Sharpen your navigation ability with a two-day NNAS Silver course based in Dartmoor’s open and varied moorland. Training builds on your existing map and compass skills, helping you feel more assured when navigating across ground where paths are unclear or absent. The course also strengthens your decision-making and confidence when planning and following more complex countryside routes.
Your first day introduces a refresh of key navigation techniques before moving into more demanding map skills. Early sessions take advantage of Dartmoor’s varied landscape to practise contour interpretation, identify subtle terrain shifts, and strengthen accuracy when using compass bearings. These exercises give you greater independence when moving away from obvious paths.
On the second day, practical navigation takes place in more open areas where clear handrails are limited. This encourages careful route choice, increased use of collecting features, and structured relocation if you drift off line. The terrain provides realistic challenges that help refine problem-solving skills, distance judgement, and confidence in unfamiliar ground. By the end of day two, you’ll be ready to apply everything learned to your own countryside walks.
A final discussion reviews your progress and supports your long-term development. Successful candidates receive NNAS Silver certification, recognising competence navigating in more complex rural environments.
Dartmoor is ideal for intermediate navigation training thanks to its broad moorland, distinctive tors, and rolling terrain. Wide visibility, open ground, and minimal signage allow for accurate practice of bearings and detailed contour interpretation. The landscape’s openness also helps you learn to recognise subtle terrain changes, an essential part of progressing beyond basic navigation.
Away from the tors, Dartmoor’s valleys, reentrants, slopes, and mixed vegetation add variety to the training environment. These features create realistic opportunities to apply relocation strategies and develop a deeper understanding of how ground shapes influence safe route planning. Each training location is chosen to challenge your ability while maintaining a supportive environment.
Previous navigation experience is required, ideally at NNAS Bronze level or equivalent. Comfort walking for several hours on uneven ground is helpful, as most practical exercises take place away from surfaced paths.
Personal walking gear is needed, including boots, outdoor clothing, food, drinks, and a small backpack. Maps and compasses are provided for the duration of the course, and instructors will advise on kit suitable for future independent navigation.
Experienced instructors provide clear, supportive coaching that helps you develop genuine confidence navigating in open countryside. Each skill is introduced in a practical, approachable way, with time dedicated to reviewing progress and strengthening any areas where you want more guidance. You’ll receive meaningful feedback throughout the course, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable learning experience.
The Dartmoor environment allows the training team to tailor sessions to your exact level, gradually increasing complexity as you grow more assured. Large stretches of open land, distinct tors, and varied contour features make it possible to practise every element of the Silver syllabus in real terrain. The focus remains on helping you feel capable, independent, and prepared for longer or more remote countryside journeys.
For more information contact us before making your booking
About the centre
Newton Abbot
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Devon, United Kingdom
From £195
