(NNAS Silver Award)
The course looks at navigation using skills learned at the Bronze level and adding abilities required to navigate to features and locations some distance from paths and tracks: accurate compass work and the ability to use the appropriate navigational techniques to cross country.
An excellent course for those with some experience but who wish to brush up and learn new skills. Most of the time will be spent out on the hill.
Minimum Group Size: One - Maximum Group Size: Eight
Cost: Course and Assessment £130.00 payable before the course start date. The course will not be confirmed until paid for. (If you would prefer a private course for yourself or with a group of friends, let me know when booking)
(NNAS is a charity and will request an admin fee of £7.50. This covers the cost of the certificate.)
Cancellation of course. If you (the participant) cancel the course, a cancellation fee of £70 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, you will get full payment of the returned monies.
You do not need to attend the Bronze Course before the Silver. However, you will require to have the skills and knowledge taught at the Bronze level and have put them into practice.
By the end of the course, you should have gained the skills to:
Devise a strategy for a navigational stage, break it down into 'coarse' and 'fine' navigation and use apparent features en route to check that you are on course.
Understand and apply the following components of a navigational strategy 'aiming off', 'attack points', 'collecting features', simplifying navigation, and using them in varying terrain.
Demonstrate an understanding of contour features, both large and small, on the map and the ground.
Demonstrate an understanding of the navigation physical and factors affecting route choice.
Judge distance accurately on the map and the ground.
Plan a safe walk or route involving Silver Award skills and strategies.
Employ simple relocation strategies when lost.
Use a compass to follow accurate bearings and to check the direction of footpaths or other linear features on both the map and the ground.
Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of fatigue and physical discomfort by navigating in demanding countryside or extreme weather conditions.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Countryside Code and current access legislation for the Bronze level, together with an appreciation of primary environmental factors in mixing man with nature (e.g. footpath erosion and methods of dealing with it), and responsibilities towards other countryside interests like farming, forestry, and conservation.
For further information regarding course bookings, please get in touch using the email below:
The NNAS Silver Navigator Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 5 and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.
E-mail: pentlandoutdoornavigation@gmail.com
Candidate Comments
Kate, 24th Feb 2023
My partner and I had a great time doing the silver award with Robert. My partner had much more prior knowledge than me and Robert tailored the learning experiences to meet both our needs. I feel much more confident navigating now and plan to get out on the hills this weekend to put it to practice! Robert made us both feel relaxed and at ease straight away and we all had a good laugh. Recommend!
Sam, 05 Mar 2023
Robert took me on the NNAS Silver qualification recently and I can't recommend him highly enough. Extremely professional from start to finish, very knowledgeable, and an all-round strong teacher on navigation in the hill. Would strongly recommend anyone to get on a course with Robert if you get the chance.
Andy, 14 Aug 2023
Having just completed the two day NNAS 'silver' course, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending' Pentland Outdoor Navigation'.
Although I've been hillwalking in the Scottish mountains for the last 30 years, I was amazed at how little I actually knew and how much I 'winged' it on limited experience and skills.
I now feel far more confident to navigate over difficult terrain and the 'night navigation' exercises' proved to be the icing on the cake. I'm now far more aware of the numerous features and map interpretation to guide me safely across the hills.
If you're contemplating taking a navigation course or hesitant in any way, then please be reassured that Robert will put you ease and ensure that you have a positive learning experience.
I cannot thank Robert enough for his professionalism and patience. His cheerful disposition and relaxed approach was exactly what I needed to get the best out of this course.
Thanks again Robert.