NNAS Gold 2 Day Training Course

The Gold National Navigation Award, as you've probably guessed is the top award in the NNAS scheme, aimed to be on par with the navigation element of the Summer Mountain Leader Award.

The Gold award is split into a two day training course and a one day assessment course, there should generally be a period of consolidation between the training and assessment courses. 

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.

What does the course cover?

• Two full days of practical navigation in the mountains of Cumbria
• Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze and Silver Awards in the context of Gold Award navigation strategies.
• Utilise contours and fine detail as the prime method of navigation.
• Accurately: Follow a route, judge distance, check progress against time, use relevant compass skills and maintain continuous map contact.
• Use back bearings and transits to confirm current position.
• Use aspect of slope as an aid to relocation.
• Select appropriate techniques within an overall navigation strategy.
• Navigate in intricate terrain in reduced visibility i.e. mist or darkness.
• Select an appropriate, safe route in relation to height gain and loss, dangerous terrain and other major hazards.
• Assess the route ahead in the field in relation to prevailing conditions or changing circumstances (e.g. weather, time, daylight, ability/fitness) and re-plan the route appropriately if necessary.
• Shorten a route, use an escape route and know emergency procedures.
• Recognise the occurrence of a navigational error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques.
• Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid for walking in remote areas in all weather conditions.
• Understand the physical demands created by hill and moorland terrain in all weather conditions.
• Understand the effects of cold, heat, fatigue and discomfort on decision making and execution of a selected route.

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 course covers the training for the NNAS Gold Award, there is a separate assessment course here, there is no requirement to have attended a Bronze and Silver course, although the Silver course would be a useful preparation for a Gold course.

Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.