NNAS Gold (Advanced) two-day navigation course
Building on Bronze & Silver level navigational skills, to move to fine contour detail for navigating inhospitable ground, off the beaten track, in potentially tricky weather conditions. We share the techniques and discuss route choices – perfect practice for heading out with friends or partnering up on mountain marathons...
...in association with Silva
- 17 & 19 November 2025 – Ullswater (This course is now full so all bookings will be placed on a waiting list)
2026 course dates available soon
Gain a deeper understanding of how to use a map and compass in order to navigate a chosen route in difficult conditions, across different scales of maps and over difficult terrain.
Grow your confidence to take people further afield but within your qualification's perimeter.
Use this course to help you gain your Mountain Leader qualification. (It will set you on the right track, giving you a good understanding of the level of navigation required for this.)
Increase your route potential by being able to plan breathtaking routes for friends / groups, for more experienced walkers and for those wanting to explore – whatever the terrain or time of day.
What you will learn on this course:
- How to utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze and Silver Awards in the context of Gold-level navigation strategies
- How to utilise contours and fine detail as the prime method of navigation
- How to accurately follow a route, judge distance, check progress against time, use relevant compass skills and maintain continuous map contact
- How to use back bearings and transits to confirm the current position
- How to use slope aspect as an aid to relocation
- How to select appropriate techniques within an overall navigation strategy
- How to navigate intricate terrain in reduced visibility i.e. mist or darkness
- How to select an appropriate, safe route in relation to height gain and loss, dangerous terrain and other major hazards
- How to assess the route ahead in the field in relation to prevailing conditions or changing circumstances (weather, time, daylight, ability / fitness), and how to re-plan the route appropriately if necessary
- How to shorten a route, use an escape route and employ emergency procedures
- How to recognise the occurrence of a navigational error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques
- How to select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid for walking in remote areas in all weather conditions
- Gain an understanding of the physical demands created by hill and moorland terrain in all weather conditions
- Learn to understand the effects of cold, heat, fatigue and discomfort on decision-making and on the execution of a selected route
- Learn to understand the implications of climate change on the outdoor environment and become familiar with the practical steps to mitigate its effect
- Learn to understand the pros and cons of appropriate electronic navigation devices and be able to describe / demonstrate their use in the context of Gold-level terrain
Please be aware you will be crossing open fell, not on paths or trails, for most of this course. We will mainly be walking over grassy tussocks, boggy areas and occasional rocky sections, which could be technical in nature.
Two-day course: £185
Book 17 & 19 November 2025 – UllswaterContact us to discuss / book
I did a two-day NNAS ( National Navigation Award Scheme) gold course with Nicky.
Those who know me and have had the pleasure of listening to me grumble and moan while we are out hiking know it's not my most favourite way to travel across the mountains but, that's because I was using my watch or phone to navigate and not the more challenging and interesting way of using a map and compass.
Being able to navigate off the beaten track using the map and compass allows us to explore and find new hidden gems that we would normally pass by by staying on the path. It also helps us to navigate off the mountain safely without the use of electronic devices.
If you would like to explore the mountains but aren't confident in using a map, I would highly recommend getting in touch with Nicky and taking one of her courses. She explains and teaches in a way that makes it easy to learn. Even I managed to work out how to navigate in just a couple of days on the first course I did with her over 3 years ago, after never being able to use a compass before.
Martin Rutherford2024
Had a brilliant two days honing my nav skills ahead of Mountain Leader assessment. After a short briefing in a coffee shop we were out on the fells practicing and gaining skills. I particularly liked the contour-only navigation parts – this really tests your understanding and helps embed a good feel for the environment and the clues it gives. First rate – I'd go on it again!
Jon DoddAugust 2023
Level
Advanced
Duration
Two days
Location
Ullswater
