The Silver National Navigation Award develops the navigation skills acquired at the Bronze level. It adds skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks. It teaches accurate compass work. It will also teach you to select the suitable navigational techniques to cross open country. Silver National Navigation Award courses are taught in areas with access to open country and involve periods where you’ll be navigating away from paths and tracks. The NNAS Silver Navigator Award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 5 and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion. We will cover:
- Relate prominent land features, as well as small ones, to their corresponding map contours and use them as a means of navigation in good visibility.
- Build on existing compass skills to understand techniques such as aiming off, attack points, back bearings, relocation and be able to deviate from the compass bearing to avoid obstacles.
- Build on distance measuring using timing and pacing skills.
- Maintain route finding accuracy in poor visibility or darkness.
- Understand the risks of planning routes and walking in challenging terrain, including physical fitness, fatigue and injury/illness.
- Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid items for walking in open country in all weather conditions.
- Understand the responsibilities and impact of walkers towards the countryside, other land users and the environment
The course takes place over two full days, typically 09:30-16:00hrs with a later start of 11:00hrs in the winter months so that we can achieve some night navigation after sunset, and is non-residential. I can provide information on local accommodation options if required.
We will meet at a café where you will be able to get tea/coffee, breakfast etc. and then we will be outside for the duration. You will need to bring a small rucksack with packed lunch, water, and spare clothing, but I will send out a more detailed list of what to bring on booking. For navigation you will need a compass (for example a Silva Expedition 4) and map – OS Explorer 171 Chiltern Hills West (waterproof Active map is advised in case of wet weather). I do have a number of spares for those who need them.
This course includes a pre-course assessment paper which is sent to candidates after booking. This can be completed prior to the weekend or during the course of the weekend.
Dates:
15-16 November 2025 (11:00hrs start)
7-8 February 2026 (11:00hrs start)
18-19 April 2026 (09:30hrs start)
7-8 November 2026 (11:00hrs start)
Price:
£135 including 2 full days and Silver award certificate
Booking:
Please book directly via the NNAS booking website here
Booking Terms and Conditions
Directions, Accessibility and Parking:
We usually meet in Watlington on the first day and Lewknor on the second day. Full details of where to meet will be sent with your booking.
By car – Watlington is 2 miles off Junction 5 of the M40 and there is ample free parking along the side roads where we meet.
Public transport: Watlington is on the Oxford City 11 bus route from Oxford – city11 – Oxford City Centre to Watlington | Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel
The bus from High Wycombe is the number 40 and stops in Lewknor where I can arrange pick up from – Red Rose 40 – High Wycombe to Thame | Carousel Buses
The nearest railway stations are Princes Risborough and High Wycombe operated by ChilternRailways. Regular services operate to London Marylebone, Aylesbury and Banbury. Haddenham & Thame Parkway is on the same line as Princes Risborough and also operates a regular service to Oxford Parkway.
If you are using public transport please contact me and I can arrange a pick up for you.
Accommodation
Not provided as part of the course.
Options locally include: (this is not an exhaustive list and operate independently)
Inn/Pub – The Fat Fox Inn (fatfoxwatlington.co.uk) Booking: The Fat Fox, Watlington: Info, Photos, Reviews | Book at Hotels.com
The Inn at Emmington between Chinnor and Thame – Welcome to The Inn at Emmington in Chinnor
Hotel at the bottom of Stokenchurch hill in Postcombe – www.lambertarms.co.uk
Camping – White Mark Farm, Caravan & Camping Site, Watlington, Oxfordshire and https://www.homefarmradnage.co.uk/
angelinamountainleader.com 