Intermediate Navigation – NNAS Silver Navigator

Enhance your navigation skills with the Intermediate Navigation – NNAS Silver Navigator course. This two-day program builds on the foundation laid at the Bronze level, equipping you with the skills to navigate confidently in open country. You'll learn precise compass work and how to choose the right navigational techniques for various terrains. With a maximum tutor to participant ratio of 1:8, you will receive personalized guidance to ensure your success. Upon completion, you will earn 2 SCQF credit points and a digital certificate, marking your achievement in this accredited course.

• Map

• Compass

• Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze Award in the context of Silver Award navigation strategies. • Relate small hills, small valleys, prominent re-entrants and prominent spurs to their corresponding map contours. Use prominent hills, ridges, spurs and valleys as a means of navigation in good visibility. • Use landforms and point features to orientate the map and as collecting and catching features. • Use a compass to: Accurately follow a bearing; aim off; check the direction of handrails and other linear features. • Deviate briefly from a compass bearing to avoid obstacles or difficult terrain and accurately regain the original line. • Use back bearings to check route following accuracy. • Measure distance on the ground in varied, open terrain using timing and pacing and make practical allowances for any discrepancies. • Simplify legs using coarse navigation, attack points and fine navigation. • Recognise dangerous or difficult terrain on map and ground. • Plan and implement navigational strategies based on the above skills. • Maintain route finding accuracy in poor visibility or darkness. • Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques. • Understand how personal fitness and nature of terrain affect route choice both at the planning stage and on the ground. • Understand the potential consequences of fatigue and physical discomfort in demanding terrain and/or extreme weather conditions. • Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid items for walking in open country in all weather conditions. • Demonstrate an understanding of the Countryside Code, current access legislation and the environmental impact of walkers on the countryside. • Understand the responsibilities of walkers towards other countryside interests such as farming, forestry and conservation. • Understand how outdoor activities impact on the environment and how that impact can be minimised and sustainable use promoted.

• Guides on Oak are verified by Oak, but users should independently confirm a guide’s qualifications.

• Participants are responsible for ensuring their skill level and fitness are suitable for the activity.

• Individuals should only attempt techniques or terrain they feel personally confident with.

• All instructions and safety guidance from the guide should be followed at all times.

• Users must ensure their own equipment is appropriate and in safe working condition.

• Mountain activities carry inherent risks, and participation is at the user’s own discretion.

• Adequate insurance covering mountain travel and rescue is essential.

• Relevant medical information should be shared with the guide.

• Plans may change due to weather or safety considerations, and users should be prepared for this.