Navigation

NNAS Navigation Courses

Discover the mysteries of magical Dartmoor as well as build confidence and develop your Navigation Skills.

No longer will you wonder what terms such as handrails had to do with walking on the mountains and why some people drop small stones when they are walking. With each participant engaging in the exercise, our basic navigation courses are suitable for all, with the aim to feel less “like a sheep” at the end, a comment from many of our past customers!

We run one type of course which will provide sufficient guidance to attain either Bronze or Silver level NNAS. Our NNAS gold award courses are organised on demand, often from previous course attendees, who want to continue to develop their skills.

Accommodation is available at the Hostel or we can recommend local Bed and Breakfast for those who prefer other types of accommodation.

NNAS Bronze Award. The course meets the requirements of National Navigation Award Scheme’s Bronze level. This will include 2 days on the Moor, 2 evening sessions of lectures and practical sessions, with a final assessment. Those under 18 may take the course, but the NNAS certification is only available to those over 18.

Content includes:

Understanding maps and their scales, different symbols and using grid references.
Orientating the map to the ground and identifying features on map and ground.
The ability to judge approximate distances on both map and ground.
Understanding of the contour system, so that you can differentiate valleys and ridges.
To plan a safe walk or course in wild country.
Understand information symbols on maps, for facilities, rights of way
Using a map and compass to find where you are, and where to walk.

NNAS Silver Award. The course meets the requirements of National Navigation Award Scheme’s Silver level. This will include 2 days on the Moor, 2 evening sessions of lectures and practical sessions, with a final assessment. You will become familiar with basic map and compass skills. Those under 18 may take the course, but the NNAS certification is only available to those over 18.

Content includes:

Revision of understanding maps and their scales, understand information symbols on maps for facilities and rights of way, different symbols and using grid references, understanding of the contour system, so that you can differentiate valleys and ridges.
Orientating the map to the ground and identifying features on map and ground.
Use of different levels of navigation, macro to micro-level, depending on terrain and visibility.
Use of ‘attack points’ to get to specific places on the map
How to plan a safe walk or course in wild country with little visibility using ‘aiming off’.
How to estimate time and distance to be covered using Naismith’s rule. How to adapt it to your group.
Using a map and compass to find where you are, and to relocate your position.
Walking on an accurate compass bearing to get to a specific point.

NNAS Gold Award.
At present these are organised on demand. The training weekend will include 2 days on the Moor, 2 evening sessions of lectures and practical sessions, with a final assessment. The assessment weekend follows a similar pattern.

General Navigation Courses.
We also offer 2-day breaks includes 2 walks of about 6 hours each, and 1 evening sessions of lectures and practical sessions. These are suitable for DoE training classes, Ten Tors training and social meetings for ramblers/social walking groups.

Weekend course includes:

Instructor/Guide for weekend

Equipment:

Outdoor clothing (Waterproofs e.g. Jacket/Trousers; gloves; hat; day rucksack)
Full Hiking Boots (the ground is wet and boggy in places!)
Personal belongings (washbag etc)
Walking Sticks (if you use them)
Packed Lunch for each day