Bronze Navigator Award for Women

Learn to navigate with confidence

About this course - Build Confidence in Navigation

This two-session course is delivered in association with the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS).

Aimed at novice level, the Bronze course teaches you how to plan and confidently follow routes in the countryside using paths and tracks. Successful candidates receive a nationally recognised Bronze Navigation Award, accredited by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, with 2 SCQF credit points awarded on completion.

All Hillgoers instructors are holders of the NNAS Tutor Award. 

Looking for a private course? If you're a group or an individual and would like to book a private hill day or course, then click here.

    1. Navigate using a variety of maps and scales.

    2. 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.

    3. Orientate the map using handrails, obvious point features and major landforms.

    4. Use linear features (e.g. paths, tracks, clear boundaries) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.

    5. Relate prominent landforms such as large hills and valleys to corresponding contour information on the map.

    6. Orientate the map by aligning a compass needle against grid north and be aware that magnetic variation causes an inaccuracy.

    7. Use an orientated map to confirm the direction of travel.

    8. Use clearly identifiable features to confirm position along the route and to recognise when the target has been overshot.

    9. Measure horizontal distance on the map and estimate distance on the ground using timing, pacing and simple visual judgements e.g.100m.

    10. Plan and implement simple routes and navigation strategies based on the above skills.

    11. Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply simple relocation techniques using handrails and prominent features.

    12. Be aware of the use of mobile phone location apps as a back up to map and compass and in emergencies.

    13. Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues, access legislation, personal responsibilities, the Countryside Code and sustainability.

    14. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of walking equipment, safety equipment and emergency procedures.

Starting time

Sat: 10:00 Sun: tbc on Sat

Location

Banchory Cricket Club for Day one, Scolty day two

Group size

Limited to 8 participants


Additional information

Event Grading

This course is graded as a Level 2 walk / course. Find out more about our walk grading here.

Meet Time & Location

Please meet at the Banchory Cricket Club for 10:00 on day one, finishing approximately 17:00. Day two will likely be on Scolty Hill timining to be agreed on day one.

Day 1 is usually classroom based in the morning then outsite for the remainder of the day. Day 2 is all outside and you may be walking around 10-12 km with some up-hill sections.

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the course.

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books). Our recommended compass for summer hill walking is the Silva Expedition Type 4 or Expedition.

Please contact us if you require more information.

Terms & Conditions apply

This navigation course is offered in response to requests from participants who feel they would benefit from learning in a single-gender group. It provides a supportive, confidence-building environment with plenty of hands-on practice. Our regular mixed navigation courses remain available as usual.