If you’re new to navigation, whether you’ve been walking for a while and relying on guidebooks or other people, or you’re new to the outdoors, the Bronze National Navigation Award is for you.

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You’ll learn from an experienced and qualified instructor who will guide you through the essentials of map reading in a focussed and structured way. You’ll gain confidence and by the end of your course, you’ll be able to plan suitable walks and navigate around them with confidence.

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The skills you’ll learn will help you explore the thousands of miles of paths, tracks and trails across the UK and further afield

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• 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.

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

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