Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to navigation training and qualifications
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Navigation Qualifications
What are NNAS Awards?
For those who need a recognised qualification, I offer training and assessment for the Bronze National Navigation Award (NNAS). This nationally recognised award is widely used by walking group leaders and is often required for progression onto further training or roles with walking holiday companies.
Bronze NNAS focuses on practical navigation skills, decision-making, and safe journey planning in lowland and countryside environments. I provide clear preparation for assessment and ensure candidates understand not just how to navigate, but why particular decisions are made.
Do I need a navigation qualification to lead walks for a company or organisation?
In a world where liability is of primary concern to any outdoor activity company, it is the norm to require some sort of walking qualification to lead walks, though this is up to the company and its lawyers. Most such companies will also have in-house training programmes which develop the interpersonal soft skills needed by a walk leader, as well as navigation skills.
Is an NNAS award sufficient to lead for Ramble Worldwide?
Ramble Worldwide run walking and active sightseeing holidays all over the world. Leading one of these involves, amongst many other skills, being able to use a map and compass. I spite of GPS technology, this is still a skill which their clients expect from their leaders. Currently they run training courses twice a year at their base in Hassness on the shores of Buttermere in the Lake District. To be accepted on one of these courses you must as a minimum have the NNAS Bronze award. Having previously worked for Ramble Worldwide as a leader and in their offices for many years, I can tailor the NNAS Bronze Award towards the needs of the Ramble Worldwide leader training course.
Event-Specific Navigation Training
Can you help me prepare for the Cape Wrath Trail?
Yes. I offer bespoke navigation training tailored to a specific event, route, or environment. This might include preparation for a long-distance trail such as the Cape Wrath Trail, backup navigation for endurance events, or building confidence for challenging terrain. Training is always based on what you are likely to encounter, rather than generic examples.
Do you offer navigation training for events like the Mongolian Derby
Yes. I work with clients preparing for overseas and non-standard events, including expedition-style challenges and endurance races such as the Mongolian Derby. While mapping systems and terrain vary worldwide, the underlying navigation principles remain the same. Training focuses on transferable skills, situational awareness, and reliable backup navigation when technology is limited or fails.
Can you teach navigation as a backup to GPS?
Modern navigation tools are extremely useful, but many people want the reassurance of strong map-and-compass skills if technology fails. I teach how to integrate traditional navigation with GPS devices and apps, so you are never reliant on a single system. This approach is especially valuable for remote routes, overseas travel, and endurance events.
Confidence & Skills Refreshers
I know the basics but lack confidence - can you help?
Absolutely! Many people come for training not because they lack knowledge, but because they want reassurance in more demanding terrain or conditions. Refresher training focuses on consolidating existing skills, identifying gaps, and practising decision-making in realistic situations, helping you feel calmer and more confident when it matters.
Do you offer night navigation training?
Yes. Night navigation is an excellent way to build confidence and sharpen fundamental skills. Training covers pacing, bearings, relocation techniques, and maintaining situational awareness in low-light conditions. Night navigation sessions are run in varied undulating terrain of woodland and open grassland.
Is navigation training suitable if I'm nervous about getting lost?
Yes — and this is very common. Training is delivered in a supportive, low-pressure environment. A key aim is helping you recognise uncertainty early and respond calmly and effectively. Learning how to confirm your position, relocate safely, and make conservative decisions often makes a significant difference to confidence.
Personalised Training
Do you offer one-to-one navigation training?
Yes. Much of what I do is for individuals or couples. People often have specific needs and learn much more quickly when navigation training is focused on those needs. This may involve a specific type of terrain, walking at a slower pace or overcoming anxiety. With fast learners I can quickly move on to more advanced skills, which would not be possible in a group of differing abilities.
Can navigation be tailored to my experience level?
Yes. When someone first contacts me I ask about their level of experience and what their reason is for wanting to develop their map and compass skills. This then enables me to determine the level at which we begin and expectations for what can be achieved over our time together.
Can you train small groups or clubs?
Yes. I have worked with several groups from The Ramblers. Most commonly we focus on building navigation skills for club members who are experienced walkers, but would like to improve their skills and enjoyment of the countryside. Alternatively there is much interest in integrating GPS navigation into map and compass navigation.
Can you focus training on my specifice weaknesses?
Yes, I certainly can. Sometimes it’s just a question of practice until you get it right. Sometimes you may be trying to run before you can walk, so to speak. Everything with navigation is logical and makes sense. I always aim to build skills, as one thing flows logically from another. Typical areas of weakness are understanding public access, walking on a bearing and fully appreciating what contour lines can tell you.
Can training be adapted to challenging or unusual environments?
Yes. Many of my clients come to me before taking on a challenge, for example a long distance walk in Scotland, a nighttime hike in the Brecon Beacons or their Mountain Leadership qualifying expedition. The navigational principles remain the same, though the terrain of the Chilterns is normally very different from the challenge area’s terrain. For this sort of client I concentrate on walking on a bearing and understanding contours. For the latter we use contour only maps.
Overseas & Remote Navigation
Do you offer navigation training for overseas expeditions?
Yes. I work with clients preparing for overseas and non-standard events, including expedition-style challenges and endurance races such as the Mongolian Derby. While mapping systems and terrain vary worldwide, the underlying navigation principles remain the same. Training focuses on transferable skills, situational awareness, and reliable backup navigation when technology is limited or fails. Wherever possible we look at the maps you will be using to highlight the specific navingation skills you will need.
How do I navigate safely in remote areas of Scotland or Wales?
Training can be adapted to steep ground, featureless moorland, complex valleys, or open terrain with limited linear features. This is particularly helpful for people transitioning from well-defined paths to more remote or committing environments, frequently found in north Wales and the Scottish Highlands.
Need more help? Contact me today and I’ll be pleased to help