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) – Gold Award

 

The Gold Navigator Award is the highest qualification within the NNAS framework and builds on the skills acquired at the Bronze and Silver levels and adds techniques and skills for dealing with complex contour features both large and small. The course takes place in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park.

The Gold National Navigation Award now includes pre- and post-course question papers. These will be provided to candidates on completion of booking.

The NNAS Gold Navigator Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 6, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.

Gold courses are run by Course Directors who not only have plenty of top-level navigation experience but also have been on a special NNAS-run course in tutoring Gold courses.

Syllabus

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Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze and Silver Awards in the context of Gold National Navigation Award navigation strategies.

Utilise contours and fine detail as the prime method of navigation.

Accurately: Follow a route, judge distance, check progress against time, use relevant compass skills and maintain continuous map contact.

Use back bearings and transits to confirm the current position.

Use aspect of slope as an aid to relocation.

Select appropriate techniques within an overall navigation strategy.

Navigate in intricate terrain in reduced visibility i.e. mist or darkness.

Select an appropriate, safe route in relation to height gain and loss, dangerous terrain and other major hazards.

Assess the route ahead in the field in relation to prevailing conditions or changing circumstances (e.g. weather, time, daylight, ability/fitness) and re-plan the route appropriately if necessary.

Shorten a route, use an escape route and know emergency procedures.

Recognise the occurrence of a navigational error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques.

Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid for walking in remote areas in all weather conditions.

Understand the physical demands created by hill and moorland terrain in all weather conditions.

Understand the effects of cold, heat, fatigue and discomfort on decision making and execution of a selected route.

Understand the implications of climate change on the outdoor environment and be knowledgeable in practical steps to mitigate its effect.

Understand the pros and cons of appropriate electronic navigation devices and describe/demonstrate their use in the context of Gold terrain.

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Course details:

This course runs over two days. You must complete the full course, pass the assessment and answer all questions included on the pre & post assessment criteria in order to achieve the Gold NNAS Award. The assessment will normally take place on the afternoon of Day 2. All training (and assessment) will be delivered practically in the outdoors rather than in a classroom. This is a ‘hands-on’ real navigation course.

*Please contact myself via email with any course enquiries: mwall16@tiscali.co.uk

or click on link below for bookings:

 

 

 

 

21 Sep 2020

Navigation – Bronze NNAS Award

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National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) – Bronze Award

The course takes place over 2 days in Snowdonia and will equip you to safely enjoy hillwalking and a range of other outdoor activities without getting lost. (Mountain Rescue estimate that 80% of accidents in the hills are the result of a simple navigational error).
The course is fun and interactive, based entirely outdoors.
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.
It is also the starting point for many Duke of Edinburgh students, scouts and guides and cadets who are looking to develop their outdoor skills. NNAS Bronze Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.
Your entry onto the scheme is linked to the Mountain Training D-Log system, enabling you to use a single system to record NNAS and progression to Hill and Mountain Leadership Awards if you should so desire.
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 are also included.

 

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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.

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

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

 

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Course details:

This course runs over two days. You must complete the full course in order to achieve the Bronze NNAS Award. All training (and assessment) will be delivered practically in the outdoors rather than in a classroom. This is a ‘hands-on’ real navigation course.

*Please contact myself via email with any course enquiries: mwall16@tiscali.co.uk

or click on link below for bookings:

 

 

 

5 Nov 2017

Mountain Skills Course

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Do you want to have your own adventure’s in the mountains?

If so, the ‘Mountain Skills’ course will get you heading in the right direction and provide you with the knowledge, safety skills and confidence to do just that.

If you already have hill walking experience but want to progress to steep mountain terrain, then the Mountain Skills course is definitely the way forward.

*For further information on the mountain skills course, please click on the image:

 

Objectives:

The 2-Day Course is nationally accredited and endorsed by Mountain Rescue England and Wales and will provide you with the skills and confidence to:

Successfully plan a walk in the mountains in the UK or Ireland

Understand pace, nutrition and movement skills over various rocky terrain & steep ground

Make an informed choice of correct clothing and equipment – being suitably dressed and equipped can make the difference between a great day out and a complete disaster

Interpret the weather – how it may affect the mountains and your day

Navigate in the mountains – everything from selecting a compass and using a map to navigation in poor visibility and an intro to GPS

Environmental knowledge – how to minimise your impact on the hill, information on good practice and useful organisations

Hazards and emergency procedures in the mountains – how to respond to any hazards you encounter and what to do in a real emergency

Registration for the scheme

Booking on to either the Hill Skills or Mountain Skills course will automatically register with Mountain Training.

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Course details:

The 2-day course is run with a maximum of four people (larger groups can be accommodated) and will take place in the Snowdonia National Park.

Please contact myself via email with any course enquiries: mwall16@tiscali.co.uk

or clink on link below for booking form

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Max Adventures is an accredited provider of the Hill & Mountain Skills Scheme