Navigation for beginners

Our popular Bronze NNAS Beginner Navigation Course is the perfect introduction to the art of navigation. Over the two days you will gain valuable experience of the skills you need to successfully plan and follow walks of your own devising. The course is practical and features as much time out on the hills as possible giving you plenty of opportunity to practise and gain advice and encouragement from our experienced instructors. By the end of the course you will have a solid grounding in map reading skills and some experience of basic compass techniques.

Please use this link to access the booking system:

https://nnas.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=27D26868B121CA6B66282278D58E9A8CBC217586

The location advertised is aimed at providing as much ease of travel as possible on public transport networks. If you are driving in please liase with us so that if you are content to do so, we can organise a car share with other clients - saves you money and saves our planet. We will plan refreshment stops into our days but do recommend that you bring snacks and a water bottle.

If you would prefer one to one training rather than working as part of a group this can be arranged, but as you would expect this will influence the cost of the programme.

We make no assumptions about previous experience and this course is equally suitable for both novices and experienced walkers who are looking for an introduction to formal navigation techniques. 

During the course you will look at:

• Understanding maps - Scales, Rights of Way, Grid References.
• Developing a navigation strategy -  “Distance, Direction, Description, Destination, Duration".
• Measuring distances - Timing and Pacing.
• Using a compass - Map orientation, taking and walking a bearing.
• Following a bearing in poor visibility.
• Contour recognition - Understanding the shape of the land.
• Routefinding skills - Using natural features, hazard avoidance.
• Route planning.

This is a twelve hour course held over two six hour days which includes the assessment on day two.

In addition to the course you will upon completion, be invited, free of charge, to additional day walks together with other NNAS participants where you will be able to enhance your skills, share experiences and develop new friendships.

The provider is FULLY insured for outdoor activities and has a current outdoor first aid certificate. We are also licensed by AALA to provide outdoor activities with young people in mountainous environments in the UK.

Whilst the incidence of Covid 19 infections within the population appears to be reducing there is still no room for complacency. If you have displayed symptoms of Covid 19 (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/) in the fourteen days prior to the start date of the event then please STAY AWAY. If you have been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with Covid 19 less than 14 days prior to the event, please STAY AWAY unless you have completed a negative PCR test AND are fully vaccinated against Covid 19.

During the event you will be expected to adopt higher than usual standards of hygiene. We should assume that there will be no toilet or bathroom facilities when we are out walking. Please ensure that you have your own hand sanitising gel, and use it frequently. 

We will provide maps and compasses and any other equipment that we feel will add to your enjoyment of the event. The event will go ahead regardless of the weather so please ensure that you bring a waterproof jacket and ideally waterproof trousers, a day sack with sufficient food/snacks and drinks for the day. You should also bring with you a warm hat, scarf and gloves. Please wear walking boots or shoes - trainers would be unsuitable. The area we will be working in is a haven for wildlife so if you have them you might want to bring your binoculars and a camera. You may also find a notepad and pen useful. You will be given a map and compass at the start of each day. It will have been cleansed with sanitising gel beforehand. Please ensure they are cleaned before you return hem at the end of day 2.

Unless government guidelines change, I do not recommend the wearing of masks or gloves during any of my events.

If as a result of you being unable to attend the event because of your symptoms or those of others you have been in contact with, or if the event has to be cancelled due to changes in lockdown rules, any fee paid will be either returned to you immediately or with your agreement will be retained until such time as you are able to attend a course.

If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the event, please call/text/whatsapp Glenn on 07801 852319.