We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Designed for those ready to go beyond basic navigation, this 2-day Silver Award course takes place entirely on Dartmoor. You'll learn to navigate across open country using map contour features, compass bearings and route planning strategies.
You'll begin the course by revisiting key techniques from Bronze level before advancing to more precise navigation methods. This includes understanding how to interpret contour lines in greater detail and how to use compass bearings to follow routes across unmarked terrain. Navigation strategies such as attack points, handrails, and catching features will be introduced to help simplify complex legs of a journey.
On the second day, you’ll put these new skills into action. Working in pairs or small groups, you'll follow a route you've helped plan, incorporating fine navigation techniques in open moorland. You'll also practise relocating if off-track, adjusting bearings to avoid obstacles, and using timing and pacing to gauge distances accurately. The day concludes with feedback and, where successful, awarding of the Silver certificate.
The course is held entirely on Dartmoor, a national park in the Southwest known for its open moorland, granite tors and mix of exposed and sheltered terrain. The varied environment makes it ideal for intermediate navigation training.
Meeting points are selected based on the day's route and weather. You’ll receive full joining details before the course. If you’re travelling from outside the area, we can suggest convenient local accommodation.
Although the Silver Award develops the skills introduced at Bronze level, completing the Bronze course isn’t a requirement. You’ll need to have some basic map reading and compass experience to benefit fully from this course.
This award suits regular hillwalkers, those interested in leading others outdoors, or anyone wanting more freedom in wild terrain. You should feel confident walking on uneven ground and open country for several hours each day.
The centre was founded with the belief that everyone should feel able to access wild spaces with confidence and skill. Its approach is inclusive, practical, and aimed at supporting people of all backgrounds in building navigation knowledge they can use independently.
Courses are deliberately kept relaxed, supportive, and hands-on. Training is shaped by the landscape rather than rigid theory, helping participants to gain real-world experience. With years of experience walking Dartmoor and other UK moorland areas, the instructor is passionate about helping others explore safely and responsibly.
It’s not a requirement. You’re welcome to attend even if you haven’t taken the Bronze course, as long as you’ve got basic experience using a map and compass. Some participants come from other backgrounds such as DofE, Scouting, or personal walking practice.
This course builds on core skills, so as long as you’re happy reading maps and using grid references, you’ll be able to follow along. If you’re unsure whether your experience is suitable, just get in touch before booking.
Expect to be off well-defined paths for large parts of the course. Dartmoor offers a mix of grassy moorland, heather-covered ridges, and rocky outcrops, so it can be uneven underfoot.
We’ll avoid anything overly steep or exposed, but you’ll need to be prepared for rough ground and varying weather conditions. It’s part of what makes Dartmoor such a brilliant training ground.
Both days will involve walking, though with plenty of stops to learn and apply new techniques. We focus on short navigation legs rather than covering long distances.
Most of the day is spent outside, so good waterproofs and warm clothing are essential. You’ll need to bring a packed lunch, and we’ll have regular breaks including time for tea and coffee.
It’s better suited to those with at least some navigation experience. If you’ve never used a compass before, or you’ve only followed walks from a guidebook, we recommend starting with the Bronze course instead.
That said, if you’re comfortable using a map, plotting a route, and following paths with a compass, you should be absolutely fine.
Yes, successful candidates will receive an official NNAS Silver Navigator digital certificate. There’s no written exam, and the assessment is ongoing throughout the course.
We aim to create a relaxed and supportive environment, so you’ll receive feedback along the way and the chance to ask questions as you go.
Absolutely. The Silver Award is widely recognised by walking and outdoor organisations. It’s especially helpful preparation if you’re planning to move on to Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader, or Mountain Leader training.
It also supports your confidence in leading informal groups of friends, family, or community groups in wilder terrain.
Bring suitable outdoor clothing, sturdy walking boots, and food for the day. A full kit list will be sent when you book, but we can provide spare waterproofs and a rucksack if needed.
You’ll also need a notepad and pen or pencil, and ideally a Silva-type compass if you own one. Compasses are available to borrow if needed.
Accommodation isn’t included, as this is a non-residential course. If you’re travelling to Dartmoor and need somewhere to stay, we can provide suggestions for local options.
There are several B&Bs, inns, and small hotels within a short drive of common meeting points. Wild camping is also popular in Dartmoor (following local regulations), if that suits your style.
George is outstanding. I completed my NNAS Bronze over a beautiful two days on Dartmoor. George took the time to understand my reasons for wanting to complete it, was friendly, personable and so knowledgeable of all things navigation and Dartmoor. I couldn't have had a better guide, instructor and assessor.…
Me and my grandson thoroughly enjoyed our two days on Dartmoor with George. His knowledge of Dartmoor and navigation is excellent. He was both demanding and considerate at the same time. We both ended the course feeling that we had achieved a lot, and enjoyed ourselves doing it.
We had a great couple of days on Dartmoor and learnt so much. Would highly recommend the course.
Operado por Moorland Ramblings, un partner de adventuro.
Central & Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Desde £130
Devon, United Kingdom
Desde £150
Devon, United Kingdom
Desde £80