The practical assessment usually takes place during the second day and involves demonstrating your navigation skills on a pre-planned route. You’ll be expected to show good map orientation, route following, and decision making in real terrain. It’s not a high-pressure test – tutors are supportive and focused on helping you succeed.
This award is designed for use in lowland terrain – think country parks, farmland, woods, and valleys. You won’t be taken into mountainous or remote upland areas at this level. Expect a mix of footpaths, bridleways, and open access land, with moderate inclines and uneven ground.
All NNAS providers follow the same curriculum, but locations, group sizes, and teaching styles may differ slightly. You’ll find a wide range of options on adventuro – browse by location, dates, or training centre to find the experience that suits you best.
Achieving the Bronze National Navigation Award means you can plan and follow a route using basic map and compass techniques in countryside terrain such as footpaths, bridleways, and open fields. You’ll be able to identify key features on a map and relate them to the landscape around you. This level is ideal for those starting out in hiking or hillwalking, or for anyone who wants to feel more independent and confident when exploring rural areas.
It’s especially useful if you're involved in outdoor groups, DofE expeditions, or are looking to progress toward more advanced navigation (Silver and Gold NNAS Awards) or Mountain Training qualifications. The skills you gain are immediately applicable on low-level walks, and lay a strong foundation for safe travel in more remote areas. As with all outdoor skills, practice and real-world experience are key to embedding what you’ve learned.
The Bronze Award typically takes place over two days, with approximately 12–14 hours of instruction and practice. This includes time spent outdoors on practical navigation exercises and a short final assessment. Some providers may offer the course over multiple evenings or as a single intensive day, but two days is the most common format.
The Level 4 Bronze National Navigation Award is assessed through continuous observation by a qualified NNAS tutor during practical navigation exercises. You'll demonstrate your ability to follow linear features (like paths and streams), orient a map using both terrain and compass, and accurately estimate distance and time. The assessment typically takes place over varied terrain during a half or full-day walk. While it's not a formal 'pass or fail' exam, tutors ensure you meet the required standard before awarding certification. Adventuro partners with experienced providers nationwide, and you can browse and book your Bronze Award course on our platform with confidence.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesThe Bronze Award from the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a nationally recognised qualification that teaches fundamental map reading and navigation skills. You'll learn how to use an Ordnance Survey map, follow paths and features, use a compass for basic direction, and plan safe routes for countryside walking. It's ideal for hikers, Duke of Edinburgh participants, or anyone looking to explore the outdoors more confidently.
No previous navigation experience is required. The Bronze Award is designed for beginners and assumes no prior map or compass knowledge. It’s a great starting point if you’ve only ever followed marked trails or relied on others for navigation. All you need is a reasonable level of fitness for walking outdoors for a few hours.
You’ll learn to read and interpret Ordnance Survey maps, use map symbols and contours, orient your map with and without a compass, estimate distances using pacing and timing, and plan safe walking routes. You'll also gain experience navigating in poor visibility or unfamiliar terrain. These are essential skills for safe and enjoyable hiking and mountaineering.
The Bronze Award course usually lasts two full days, though some providers may offer flexible formats over several evenings or a weekend. The assessment is integrated into the course through practical exercises. You’ll spend most of your time outdoors, learning by doing under expert guidance.
No, there’s no written test. Assessment is based on your practical navigation skills, demonstrated during real walks in the countryside. Your tutor will give feedback and support throughout. Once you’ve shown consistent ability to meet the Bronze standard, you’ll receive your official certificate from the NNAS.
You should bring appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather, sturdy walking footwear, a compass (usually a Silva-type), and a notebook. Your course provider will let you know exactly what to bring, including the map needed for your training area. Many centres lend or sell kit if you don’t have your own.
Yes, once you’ve completed the Bronze Award, your certification is valid for life. However, like any skill, navigation can get rusty over time. Many people move on to the Silver Award to build on their knowledge and tackle more challenging terrain and conditions.
Absolutely. Adventuro partners with accredited NNAS providers across the UK. You can browse, compare, and book Bronze Award courses directly on our platform. Whether you're in the Peak District, Snowdonia, or the South Downs, we’ll help you find the right course near you.
Yes. The Bronze Award is suitable for participants aged 14 and up, though some providers may accept younger learners with parental consent. It’s an excellent option for Duke of Edinburgh Award participants, Scouts, and school groups who want to gain outdoor navigation skills in a structured, supportive format.
Each level of the NNAS scheme builds on the last. Bronze teaches basic navigation using paths and features. Silver introduces contour interpretation and off-path navigation. Gold is designed for experienced navigators tackling remote, technical terrain. Many walkers start at Bronze and progress as their confidence grows.
