NNAS Silver Navigator Course (2 days): Surrey Hills

If you want to take your navigation skills to the next level, start following routes away from paths and tracks and really gets to grips with more accurate compass use then this 2 day course is for you.  It will also teach you to select the suitable navigational techniques to cross open country. The Silver National Navigation Award is a practical hands-on award for runners or walkers. After the 2 days, you will be ready to go out and explore new areas and have the skills and see your favourite places through fresh eyes. 

This course is aimed at people with some navigation experience and are comfortable following footpaths and have basic compass and map skills. The National Navigation Award Scheme is for those that want nationally accredited recognition for their map reading prowess.

The course is led by NNAS Tutor and Mountain Leader, Jude Palmer. Jude spends her days outside, guiding and supporting groups and individuals whether it be trail running, walking or cold water swimming. Super experienced at being in the hills and mountains, wlld camping, Jude knows what kit to wear and carry with you and loves sharing her knowledge of wild flowers and fungi too. 

The NNAS Silver Navigator award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion. On the Silver you will be registered with the NNAS, undertake some question and answers as we go around and be informally assessed against a check list of syllabus skills and techniques. - no formal testing or being put on the spot.

This course is split over 2 days and the maximum tutor to participant ratio is 1:8

It will be held in The Surrey Hills and being a very practical course will be entirely outdoors.

Timings:

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June 09:30 - 16:30 

Meet: Heartworks Cafe, Holmbury St Mary. 

Park on the road or pull in opposite Holmbury St Mary Village Garage. RH5 6PD or What3words:///smooth.pokers.civic

Heartworks Coffee Bar is 2 minutes walk along the road and they serve some of the best coffee in the area. 

RH5 6LG or What3words:///trying.petty.cube

Meet in the covered barn.

What to bring:

- suitable walking boots or trail trainers with good grip. 

- packed lunch, snacks and drinks for both days. We can pick up snacks along the way. 

- suitable clothing for the conditions

- a rucksack to carry what you need

- Proper maps and compasses are provided for the course. If you would like to buy your own equipment there is a great outdoor shop, Surrey Trek and Run in the village of Shere a few miles away. They have compasses, maps, boots and outdoor clothing. https://www.surreytrekandrun.co.uk

Accomodation:

Accomodation is not included but recommendations of where to stay are and include Bulmer Farm (behind Heartworks), The Kings Head (2 mins from where we meet), The Plough Coldharbour (10mins drive) and more. Get in touch if you want more.

Transport:

Driving: easy access from A25 (main Dorking to Guildord road)

Bus: No.22 from Dorking

please get in touch if you need extra help. Car sharing may be an option.

SILVER COURSE CONTENT

• 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.

If you are not sure if you are ready for Silver, please take a look at the Bronze course content.

Silver training and assessment courses are around 12-13 hours in total (two day course for each level) and take place in The Surrey Hills. Group sizes are only up to a maximum of 8 people and we go at a 'learning pace' for people to comfortably learn skills and ask questions.