Find Out More About
Dartmoor Navigation Courses
NAVIGATION COURSES WITH QUALIFICATION
Choose the Right Navigation Course for You
Whether you’re looking to build your confidence with a map and compass or work towards a nationally recognised qualification, this page explains the different types of navigation courses we offer on Dartmoor. You’ll find details on both our informal sessions and our accredited training options, so you can choose the course that suits you best.
Beginner navigation
Who Is It For?
Course Syllabus
Different map types, scales, symbols
Grid references
Planning a safe route using map and GPS or OS website – keeping to main footpaths / bridal ways
Following a route with just the map
Basic compass skills
Measuring distances
Basic guidance on what to do in an emergency
Outcome of the Course
You will be able to plan and follow a simple route
You will have a good understand of a map and basic compass skills
You will be able to measure distance by pacing and timing
Intermediate navigation
Who Is It For?
Course Syllabus
Detailed pacing and measuring techniques.
Understanding contour lines
Detailed compass work including taking magnetic and grid compass bearings, back bearings, when to use and not use a compass.
Walking off public footpaths.
Outcome of the Course
You will be able to plan and navigate a route off public footpaths if confident.
You will be able to calculate arrival times and durations
You will be able to use a compass with confidence to take bearings and follow bearings.
Advanced navigation
Who Is It For?
Course Syllabus
Mirco Navigation
Selecting the best routes and changing routes safely mid hike.
Navigation by contour lines and slope
Recognising navigation errors within a few minutes and using relocation techniques
Selecting appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid kits for the terrain and weather
Emergency procedures
Understanding the effects of the cold, heat and fatigue
Understanding the weather
Outcome of the Course
This Advanced course will build on some already taught contents and will leave you able to undertake all map and compass navigation with excellent precision in all kinds of weather and terrain.
You will have a good understand of what kit you should carry and what to do in an emergency.
Beginner to Advanced Navigator
Who Is It For?
Course Syllabus
Different map types, scales, symbols
Grid references
Planning a safe route using map and GPS or OS website Following a route with just the map
Detailed pacing and measuring techniques.
Understanding contour lines
Detailed compass work including taking magnetic and grid compass bearings, back bearings, when to use and not use a compass.
Walking off public footpaths.
Mirco Navigation
Selecting the best routes and changing routes safely mid hike.
Navigation by contour lines and slope
Recognising navigation errors within a few minutes and using relocation techniques
Selecting appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid kits for the terrain and weather
Emergency procedures
Understanding the effects of the cold, heat and fatigue
Understanding the weather
Outcome of the Course
You will become a confident and competent navigator in all weather and terrain, using lots of different techniques and skills.
Night Navigation
Who Is It For?
Night navigation is an great tool for practicing precise bearing and map skills as the theory is the same in poor visibility and poor weather. This courses is suitable for anyone who is confident in following bearings in daylight / good weather.
Course Syllabus
Planning a route for night navigation or poor weather
Quick escape plans and re-routing.
Practicing pacing and timings.
Using contours and slope to aid in navigation.
Following a bearing.
One night course teaching the basics of night navigation and practice.
Outcome of the Course
You will have built in your confidence, so if caught in poor weather or fading light you will be able to safely get back.
You will homed in on skills required such as precise bearings and pacing.
BRONZE NNAS
Who Is It For?
The Bronze National Navigation Award 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.
It is also the starting point for many Duke of Edinburgh students, scouts and guides and cadet groups who are looking to develop their outdoor skills.
Course 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.
Outcome of the Course
You will be able to plan and navigate a route off public footpaths if confidence.
You will be able to calculate arrival times and durations
You will be able to use a compass with confidence to take bearings and follow bearings.
You will have good knowledge of the countryside code
SILVER NNAS
Who Is It For?
The Silver National Navigation Award develops the navigation skills acquired at the Bronze level. It 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.
Course Syllabus
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.
Outcome of the Course
You will have build excellent confidence in using your map and compass in all conditions.
You will be able you use new skills to become more precise such as understand contours, aiming off and back bearings.
GOLD NNAS
Who Is It For?
The Gold Navigator Award builds on the skills acquired at the Bronze and Silver levels and adds techniques and skills for dealing with complex contour features both large and small.
The Gold National Navigation Award has recently been review and updated, and now includes pre- and post-course question papers. These will be given to candidates when they book with their chosen Course Provider.
Course Syllabus
Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze and Silver Awards in the context of Gold National Navigation 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 the 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.
Understand the implications of climate change on the outdoor environment and be knowledgeable in practical steps to mitigate its effect.
Understand the pros and cons of appropriate electronic navigation devices and describe/demonstrate their use in the context of Gold terrain.
Outcome of the Course
You will finish this course as a very confident and competent navigator, able to navigate in a range of terrains and weathers.