The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is the UK’s leading navigation training programme. Launched in 1994 by Peter Palmer at the Royal Institute of Navigation, it has helped over 50,000 people of all ages develop essential map and compass skills.

The scheme is proudly sponsored by Harvey Maps and officially recognised by leading outdoor organisations including:

British Orienteering, Mountain Training, Ramblers UK, Royal Institute of Navigation, SportsLeader UK, RAF Air Cadets, Plas y Brenin, and Glenmore Lodge.

The Bronze National Navigation Award (NNAS) is a practical hands-on award. It is 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. Bronze Award is accredited at SCQF Level 4.

Build your confidence and explore the outdoors safely with an NNAS course.

Our Bronze NNAS Course

This 2 day course is based on the Eastern Edges of Peak District. On day 1 we’ll start at the Norfolk Arms Hotel, Ringinglow where you can grab a coffee or tea (maybe some breakfast!) before we review the Bronze syllabus and begin to look at some of the essential skills you’ll need to become proficient navigators.  We’ll then head outside for a walk where we’ll work through the syllabus in more detail and learn more skills. By the end of day 1 you’ll have acquired lots of new skills which will enable you to plan a walk which we’ll undertake on day 2. During this walk we’ll cover any outstanding topics from the syllabus and you’ll be able to put into practice and consolidate the skills you’ve learned over the two days.

Full Bronze Navigation Award syllabus

  • 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 the 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.
  • Be aware of the use of mobile phone location apps as a back up to map and compass and in emergencies.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues, access legislation, personal responsibilities, the Countryside Code and sustainability.
  • Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of walking equipment, safety equipment and emergency procedures.

Additional detail: 

Maximum tutor to participant ratio for the Seven Hills Outdoors course is 1:8. 

The course takes place over 2 days And runs from 09:30hrs to 16:30hrs including lunch break. 

NNAS is a Scottish charity (SC039201) and the NNAS Bronze Navigation award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion. Digital certificates will be available if you successfully complete the course. 

Seven Hills Outdoors will provide relevant course materials, maps and compasses as required.