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The Silver Award builds your ability to navigate in terrain where paths may be faint or missing entirely. You’ll also improve your use of compass bearings, contour interpretation, and route planning. Training and assessment typically take place in open countryside, moorland, or low mountain terrain.
Assessment is practical and takes place outdoors. You’ll be expected to demonstrate all skills over a walk of several hours, including navigating legs between features, identifying your position with accuracy, and making sensible route choices. Centres may vary slightly in delivery, but all follow the official NNAS syllabus.
Achieving the Silver NNAS Award demonstrates that you can navigate accurately in open countryside using a map and compass—even when paths aren’t visible. You’ll be equipped to plan and follow safe routes across varied terrain, adjusting for poor visibility and changing weather conditions. This level of skill is ideal for intermediate hikers, Duke of Edinburgh supervisors, and those preparing for more demanding mountain walks.
The qualification also opens the door to the NNAS Gold Award, which focuses on mountain navigation in remote terrain and more advanced compass techniques. Holding a Silver Award is also a great stepping stone if you’re considering outdoor leadership training or qualifications such as Mountain Training’s Lowland Leader or Hill and Moorland Leader awards.
Browse hundreds of guided hikes, navigation courses, and gear rentals on adventuro to keep putting your skills into practice.
The Silver Award typically takes two full days (around 12–14 hours total), including both training and assessment. Some providers may offer the award over a series of shorter sessions. All learning takes place in outdoor, rural terrain with real-world navigation challenges.
The Silver National Navigation Award is assessed through a practical, instructor-led evaluation, usually carried out over a full day in open countryside terrain. You’ll be asked to demonstrate a wide range of navigation techniques, including using a compass to follow bearings, estimating distance using pacing and timing, interpreting complex contour features, and adjusting for poor visibility or bad weather. Expect to navigate a series of legs across varied terrain, using both map and compass, while showing sound decision-making and risk awareness. Your instructor will also assess your ability to relocate accurately if lost and your understanding of outdoor access, safety, and environmental responsibility. Most courses include continuous assessment rather than a formal ‘test’, and feedback is supportive and constructive. You can browse and book Silver NNAS courses with trusted providers on adventuro’s curated course pages.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesYou should already be confident with basic map reading, using a compass to follow simple bearings, and navigating on paths and tracks. These skills are typically covered in the Bronze NNAS Award, which is often a prerequisite. If you've gained equivalent experience informally, some providers may let you join directly, but it’s best to check with them first.
The Silver Award focuses on open countryside and more challenging terrain than Bronze. Expect to leave obvious paths and navigate across fields, moorland, or lightly wooded areas. While not mountainous, the terrain may involve hills, variable ground conditions, and limited visibility features, requiring strong navigation strategies.
No, the assessment is entirely practical. You'll be observed while navigating across several legs in realistic outdoor conditions. Your instructor will assess your technique, confidence, and accuracy as you demonstrate key skills. Feedback is provided throughout or at the end, depending on the provider’s approach.
Yes, most providers expect you to bring a baseplate compass and suitable outdoor clothing. Maps are often supplied for the course area, but it’s worth checking with your chosen centre. You’ll also need a watch or timing device and possibly a notebook to record navigation legs or bearings.
Don't worry—many providers offer constructive feedback and the chance to re-assess specific skills. If you need more practice, you can arrange a refresher session or revisit the course later. The goal is to build long-term competence rather than just pass a test.
Most Silver courses run over two days, with instruction on day one and assessment on day two. Some providers combine both into a single intensive day, especially if participants already have strong experience. Always check the specific timetable when booking.
Yes. The NNAS Silver Award is widely recognised as excellent preparation for Mountain Leader or Lowland Leader training. It demonstrates that you can navigate in open terrain with confidence and apply essential techniques like contour interpretation and relocation.
You can browse and book Silver-level courses from accredited providers on adventuro’s dedicated navigation training pages. We work with trusted centres across the UK, and each listing includes detailed info on course content, kit requirements, and terrain type.
Yes, the Silver Award is suitable for older teens (typically 14+) and is often used as part of DofE Gold training. The skills taught are valuable for independent expeditions and developing outdoor confidence. Check with the provider for age limits and supervision policies.
