National Navigation Award Scheme courses
Bronze, Silver and Gold level personal performance, non-competitive, incentive scheme for all ages to learn navigation skills and gain confidence to get out and enjoy the countryside.
£149* per person bronze or silver NNAS
£219* gold training & assessment or £289 (3 day course)
Three day silver NNAS - £199
Bronze NNAS - suitable for absolute beginners or those looking to improve navigation skills
Silver NNAS - intermediate course for those who have completed bronze NNAS or similar level course
Gold NNAS - The ultimate personal navigation challenge!
All equipment provided - just bring yourself!
Around 6-7 hours each day
One to one, couples and groups
Comprehensive joining details and suggested kit list
*10% off full course prices if you have completed other NNAS courses with New Forest Navigation
The National Navigation Award Scheme is for those that want nationally accredited recognition for their map reading prowess! Learn essential map reading skills, develop navigation confidence and strategies by progressing through the award scheme levels. A rewarding and fun way to learn how to use a map and compass.
Each course level is officially acknowledged by a National Navigation Award Scheme certificate. Whilst not navigation qualifications the NNAS scheme is highly regarded by many organisations as a quality assured standard. The NNAS Bronze award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.
Beginners start at the NNAS bronze to confidently navigate tracks and paths using a map and compass. Those looking to improve intermediate skills can start at NNAS silver to navigate more open countryside sometimes away from main tracks and paths, finer details map reading and further compass techniques. NNAS gold is for those who want to navigate UK hills and mountains using precise navigation strategies, precision map and compass skills and by utilising contour information.
Bronze and Silver training and assessment courses are around 12-13 hours in total (two day course for each level) and take place in the New Forest. Group sizes are only up to a maximum of 6 people and are taught a pleasant 'learning pace' for people to comfortably learn skills. Gold training courses are held over two days in the mountains and hills of south wales.
One to one, one to two, couples and groups always welcome with courses arranged to suit. Midweek courses dates and navigation training tailored to suit you and you activity can always be arranged.
ALL map reading equipment is provided and each candidate will receive an official NNAS certificate on successfully completing the course and navigation assessment. Proper maps and quality compasses are provided for the course. You just need to bring food, drink and yourself!
Course joining details are sent a couple of weeks before the course start date and include comprehensive details to get to the start locations. Get in touch if you are using public transport and want a lift from the station (Brockenhurst) to the course start car park and the day two start to/from you accommodation.
The National Navigation Award Scheme silver can be delivered as a 3-day course for small groups, couples and individuals. The NNAS bronze is a fantastic group or team learning adventure that can be tailored to suit YOU - ideal for lowland leaders, DOE leaders and participants, walking group leaders and groups of friends who want to explore 'beyond the guide book'!
I would just like to drop you a line to give some feedback on your silver NAAS course and assessment.
I can only say how exceptional the course was and how good the content for navigation was, the course was both enjoyable and whilst we had long days, they were made to seem short and fun.
An excellent weekend of learning and assessment by an excellent outdoor adventure trainer.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone who wants to learn navigation, compass techniques and map reading. Dave Kemp - May 2015
National Navigation Award Scheme learning outcomes
- Latest information
- What you will learn
- Course start locations
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 20 & 21 January | One, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit |
| 25 & 26 Janaury | One, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit |
| 17 & 18 February | One, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit |
| 7 March | One day map reading - New Forest - You can book this course |
| 7 & 8 March | NNAS Bronze or two day map reading - New Forest - You can book this course |
| 9 & 10 March | One, two day and Bronze NNAS - Central New Forest - You can pay a refundable deposit |
The New Forest is ideal for bronze and silver level National Navigation Award Scheme courses. The forest offers a massive variety and number of tracks, paths and forest rides; the more open heathland and fainter forest paths are excellent to try out and test map, compass and fine navigation techniques.
Bronze level NNAS
Navigation in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features, basic map interpretation and compass work is included.
Read all the National Navigation Award Scheme Bronze level learning outcomes

Silver level NNAS
Navigation in the countryside using skills acquired at bronze level and adding skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks, accurate compass work is required and an ability to use appropriate navigational techniques to go across country in some cases.
Read all the National Navigation Award Scheme Silver level learning outcomes

Gold level training NNAS
Navigation in the countryside using skills of the first two levels, but adding techniques and skills for dealing with complex contour features large and small. The Gold Award is delivered as separate Gold Award Training and Gold Award Assessment courses. Gold level courses take place on Dartmoor or South Wales.
Read all the National Navigation Award Scheme Gold level learning outcomes
Gold course format and details
The Gold NNAS course will be held over 2 days in Wales. The actual course length will be around 14 hours with a longer first day and shorter second day. Each day will involve up to 10-16km of walking on sometimes rough open moorland without tracks or paths.
You won't need to be super fit or an already experienced mountain walker. A willingness to learn new skills in a fantastic and challenging environment is all you need!
Each day will be spent on Welsh hills and mountains with the likely hood of experiencing mountain weather! Participants will need to suitably equip and prepared to learn in all conditions. Part of the course will be about coping with and navigating in a variety of weather conditions, but it might just be sunny!
If you have some, but rusty map reading and compass experience then book the three day gold which has a pre course day session where you will be able to revise and refresh mountain techniques, contours etc.
Read the Gold NNAS learning outcomes to get and idea of what you will learn.

Quality tuition with equipment included
The course fee includes over 12-14 hours of quality tuition, informal assessment and ALL equipment required. Participants receive an official NNAS certificate at the end of the course after successfully completing the assessment. Gold level training course participants will get a personal improvement plan to ready themselves for gold level assessment that takes place at a later date.
Flexible course options
NNAS courses can be taught over two separate days/week ends or midweek to couples, groups and on a one to one basis. Three day direct entry courses for Silver and Gold level can also be arranged.

NNAS accredited
New Forest Navigation is accredited by the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) to train and asses Bronze and Silver awards and to provide Gold training and assesment.
The National Navigation Award Scheme bronze course starts from Standing Hat car park or Wilverley car park and Fritham car park.
Wilverley Plain and Standing Hat car parks are very close to the villages of Brockenhurst and Burley and not far from Lymington and Lyndhurst. Fritham is close to Brook and Bradshaw and can be reached easily from the A31/M271 junction and is also easily reached from villages in the New Forest.
The National Navigation Award Scheme silver course (New Forest) starts from Abbots Well car park, Frogham, Fordingbridge. Full directions are given when you book but the car park is located close to Fordingbridge, Ringwood. Abbots well is easily reached via the B3079 Brook and Bramshaw road from the A31/M271 junction/s from London and south East England, and central New Forest towns and villages.
If you are coming from further a field they are all very central and easily reached from Christchurch and Bournemouth to the south west, Salisbury and Wiltshire area to the north and from Hampshire, Surrey or London using the main road network. Do allow enough time to travel across the forest and download or check directions before you come!
The National Navigation Award Scheme gold course is in south Wales near the Brecon Beacons. The course meeting point is at the village of Tal y Bont on Usk for both days. Accommodation can be found in the village it self, nearby at Brecon or Crickhowell and a good camp site is just up the road at Pencelli. Full details will be given when you book along with advice and guidance of what clothing and equipment you need.
If you need any further information before you book then do get in touch securemail
Need more information?
- securemail
- 07873575997
- Contact form
- @forestnavigator
Gold level National Navigation Award Scheme training and assesment course
Learn how navigate safely and confidently in UK hills and mountains using precise map and compass techniques and contour information
- Learn to navigate across open moorland and mountain terrain using contour information and major and minor landforms.
- Judge distance and use techniques of time, pace and contour information to maintain constant contact with the map.
- Use Gold National Navigation Award Scheme techniques to plan and walk safe routes in open country and make on the spot adjustments in technique for terrain, weather conditions and other factors.
- Learn essential hill skills and understand the navigation demands posed by hill and moorland terrain.
Course format
The Gold NNAS course will be held over 2 days in Wales. The actual course length will be around 14 hours with a longer first day and shorter second day. Each day will involve up to 10-16km of walking on sometimes rough open moorland without tracks or paths. Ideally you will have already completed the Silver NNAS or a similar course or have some experience of using a map and compass to navigate away from tracks and paths.
You won't need to be super fit but will be able to spend two long days walking in the hills and mountains over sometimes steep or hilly terrain and across pathless moorland terrain. A willingness to learn new skills in a fantastic and challenging environment is all you need!
The Gold NNAS training and assessment course (2 days) costs £219 per person and the three day course costs £289 (1 pre day and 2 days) - 10% discount for those who are progressing through the award with New Forest Navigation.
Map reading courses gift vouchers
Vouchers can be bought for all map reading courses and outdoor skills courses.
Gift a voucher and let the recipient book a course on a date that suits them.
Vouchers can be now bought now and used within 6 months
North New Forest courses include starts from Abbotts Well (Frogham car park) and Rockford Common car park
Wilverley Plain car park
Wilverley Plain or Inclosure Forestry car park - details and directions:
Wilverley Plain car park is on the Brockenhurst to Burley Road with directions and further course information on the website here:
The postcode BH25 5TZ will get you to the right road, but NOT the actual car park using a satnav. The postcode is for Wilverley Lodge which you will pass on your left BEFORE the car park/s entrance if you are approaching from the A35, continue on until you see the car park on your left. If you are approaching via Brockenhurst then you will see the car park/s on your right, if you get to the house you have gone too far! Please do not drive up to the house.
I would strongly suggest you check the location and get/print the directions from Google BEFORE coming to the forest. Burley Rd, New Forest National Park, Brockenhurst, Hampshire BH25 5TZ, UK
Both car parks Wilverley Inclosure and Wilverley Plain lead into each other and I usually park in Wilverley Plain car park either on the open plain or near the public toilets.
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
Anderwood car park
Anderwood car park - The postcode BH24 4HS will get you to the general area but not the actual car park.
From London, Souththampton, Lyndhurst - Take the A35 towards Christchurch go PAST the Rhinefield/Bolderwood cross road and then take the FIRST right onto ‘Lyndhurst Road’ towards Burley (grass triangle island) - This road is not sign posted from the main road but does have a main road sign with a 6’6” except for access sign. Go about 1.5 miles down this road and Anderwood car park is on your right.
From Christchurch (New Milton) - Follow the A35 towards Lyndhurst, go past the Burley turn off (new 40 miles per hour limited bridge) and continue for around 2 miles or so and take the first left onto Lyndhurst Road (grass triangle island). The road is not sigh posted except for a ‘bend to right’ with junction sign. If you go past the turning take the next right onto the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and true around.
From Brockenhurst. Take the Rhinefield Road to the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive to the A35. Turn left and drive a short distance down the A35 and FIRST right onto ‘Lyndhurst Road’ towards Burley (grass triangle island) - This road is not sign posted from the main road but does have a main road sign with a 6’6” except for access sign. Go about 1.5 miles down this road and Anderwood car park is on your right.
From Burley village centre - Start on Chapel lane that leads onto Lyndhurst Road. Chapel Lane starts at the Queens Head pub/main village car park. Follow this road for around 3 or 4 miles until you see the Anderwood car park on your left. If you approach the main road (A35)then you have gone to far!
This car park has a public toilet and ample free parking.
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
Standing Hat car park
Standing Hat Forestry car park - details and directions: The track to Standing Hat car park is close to the Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst. Turn off the main road towards the hotel (sign posted Beaulieu), drive past the hotel entrance road, continue on this road with the houses on your right until the road bears right and the track will be straight in front of you. Follow the track past Tillery car park for about 1 mile towards the woodland and Standing Hat car park.
The postcode SO42 7QJ will get you to the right road, but NOT the actual car park using a satnav.
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
Fritham car park
Fritham Forestry car park - details and directions:
Fritham car park is in Fritham, New Forest, about 100m past the Royal Oak pub with directions and further course information on the website here:
The postcode SO43 7HJ will get you to the right area, but NOT the actual car park using a satnav. Fritham and the Royal Oak pub are located right at the end of the T-junction road that is clearly sign posted.
I would strongly suggest you check the location and get/print the directions from Google BEFORE coming to the forest.
Fritham, Hampshire SO43 7HJ
If approaching from the west (Ringwood direction) you can turn off the A31 onto the Ocknell Plain and continue straight on until you reach the Fritham turning on your left. If you are traveling from the east or from within the New Forest (Southampton or Lyndhurst/Brockenhurst direction) you will need to use the B3078 Bramshaw to Fordingbridge Road as you CANNOT cross the A31 westbound!
The Fritham car park is about 100m past the Royal Oak Pub on the left down a Forest track. Do not take the immediate left almost opposite the pub; if you do turn round past the chapel and try again!
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
If approaching south or north on the A338 or from the east B3078, turn off for Fordingbridge (but not into the actual town) and head east looking for signs to Stuckton, Hyde and Frogham.
The car park is about a 1000 metres along the same road as the Foresters Arms pub and on the right before the road drops away down hill.
Abbots Well Rd, New Forest National Park, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2JD, UK
Ashley Walk car park
Ashley Walk/Godshill Cricket Forestry car park - details and directions:
Ashley Walk forestry car park, Roger Penny Way (B3078), Godshill, near Fordingbridge SP6 2LN.
The postcode will get you to the right area, but NOT the actual car park using a satnav. If approaching from Fordingbridge take the B3078 towards Brook/Bramshaw. The car park is on your right about a mile past the Fighting Cocks pub (just after the Godshill Cricket pitch car park).
If approaching from London/Southampton (M3/M27) take the Brook/Bramshaw Road (signed B3079) at Cadnam (M27/31 junction 1, third exit on right). At Bramshaw (Bramshaw Golf course on your right) turn left and take the B3078 (signed Fordingbridge) and continue along the B3078 for a few miles until you see the Ashley Walk car park on your left. If you reach the Godshill Cricket car park or Fighting Cocks pub you have gone too far and will need to turn back.
If approaching from with-in the New Forest on the A337, Lyndhurst Road (from Brockenhurst/Lyndhurst) bear left onto the A31 (towards motorway) BUT CONTINUE straight on/under the motor way picking up road signs for Brook/Bramshaw/Fordingbridge B3079. (DO NOT GO DOWN THE A31!). At Bramshaw (Bramshaw Golf course on your right) turn left and take the B3078 (signed Fordingbridge) and continue along the B3078 for a few miles until you see the Ashley Walk car park on your left. If you reach the Godshill Cricket car park or Fighting Cocks pub you have gone too far and will need to turn back.
I would strongly suggest you check the location and get/print the directions from Google BEFORE coming to the forest. Link: https://goo.gl/maps/q433w679NQN2 B3078 New Forest National Park, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2LN, UK
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
High Corner car park
High Corner Forestry car park - details and directions:
High Corner Forestry car park, Linwood, near Ringwood, BH24 3QY (the car park is on the left as you drop down to the track to the High Corner Inn :- http://www.highcornerinn.co.uk/home)
The track to the inn is clearly sign posted and the High Corner car park is about 300 metres down the track on the left before you drop down to the inn itself.
If approaching from Ringwood on the A338 (heading north to Fordingbridge) turn right down Ellignham Drove (brown tourist sign clearly sign posts the High Corner Inn).
If approaching from Fordingbridge on A338 (heading south towards Ringwood) turn left down Ellignham Drove (brown tourist sign clearly sign posts the High Corner Inn).
Continue down Ellignham Drove until you approach Moyles Court School (30mph sign/cattle grid) and the road will bear sharp right, continue on towards Linwood (signed for Linwood). The road bears left over a red bricked bridge to a road junction – turn left (signed Linwood), Take the right hand turn (with the grass triangle on you left) and continue straight on towards Linwood (the road goes slightly up hill with a lovely large oak on your left next to the 6’6” except for access sign!). This is the only raod to Lindwood stay on this for a few miles going past the Red Shoot Inn, access to Higher farm only (sign) and as you enter more open heathland and the road flattens out you will see the sign for the High Corner Inn. Take this track for 300 metres to the High Corner Forestry car park.
Click on a map to download a PDF version…
The Rockford Common car park is best accessed via the A338.
From the A338 Salisbury Road (Ringwood or Fordingbridge direction) use the Ellingham Drove Road exit for Moyles Court and Linwood (also brown signpost/s Redshoot Inn/camping site). Continue past the nature reserve lakes and then just after the cattle grid and Ibsley 30 speed sign continue straight on (sign posted Mockbegger and North Gorley) between between Moyles Court School playing fields/buildings.
Next right at junction and then over the ford and continue straight. Rockford Common car park (National Trust non-payment) is straight in front of you near the disused sand quarry (signposted as a T-junction road). If the ford is too high park either side of the road just before it and use the foot bridge!
Nearest Post Code BH24 3NF
Grid Reference SU164082
Open Street map link: https://osm.org/go/euib7EmOB--?m=
This postcode will get you to the general area of the car park but NOT the actual car park. PRINT off or make sure you have directions to the car park BEFORE coming to the forest.
Martin Down - A354 and Sillens lane
Martin Down Nature Reserve - A354 car park. Nearest postcode is SP5 5RH, Grid reference SU037201 and what3words escorting.tweeted.nets.
New Forest - Starting locations for map reading courses
Get in touch...
New Forest Navigation map reading courses start from car parks and villages within the New Forest National Park. The New Forest is located in south Hampshire, South East England. It is easily accessible from the surrounding counties of Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey, Sussex and London. No need to travel to Snowdnia or Peak District with the New Forest on your door step!
Course start locations are reached easily from all New Forest villages and towns, which all have a huge range of accommodation options; Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Lymington, Christchurch, Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Burley, Sway and further afield at Bournemouth, Southampton and Salisbury.
New Forest Navigation
Learn Map Reading and how to use a Compass courses in the New Forest.07873575997