A weekend course to consolidate learning and take your skills to the next level.
The intermediate course is aimed at those who’ve done some map reading previously and want to build on their skills. In this one day course you will gain lots of experience using a compass to navigate on ground away from paths and tracks. This is a useful skill if you find yourself out in the dark or when visibility is poor due to weather. You will learn about compass bearings and navigational strategies to compliment using a map and compass.
There is the option when booking to add on the National Navigation Award Scheme assessment to achieve the Silver Award.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the different features of your compass
- Setting the map with a compass
- Taking and walking on a bearing – and the different techniques to do this effectively over different terrain.
- Deviate briefly from a compass bearing to avoid obstacles or difficult terrain and regain the original line.
- Use back bearings to check route following accuracy.
- Relate small hills, small valleys, prominent re-entrants and prominent spurs to the map contours, and use them as a navigational aid.
- Use landforms and point features to orientate the map and as collecting and catching features.
- Recognise dangerous or difficult terrain on map and ground.
- Measure distance on the ground, in varied and open terrain – using pacing and timing and knowing how to make allowances for discrepancies.
- Use ‘course’ navigation, attack points and fine navigation.
- Recognise and correct navigational errors
- Lots of practice walking off path to micro features on open moorland.
- Learn about personal kit and equipment to carry in more remote areas
- Using weather forecasts to plan ahead
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 Silver 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
- 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 Silver 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 5, 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 3, Maximum 6
Duration: 2 days, non residential
Distance walking: Maximum of 10km with most of the day spent ‘off path’ so involves walking on rough, rocky and challenging terrain.
If you are interested in booking for a group get in touch – emily@tinkadventures.com