Silver Course Syllabus

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• Utilise the skills and techniques of the Bronze Award in the context of Silver Award navigation strategies.

• Relate small hills, small valleys, prominent re-entrants and prominent spurs to their corresponding map contours. Use prominent hills, ridges, spurs and valleys as a means of navigation in good visibility.

• Use landforms and point features to orientate the map and as collecting and catching features.

• Use a compass to: Accurately follow a bearing; aim off; check the direction of handrails and other linear features.

• Deviate briefly from a compass bearing to avoid obstacles or difficult terrain and accurately regain the original line.

• Use back bearings to check route following accuracy.

• Measure distance on the ground in varied, open terrain using timing and pacing and make practical allowances for any discrepancies.

• Simplify legs using coarse navigation, attack points and fine navigation.

• Recognise dangerous or difficult terrain on map and ground.

• Plan and implement navigational strategies based on the above skills.

• Maintain route finding accuracy in poor visibility or darkness.

• Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply appropriate relocation techniques.

• Understand how personal fitness and nature of terrain affect route choice both at the planning stage and on the ground.

• Understand the potential consequences of fatigue and physical discomfort in demanding terrain and/or extreme weather conditions.

• Select appropriate clothing, equipment and first aid items for walking in open country in all weather conditions.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the Countryside Code, current access legislation and the environmental impact of walkers on the countryside.

• Understand the responsibilities of walkers towards other countryside interests such as farming, forestry and conservation.

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