Group courses
The aim of our courses is very simple – to give those venturing outdoors, whatever their sport, age or fitness, the skills required to navigate the paths, trails, hills and mountains of Britain.
We run three levels of group courses which people may individually book on to: Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.
- Novice (bronze level) – max 8 participants
- Intermediate (silver level) – max 6 participants
- Advanced (gold level) – max 4 participants
- Note: Unless you have booked a private lesson or a bespoke group all participants must be over 18 years old.
Our group courses are based around the NNAS (National Navigation Award Scheme) syllabus which provides a practical, effective and structured series of navigation training days. More details below.
Gaining an award does not give you a qualification to teach or lead. It is recognition of the level of skill at which you can navigate.
There is an emphasis on learning through doing so all our courses are “practical” and you’ll find yourself out in the glorious English countryside from the very start.
- Each day starts around 9:30 and finish around 4:30. We normally stop for a quick snack at lunch time so don’t forget your flask and sandwiches.
- On the Bronze and Silver awards all specialist equipment such as high quality compasses, maps, teaching aids, etc. are supplied.
You may join any group course simply for the fun of learning new skills or you may also use any of our courses (min 2 days) to gain nationally recognised qualifications (SCQF / EQF) with the NNAS.
If you’re an experienced outdoor navigator you don’t have to start at Bronze, although it really is a good idea to do an intermediate (Silver level) course before joining the advanced (Gold level) course.
Our novice courses (Bronze level) are aimed at people with no navigation experience whether you are new to the outdoors or have been relying on others, guidebooks or easy well-defined routes.
It’s also the starting point for many Duke of Edinburgh students, scouts and guides and cadet groups who are looking to develop their outdoor skills.
The syllabus of the Bronze National Navigation Award teaches navigation in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features.Basic map interpretation and compass work is also included.
The intermediate courses (Silver level) adds skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks. It teaches accurate compass work. It will also teach you to select the suitable navigational techniques to cross open country.
Silver National Navigation Award courses are taught in areas with access to open country and involve periods where you’ll be navigating away from paths and tracks.
The advanced courses (Gold level) adds techniques and skills for dealing with complex contour features both large and small in intricate terrain, possibly in reduced visibility i.e. mist or darkness (so we’re out dong night navigation after dusk).
The NNAS Gold National Navigation Award has recently been review and updated, and now includes pre- and post-course question papers. We will send these out to you when you book.