(NNAS Bronze Level 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. The Bronze award is currently credit-rated at SCQF level 4, with the syllabus of the Award teaching navigation in the countryside using paths, tracks, and other linear features. Map interpretation and compass work are also included.
Gaining this award does not qualify participants to teach or lead, but does provide recognition of the level of skill at which the participant can navigate.
Most of the time will be spent out on the hill.
Minimum Group Size: One - Maximum Group Size Eight
Assumes: No previous knowledge
Cost: Course and Assessment £115.00pp payable in advance of the course start date. The course will not be confirmed until paid for.
(NNAS is a charity and will ask for an admin fee of £5.00. This covers the cost of the certificate.)
Cancellation of course. If you (the participant) cancel the course, a cancellation fee of £55 pp will be deducted from the payment.
There will be no refund if you cancel within 24hrs of the course commencing.
If Pentland Outdoor cancels the course, then you will get full payment of the monies returned.
By the end of the course, you should be able to demonstrate competence in the following areas:
Understanding the nature of a map as a two-dimensional plan.
Understanding map symbols, scales, and the underlying principle of the magnetic compass including cardinal points.
Ordnance Survey maps at scales of 1:25,000 and 1:50,000, Harvey Walker's maps.
The part played by grid references and magnetic variation will depend on the type of map being used.
Take a 6-figure grid reference for any given position and also locate such a reference on the map.
Orientate the map with and without a compass.
Use the orientated map to identify land features and indicate the direction of travel.
Choose simple navigation strategies and routes.
Use linear features (e.g. paths and tracks) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
Estimate distance on both map and ground.
Using a basic understanding of contours, match major landforms like hills and valleys to their map representation.
Plan a safe, suitable walk.
Relocate using simple techniques on paths and other handrails.
Understand access rights and responsibilities.
Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues and access legislation
Demonstrate knowledge of the Countryside Code, and of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.
For further information regarding course bookings, please get in touch using the email below:
E-mail: pentlandoutdoornavigation@gmail.com
Candidate Comments
Audrey 25 July 2020
Had a great 2 days in the Pentlands with Robert and learned so much. Feeling inspired and planning to take on much more than I have in the past. Thanks again Robert, and hopefully see you next year for my silver.
Kate 12 Aug 2020
Thanks for all your amazing support, Rob! Really chuffed and can’t wait to get out in the hills and practice my skills!
Elaine 20 Sept 2020
A fantastic couple of days doing this course with Rab. We would definitely recommend him. He was able to tailor the course for each of us building up our confidence and knowledge.
I also really liked his humour and his helpful ways of remembering the various techniques of navigation.
Steven 27 Sept 2020
Thanks, Robert, brilliant two days in the hills. Really enjoyed the experience and I learned loads on the course, now planning to put the experience into practice. I would highly recommend the course to anyone interested. Good chat and learned loads in stunning scenery. Much appreciated Robert
Siobhan 27 Mar 2022
Well, what can I say - I booked my Bronze Navigation course with Robert as I had zero knowledge of how to use a map or a compass. I love going up the hills but I would always rely on other people to lead the way or just stick to routes that I know well. Robert is an incredible instructor & explains everything very simply & clearly. He allows you to make mistakes so you can learn 'what not to do & rethink your approach. He's great fun & makes you feel at ease straight away... I had the best day ever & I learned so much in such a short space of time - I'm buzzing!!
Robert also taught me how to stay safe in the hills & what to do in an emergency situation - whether I'm in need of assistance or I'm helping someone else who is in trouble. My confidence has soared & I can't wait to get back out to test my newfound knowledge...I would highly recommend him to anyone who is keen to gain confidence in their navigation skills...
Thank you so much Robert - I had a truly amazing day. I'll see you soon for the silver...
Carol 16 Sept 2022
Just completed my NNAS Bronze with Robert who made the whole thing an enjoyable experience and a great day out in the hills. I'm particularly grateful for the additional hints and tips for my silver assessment later in the year.'
Agnieszka 19 Nov 2022
Excellent training, a lot of exciting information and practice in the field, zero stress, and a lot of patience. Thank you very much.
Bart 19 Nov 2022
Thank you for a super inspiring day, and lots of exciting topics. Definitely the Silver course for next year. Thank you very much, Robert, for an exciting experience and a great day.
Charles 09 Dec 2022
I recently completed my NNAS bronze award with Robert. If you want to become more competent and confident at map reading, I urge you to get in touch. I thoroughly enjoyed the course due to Robert's relaxed and friendly approach which made me feel at ease. He will tailor the course to the individual, and he has vast knowledge and experience that he is always keen to impart to the course participants. I very much look forward to completing my silver award with Robert.