Courses

We are lucky to be working in the outdoor environment and enjoy giving people positive experiences whether it be health walking or climbing mountains, however, if you want to gain confidence and become an independent outdoor enthusiast, or just learn new skills we are happy to help. We believe a friendly approach to teaching and an understanding that every person is different is essential for a positive experience.  

So, what do you want to do?

• Plan your own walks

• Understand and visualise an Ordinance Survey map

• Learn how to use a compass to find your way

• Learn how to navigate properly

• Feel more confident in the outdoors

• Learn new outdoor skills

• Stay safe on the hills

• Learn skills & techniques to climb safely indoors and outdoors

UProjects are registered providers of The National Navigation Award Scheme’s Navigator and Outdoor Discovery awards, these are personal performance, non-competitive, incentive schemes for all ages to learn navigation, delivered by qualified mountain leaders.

The Bronze Navigator Award

A practical hands-on award. It is aimed at people with no navigation experience whether you are new to the outdoors or have been relying on others, guidebooks or easy well-defined routes. 

It is also the starting point for many Duke of Edinburgh students, scouts and guides and cadet groups who are looking to develop their outdoor skills. NNAS Bronze award is accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion

The syllabus of the Bronze National Navigation Award teaches navigation in the countryside using paths tracks and other linear features. Basic map interpretation and compass work is also included.

The Silver Navigator Award

The Silver National Navigation Award develops the navigation skills acquired at the Bronze level. It adds skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks. It teaches accurate compass work. It will also teach you to select the suitable navigational techniques to cross open country.

Silver National Navigation Award courses are taught in areas with access to open country and involve periods where you’ll be navigating away from paths and tracks..

The Outdoor Discovery Award (ODA)

The Outdoor Discovery Award or ODA is ideal for people of all ages who wish to learn basic navigation skills at a gentle rate, encouraging them to gain and improve personal confidence to get out and get active.

There is a gradual learning progression via One Star, Two Star and Three Star levels, with certificates and badges available for achieving participants.

The awards are aimed at all age groups and abilities. The Outdoor Discovery Award is fantastic for youngsters to actively learn outside the classroom, and the Gold level is often used as a lead-in for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.
The syllabus content is structured to allow flexible teaching approaches to suit the candidates and the type of maps available locally.