“The mountains will always be there, the trick is to make sure you are too”
Hervey Voge
The Bronze National Navigation Award is the entry level award on the NNAS scheme, starting with the basics of how to navigate and teaching new skills over the course of the two days.
A fun course for all ages that will simplify the process of navigation in the countryside.
The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 18, although we do allow under 18's if they are accompanied by an adult. There is no maximum age and we regularly get a mixture of ages and experience and are used to tailoring the course to meet the needs of a varied group of people.
“Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence”
Hermann Buhl
What does the course cover?
- Two full days of practical navigation in the mountains of Cumbria
- Navigate using a variety of maps and scales.
- Use 4 and 6 figure grid references with worded descriptions to define the position of a map feature and to locate a feature on the ground.
- Orientate the map using handrails, obvious point features and major landforms.
- Use linear features (e.g. paths, tracks, clear boundaries) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
- Relate prominent landforms such as large hills and valleys to corresponding contour information on the map.
- Orientate the map by aligning a compass needle against grid north and be aware that magnetic variation causes an inaccuracy.
- Use an orientated map to confirm direction of travel.
- Use clearly identifiable features to confirm position along the route and to recognise when the target has been overshot.
- Measure horizontal distance on the map and estimate distance on the ground using timing, pacing and simple visual judgements e.g.100m.
- Plan and implement simple routes and navigation strategies based on the above skills.
- Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply simple relocation techniques using handrails and prominent features.
- Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues, access legislation, personal responsibilities and the Countryside Code.
- Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of walking equipment, safety equipment and emergency procedures.
What is the NNAS?
The National Navigation Award Scheme is a nationally recognised structure for the provision of navigation training courses. It is arranged into 3 levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. This two day navigation course can include the training and assessment of the Bronze NNAS award which is ideal for those looking to navigate in mountainous terrain. There is no requirement to hold the Bronze award before taking the Silver award, although the Bronze is good starting point for those looking to progress through the grades.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Outside the Britannia Inn, Elterwater
Postcode: LA22 9HP
Grid Reference: NY 327 048
Directions
From Ambleside take the A593 (Coniston) for 3 miles, turning right at Skelwith Bridge onto the B5343. After 2 miles turn left into Elterwater Village and The Britannia Inn is on the village green.
Bus Services
The bus stops in Elterwater opposite the meetpoint.
The 516 runs between Ambleside and the Langdale Valley.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:
Summer Courses:
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
Winter Courses:
- Walking Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
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2 day Bronze navigation course Review by Andrea
Hello John ,
Just wanted to drop you a line so say a belated thank you to Neil and yourselves for the great 2 day Bronze navigation course I did recently .
Neil was a great instructor , patient , informative and great company .The walks were lovely and we were so lucky with the weather .
I've been on a few walks since then on my own with map and compass and was really surprised how much sank in ( that says more about me than Neil !! ) I'll definitely be back to do the Silver and a few walks with you soon .
Please pass on my thanks to Neil , kind regards, Andrea (Posted on 10/04/2018)
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Bronze navigation skills course Review by David Whyte
Many thanks for two great days in the Lakeland hills doing my Bronze navigation skills course. The relaxed and friendly approach of learning made the whole experience enjoyable.
I feel more confident and now feel happier interpreting maps and using my compass more to better effect.
I am keen now to look at doing my Silver stage.
Thanks again to John (my patient instructor!). Two completely different days, and today when the mist lifted the views were fantastic. Maybe one day if I can get a bit of experience and looking at getting qualified to lead a group out on the hills I might offer myself as a freelancer!!
I highly recommend The Lake District Walker to anyone unsure of which company to use to learn navigation skills. (Posted on 30/01/2017)
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