A weekend course to consolidate learning and feel confident in any conditions.
The advanced course is aimed at those who’ve done some map reading previously and want to build on their skills and add techniques and skills for dealing with complex contour features, both large and small.
There is the option when booking to add on the National Navigation Award Scheme assessment to achieve the Gold Award.
Course Objectives:
- Use macro and micro navigation techniques
- Understand contours and fine detail as the primary method of navigation.
- Accurately follow a route, judge distance, check progress against time and 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.
- Be able to select appropriate techniques within an overall navigation strategy.
- Navigate in complex terrain in reduced visibility, such as fog or darkness.
- Select appropriate, safe routes to avoid dangerous terrain and other hazards.
- Be able to assess the route ahead in the field in relation to prevailing conditions or changing circumstances (such as weather, time, daylight and fitness), and replan the route if necessary
- Shorten a route using escape routes and know appropriate emergency procedures.
- Understand the physical demands of hill and moorland terrain in all weather conditions
- Understand the effects of cold, heat, fatigue and discomfort on decision making
- Understand the implications of climate change on the outdoors
- Understand the pros and cons of electronic navigation devices and know how best to use them.
Day 1
- Course introduction and theory
- Practical session outdoors (lunch break on the hill)
Day 2
- Practical session outdoors
- De-brief and questions
- Assessment outcome (for those doing Gold NNAS)
Course needs a minimum of 3 people to run.
Equipment required:
Participants are asked to come prepared for a day outdoors:
- Rucksack
- Walking boots/outdoor shoes
- Outdoor clothing (No jeans!)
- Waterproof jacket and spare warm layer
- Food and drink
- Head torch
- Personal medication (if required)
A full kit list is given with the joining instructions. If you have any special requests, just let us know what you need on your booking form.
If you booked to do the Gold NNAS award you will have an assessment and if successful you can order a certificate and badge from NNAS. The award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 6, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.
If you are just interested in the course and don’t want the qualification, you do not have to be assessed.
Key information:
Location: Around the Peak District
Group Size: Minimum 2, Maximum 4
Duration: 2 days, non residential
Course timings: Saturday 11-7pm, with an opportunity to navigate in the dark
Sunday 10 – 4pm
Distance walking: Maximum of 10km with most of the day spent ‘off path’ so involves walking on rough, rocky and challenging terrain.
In order to do the Gold NNAS assessment you need to have completed either Silver NNAS or ML/ HML training. Note that the Gold assessment also includes a pre and post course paper questions.
If you are interested in booking for a group get in touch – emily@tinkadventures.com