The Gold National Navigation 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.

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The Gold National Navigation Award is delivered in two parts with separate Training and Assessment courses giving you ample time to practice.

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Gold courses are run by tutors who not only have plenty of top-level navigation experience but also have been on a special NNAS-run course in tutoring Gold courses.

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• 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.