Navigation Course and Map Reading Skills

Bronze Navigator Award Overview 

The Bronze National Navigation Award is a practical hands-on navigation course.  It is aimed at people with no navigation experience.  This award teaches navigation skills in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features. Basic map interpretation and compass work is also included.  It's provides an excellent foundational navigation skill set for you to develop for walking and hiking.

Bronze National Navigation Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2  SCQF credit points are awarded on completion of the assessment. 

Bronze Navigator Award Syllabus

• 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.

Who is the Bronze Navigator Award for? 

This award is aimed at people with no map reading or navigation experience

​A general level of fitness is required for a days walking in upland and mountainous terrain.

It is also the starting point for many Duke  of Edinburgh students, scouts and guides and cadet groups who are  looking to develop their outdoor skills.