How to use a map and compass courses - Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme, one and two day
Map and compass training to navigate your own off road MTB rides
New Forest tracks are all weather, all year and suitable for those with little off road experience
Learn how to use a map and compass to plan and confidently navigate your own routes
One, two day and Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme suitable for beginners
Mountain biking workshops, rides and coaching
2025 dates being added to the website very soon.
Drop Nigel an email for bespoke one to one, couples and small group rides and workshops.
Nigel Parrish - Guided rides, small group and one to one courses and instruction in all aspects off road riding - red and blue trails
Qualified and fully insured - Guiding, coaching/instruction, off-road cross country, blue and red trail centre routes
1:1, 1:2 & small group off road navigation, cycle skills, coaching & instruction available -
Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme 'on-your-bike' - Learn how to plan and navigate off-road routes
The Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme can now be completed off road and by bike! The Bronze, or one and two day map reading courses in the central New Forest are suitable for complete navigation beginners and novice off road cycle riders. The well surfaced New Forest tracks can be used all year and by most off road suitable bikes.
Navigation courses that start outside of the central New Forest are suitable for navaigation beginners but participants will need a substantial off road capable MTB and will need to be off road competent and have enough fitness to complete the course.
Check out the Bike and rider FAQ's at the bottom of the page for more information.
Nigel has taught map and compass skills on foot for nearly 10 years. Recently qualified as an MTB instructor he is the only NNAS provider in the south offering the Bronze off road and by MTB!
The Bronze NNAS, and his own one and two day courses are perfect for complete navigation novices, will fundamentally still use map and compass techniques - alongside GPS enabled devices and some use of smart phone to teach off road cyclists how to plan routes and navigate them.
Check out the FAQ's further down the page to find out the difference between the Bronze NNAS, one and two day course.
You will learn the same navigation skills and techniques on both courses.
Those signing up for the Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme will be registered with the National Navigation Award Scheme, be informally assessed with a check list of syllabus skills and some question and answer's about route choice, contour interpretation etc. After passing you will be awarded the bronze level.
You cannot be awarded the Bronze twice.
You can complete the course again as a two day navigation-by-bike course to learn how to use the bronze skills and techniques.
Check out the FAQ below if you have already completed the Bronze on foot with Nigel.
ObscureMyEmail if you have completed the Bronze NNAS on foot with New Forest Navigation.
Exclusive price for past candidates - two days on a bike navigation for £89 per person (for all courses between 1 October 23 and 31 March 24 - some courses may be subject to a minimum numbers of bookings to go ahead).
Central New Forest - You will need to be fit enough to ride up to 26KM (around 16 miles) on forest gravel cycle tracks, with some ups and downs, in any expected weather conditions. Beginners: Introduction to off road riding day/two day - You will need to be fit enough to ride around 20-26km on a variety of off road terrain - some steeper ascents and descents can be pushed.
Martin Down and Cranborne Chase - You will need to be fit enough to ride up to 30 (40 max) KM on a variety of tracks, paths, field edge bridle paths and more technical sections of single track with short sharp ascents and descents. The total amount of ascent will depend on the route (see the ride description) but all rides will involve more than 300/400 metres of ascent.
Yes - outdoor courses are all weather -fun! It is expected that outdoor enthusiasts that want to learn to plan cycle routes independently will be able to complete the course in poor weather. Learning to use a map and compass is a 'hands-on' and visual experience best learnt and understood outside.
Participants are advised to bring a full set of weatherproofs, warm layers and enough extra layers to keep warm when we are standing around looking at maps. During the winter a lot of the navigate by bike courses take place on gravel cycle tracks that can be ridden all year. Courses are only cancelled if the weather is dangerous or extremely cold and wet. The format of the course and the duration spent riding outside might be altered and participants might be given some homework looking at route planning so the riding day length on day two is shorter with less time spent stopping, looking and planning.
No! You will need to bring a fully working bike suitable for the ride. Every bike will be checked by the ride leader to ensure it is ready to go...
The ride leader will check every bike to ensure it is in good working order but will only be able to carry out minor 'trail-side' repairs, fix punctures or emergency (some) repairs to get you going again or able to ride back to the start location.
Outside of the New Forest cycle tracks you will need an off-road capable mountain bike. Your bike will need to be in full working order, ready to go. Every bike will be checked by the ride leader to make sure they are safe, working correctly and are suitable for the expected ride or activity. If you need some advice and assistance to get the bike comfortable then arrive early and allow time for the ride leader to help you - the ride leader will bring a basic toolset and a track pump but will not be able to make repair or service your bike! . If your bike is not working or is not suitable you may not be able to take part.
Ideally you will:
Clean and oil the chain before you arrive
The tyres are in good condition, suitable for the terrain and pumped up to the correct pressure
Have a spare inner tube that fits the size of the tyres you have on the bike
Check the bike is fully working, changes gears smoothly and the brakes are working well.
A suitable bicycle should be a substantial off road capable mountain bike, with suitable tyres and of the correct size in fully legal working order
ALL participants included on the same booking must read and agree to the ride description, wear and bring suitable clothing, equipment and bring all the mandatory items required to keep your bike in working order for the duration of the course. All bicycles and equipment will be checked prior to the ride commencing.
Any person without a suitable bicycle or without mandatory items of equipment will not be able to take part.
Guided rides, navigation by bike and bespoke courses (mostly-on) on New Forest gravel tracks and paths
Central New Forest
Navigation by bike
Guided rides
Bespoke guided rides
Skills based workshops - i.e Introduction to off road riding
Ideally you will have a substantial MTB (as described below)
However central New Forest tracks and paths are gravel surfced and you should be able to use most hybrid, gravel bike or hybrid E-Bike if it is fitted with suitable wide tyres. Some sections of the route will be on loose gravel/rutted surfaces with ascents and descents on loose gravel/rutted surfaces. Drop Nigel an email to check before you book.
A suitable bicycle should be a substantial off road capable mountain bike, with suitable tyres and of the correct size in fully legal working order
ALL participants included on the same booking must read and agree to the ride description, wear and bring suitable clothing, equipment and bring all the mandatory items required to keep your bike in working order for the duration of the course. All bicycles and equipment will be checked prior to the ride commencing.
Any person without a suitable bicycle or without mandatory items of equipment will not be able to take part.
Guided rides, workshops and navigation by bike bike courses NOT in central New Forest - Intermediate riders may have quite a lot of off road riding experince & matching fitness - Martin Down, Cranborne Chase, South downs etc.
A suitable bicycle should be a substantial off road capable mountain bike, with suitable tyres and of the correct size in fully legal working order
ALL participants included on the same booking must read and agree to the ride description, wear and bring suitable clothing, equipment and bring all the mandatory items required to keep your bike in working order for the duration of the course. All bicycles and equipment will be checked prior to the ride commencing. Any person without a suitable bicycle or without mandatory items of equipment will not be able to take part.
Guided rides, workshops and bespoke rides for intermediate riders with quite a lot off road riding experience & matching fitness and for rides and workshops on Blue and red trail centre routes.
A suitable bicycle should be a substantial off road capable mountain bike, with suitable tyres and of the correct size in fully legal working order
ALL participants included on the same booking must read and agree to the ride description, wear and bring suitable clothing, equipment and bring all the mandatory items required to keep your bike in working order for the duration of the course. All bicycles and equipment will be checked prior to the ride commencing. Any person without a suitable bicycle or without mandatory items of equipment will not be able to take part.
Taken from From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"A mountain bike (MTB[1]) or mountain bicycle is a bicycle designed for off-road cycling. Mountain bikes share some similarities with other bicycles, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain, which makes them heavier, more complex and less efficient on smooth surfaces.[2] These typically include a suspension fork, large knobby tires, more durable wheels, more powerful brakes, straight, extra wide handlebars to improve balance and comfort over rough terrain, and wide-ratio gearing optimised for topography and application (e.g., steep climbing or fast descending). Rear suspension is ubiquitous in heavier-duty bikes and now common even in lighter bikes. Dropper posts can be installed to allow the rider to quickly adjust the seat height[3] (an elevated seat position is more effective for pedaling, but poses a hazard in aggressive maneuvers)."
Off road rides
Basically - a ride undertaken on a bicycle mostly on surfaces that are 'unmade' or 'not sealed' with tarmac or a smooth surface (like a road, smooth cycle path etc.)
Off-road rides may include sections that are on-road, as well as sections* on unsurfaced tracks including bridleways, gravel paths, forest tracks and dedicated mountain bike trails. These may include natural trail features** (such as roots, rocks, drops), fast technical descents with a loose or very worn surface, overgrown or overhung sections and technical ascents and descents that are shared with other users. Sections may also include man made trail features** such as jumps, berms, drops and boardwalks on blue and red on the bike trail grading system. Participants are also personally responsible for riding within their own ability and should stop and dismount where a section would put them at risk.
All cycling activities are risk assessed. The ride leader is qualified, fully insured and first aid trained.
Off-road rides may include road crossings over, or on roads, or byways that are are open to all forms of vehicles. *This is not a complete list of all-off road surfaces, natural trails features or man made features but are provided as examples.
Ideally you will have a rucksack or water bladder rucksack that allows you to look safely behind you, has a waist strap and chest strap that prevenst the bag moving around when you manoeuvre on the bike.
The rucksack should sit close to the back and allow you to ride the bike without it 'getting in the way'. The other option is to carry water on the bike in water bottles and use a smaller day bag or waist bag.
You will need to be able to safely and comfortably all the recommended clothing and equipment requied for the day/s.
A couple of weeks before the course date you will get full joining details with a kitlist. If this is your first time riding a bike with the extra equipment try and use what day rucksacks you have and make do - safely and comfortably.
Check out the full kit list here
NO - All maps and compasses, some maps cases and tools to mark up maps are provided for use by Nigel.
You are welcome to bring you own compass and learn how to use it, where to store it and how to carry it/use it on the bike.
See the FAQ below for information about what phone applications or devices you can bring - if you have them!
Yes - outdoor courses are all weather -fun! It is expected that outdoor enthusiasts that want to learn to plan cycle routes independently will be able to complete the course in poor weather. Learning to use a map and compass is a 'hands-on' and visual experience best learnt and understood outside.
Participants are advised to bring a full set of weatherproofs, warm layers and enough extra layers to keep warm when we are standing around looking at maps.
During the winter a lot of the navigate by bike courses take place on gravel cycle tracks that can be ridden all year. Courses are only cancelled if the weather is dangerous or extremely cold and wet. The format of the course and the duration spent riding outside might be altered and participants might be given some homework looking at route planning so the riding day length on day two is shorter with less time spent stopping, looking and planning.
Check out the full kit list here
Use of cycling computers, GPS and smartphone mapping 'devices' - on navigation courses using a map and compass such as the one, two day and Bronze NNAS
You can use a device to measure distance and/or time but should not use it to keep a constant track of you location, or to relocate yourself on the paper map. It is suggested that devices are mounted to the handlebars using an appropriate mounting system, in a case or protective cover or used hand when at a complete standstill and always in a hard shell case. Participants accept full responsibility for the use, lose or damage to mounted or hand held devices.
Recording the route when on a navaigate by bike, workshop or guided ride
You are welcome to bring devices with you but ask you do not publish guided rides or routes from courses in a format so that others can follow them for free. Nigel's livelihood depends on guiding and leading folk. Nigel spends a lot of time pre-riding and choosing routes that are great fun but also challenging and within the capabilities of participants. Publishing routes without any guidance or safety notes could put others at risk if they follow a route beyond their riding experience. Suggested apps to put on your phone for your use to navigate and keep safe include: OS Locate. OS mapping and What Three Words. No tuition will be provided in the use of devices whilst out on a guided ride or navigation course - read the manual!
What apps and devices do you recommend?
Suggested apps and devices are listed below - They are just course recommendations. You are responsible for checking them out before loading them onto your phone or purchasing them!
Please note - You will need to learn how to use your device before the course!
MTB links and information
Cycle computer Free cycle computer to measure distance on your iphone. You will need a mount for your phone to keep it secure on the bike handlebars and also in some sort of case to protect it and keep it dry. Or use the phone with a lanyard pouch or in a pocket to check distance when you have stopped at a checkpoint.
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/cyclocomputer/id1562436729
Android Bike Computer - Cycling Tool - not tried this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fehmin.bikeometer&pcampaignid=web_share
From Ordnance survey - get the official apps that are free! Search you app store for them
OS Locate - this gives you a 6 figure grid reference for where you are - Even when you do not have a phone signal
iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/os-locate/id810024913
OS maps - this is the OS mapping app - If you subscribe or buy a map you have access to the same map or all maps that can be downloaded to your device. You can also use this app to track your progress and as a basic way to measure distance travelled - the display how ever is quite small!
iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/os-maps-walking-bike-trails/id978307846
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.ordnancesurvey.osmaps&pcampaignid=web_share
What Three Words - can be useful in an emergency.
iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/what3words-navigation-maps/id657878530
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.what3words.android&pcampaignid=web_share
GPS devices - if you have a handheld GPS device you can bring it with you to use a cycle computer.
Cycle computer or cycle GPS device - A handlebar mounted device is ideal to measure distance travelled when navigating by bike. It is recommend you only use the device to measure distance and time and not to check your position on the map. You will not gain confidence in using the map if you do this and you will not pass the bronze award!
If you are joining Nigel for a navigate by bike course or a skills and technique workshop you can have a comfortable day out by planning what to bring.
Do not buy loads of kit for cycling if you are just starting out or not sure weather you will like it!
Rucksack - Ideally for cycling the rucksack should sit close to your back and have a waist strap to stabilise the bag and stop it 'swinging' about when you are cycling off road. Some have room for a water bladder or water bottles and all the mandatory and recommended kit. You should be able to look over you shoulder when wearing it.
You can use your normal walking waterproof jacket and trousers on the bike - You can use rubber bands, parcel tape to the like to gather the leg of the waterproof trousers =in if they are flappy!
Rubber coated 'builders gloves' are great to go over wooden type gloves to keep out the wet and keep in the warmth.
Always bring MORE layers that you would need to a walk or leisure cycle because you may spend more time standing around looking at map features. Synthetic layers (not cotton) are ideal because they are light and warm.
Bring a flask when it is cold so you have a hot drink (use of stoves is not permitted in the New Forest)
Bring lots of high energy snacks you can munch on during the day.
Cycle specific shorts can make a lot of difference to all day riding comfort or choose underwear without 'intrusive' seams when you are sat in the saddle'
More experience cyclists will probably have a lot of the right kit and be more used to carrying it comfortable and safely.
Check out the full kitlist here
Regular cyclists and off road riders will have a good idea of personal fitness. Know what fitness they need to ride off road terrain with natural trail features and be fit eneough to cycle up and down moderately steep hills. All the guidance on fitness is subjective because it is not feasible to describe every technical aspect or difficulty of a route, course, workshop or bespoke ride!
Riders are responsible for checking route descriptions and make an honest assessment of their own ability to ride technical terrain and the fitness required for a day in the saddle. If you are unsure then the 'Martin round regular' is a good ride to start on. The ride is a regular training ride with time to assess features and learn hwo to ride them.
All the central New Forest rides and navigation by bike courses take place on the permitted cycle tracks (except the odd bridleway if used). Riders will need little or no off road riding technque but will be required to ccyel on gravel tracks that may be loose or a little rutted. Any hills will be short and sharp and not particualry challenging - you can get off and push of you want! Most of the New Forest is quite flat and the rider will need enough stamina to spend a day in the saddle - on navigation y bike courses some time will be spend off the bikes looking at features or practising non cycle techniques. The maximum ride distance is around 25km on day one and 36km on day two. Bespoke rides can be any distance up to around 40km and can use some bridleways.
Everywhere else (not the New Forest) - navigation by bike courses can/may take place on public rights of way as described below. The main purpose of the navigation by bike courses is too learn how to navigate on Bronze NNAS appropriate terrain - Most of the route should be ridable if you ride regularly and can manage around 25/30km with some ups and downs. Depending on the weather it is usually possible to plan routes that used better surfaced drove roads and bridleways.
Riders will require enough fitness and stamina to ride all day - we will get off bikes through day to look at features not accessible by bike or to compare non cycle techniques. Courses not in the central New Forest include some short steep ascents and descents with a variety of surfaces, sections of bridleway and drove road that are deeply rutted and field edge bridleways - these natural trail features require a degree of fitness and some off road riding technique. If you need some extra tuition in off road riding then consider the skills and techniques workshops or join Nigel for the regular Martin ride before you do a navigation by bike course. South Downs - This is a much hillier area with some steep ascents and descents on rutted and chalk slippery tracks and paths - these require more intermediate riding techniques and enough fitness to get up long hills!
Off-road rides may include sections that are on-road, as well as sections* on unsurfaced tracks including bridleways, gravel paths, forest tracks and dedicated mountain bike trails. These may include natural trail features** (such as roots, rocks, drops), fast technical descents with a loose or very worn surface, overgrown or overhung sections and technical ascents and descents that are shared with other users. Sections may also include man made trail features** such as jumps, berms, drops and boardwalks on blue and red on the bike trail grading system. Participants are also personally responsible for riding within their own ability and should stop and dismount where a section would put them at risk.
All cycling activities are risk assessed. The ride leader is qualified, fully insured and first aid trained.
*Off-road rides may include road crossings over, or on roads, or byways that are are open to all forms of vehicles.
**This is not a complete list of all-off road surfaces, natural trails features or man made features but are provided as examples.
Everywhere else (not the New Forest) - navigation by bike courses can/may take place on public rights of way as described below. The main purpose of the navigation by bike courses is too learn how to navigate on Bronze NNAS appropriate terrain - Most of the route should be ridable if you ride regularly and can manage around 25/30km with some ups and downs. Depending on the weather it is usually possible to plan routes that use better surfaced drove roads and bridleways!
Riders will require enough fitness and stamina to ride all day - we will get off bikes through day to look at features not accessible by bike or to compare non cycle techniques. Courses not in the central New Forest include some short steep ascents and descents with a variety of surfaces, sections of bridleway and drove road that are deeply rutted and field edge bridleways - these natural trail features require a degree of fitness and some off road riding technique. If you need some extra tuition in off road riding then consider the skills and techniques workshops or join Nigel for the regular Martin ride before you do a navigation by bike course. South Downs - This is a much hillier area with some steep ascents and descents on rutted and chalk slippery tracks and paths - these require more intermediate riding techniques and enough fitness to get up long hills!
Off-road rides may include sections that are on-road, as well as sections* on unsurfaced tracks including bridleways, gravel paths, forest tracks and dedicated mountain bike trails. These may include natural trail features** (such as roots, rocks, drops), fast technical descents with a loose or very worn surface, overgrown or overhung sections and technical ascents and descents that are shared with other users. Sections may also include man made trail features** such as jumps, berms, drops and boardwalks on blue and red on the bike trail grading system. Participants are also personally responsible for riding within their own ability and should stop and dismount where a section would put them at risk.
All cycling activities are risk assessed. The ride leader is qualified, fully insured and first aid trained.
*Off-road rides may include road crossings over, or on roads, or byways that are are open to all forms of vehicles.
**This is not a complete list of all-off road surfaces, natural trails features or man made features but are provided as examples.
Nigel Parrish will always strive to be as fully inclusive as possible and welcomes everyone onto his courses or activities. Occasionally folk are not able to fully participate on a group course if for example they lack some fitness, riding skill or have other additional requirements.
Nigel will be happy to chat to you and a bespoke courses or riding experience may be able to be arranged.
Use the 'buttons' to see all the course dates for 2023 and 2024 and for guidnace of how to book and pay
Minimum numbers - Some courses will require a minimum numbers of partcipants.
You can book a course marked a requiring minimum numbers and request to pay by invoice - Nigel will drop you an email and an invoice for payment once the course fills up a bit. Often, when someone books a course a few more will book it also.
Most course date that shows as requiring minimum numbers can be booked as a bespoke course day or two days.
Obscurenigelwessex if you would like to arrange this - During the winter and early spring these days are very reasonably priced.
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October 2018
2018
2023 Navigation by bike - Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme, one and two day courses.
Dates, numbers of places left and latest information for each course
Course - Name & Location | Date/s 2024 | Places left/confirmed as running | Location | Suitable for |
---|---|---|---|---|
Available for one to one, one to two, smalls groups - bespoke rides, skills courses and navigation by bike | All year! | Email Nigel for for info | Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire | Anyone! |
2024 Navigation by bike - Bronze National Navigation Award Scheme, one and two day courses.
Dates, numbers of places left and latest information for each course
Course - Name & Location | Date/s 2024 | Places left/confirmed as running | Location | Suitable for |
---|---|---|---|---|
Available for one to one, one to two, smalls groups - bespoke rides, skills courses and navigation by bike | All year! | Email Nigel for for info | Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire | Anyone! |
How to book Navigation by Bike course with Nigel Parrish
Go to the navigation by bike booking form here
Decide if you need to PAY FULL PRICE or just a DEPOSIT
FULL PRICE - Use the first drop selector called 'PAY FULL PRICE - all navigation courses, bespoke bookings and NNAS top up fee' to
DEPOSIT - use the second drop down selector called 'PAY DEPOSIT ONLY -Choose what MTB navigation course you would like to pay a deposit on today...' to
Enter the number of people taking part and the full or deposit amount to pay will show at the top and bottom of the form Complete the form
PAYMENT
Deposits will be refunded in full via Paypal if
Deposits will not be refunded
MTB links and information
Cycle computer Free cycle computer to measure distance on your iphone. You will need a mount for your phone to keep it secure on the bike handlebars and also in some sort of case to protect it and keep it dry. Or use the phone with a lanyard pouch or in a pocket to check distance when you have stopped at a checkpoint.
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/cyclocomputer/id1562436729
Android Bike Computer - Cycling Tool - not tried this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fehmin.bikeometer&pcampaignid=web_share
From Ordnance survey - get the official apps that are free! Search you app store for them
OS Locate - this gives you a 6 figure grid reference for where you are - Even when you do not have a phone signal
iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/os-locate/id810024913
OS maps - this is the OS mapping app - If you subscribe or buy a map you have access to the same map or all maps that can be downloaded to your device. You can also use this app to track your progress and as a basic way to measure distance travelled - the display how ever is quite small!
iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/os-maps-walking-bike-trails/id978307846
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.ordnancesurvey.osmaps&pcampaignid=web_share
What Three Words - can be useful in an emergency.
iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/what3words-navigation-maps/id657878530
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.what3words.android&pcampaignid=web_share
GPS devices - if you have a handheld GPS device you can bring it with you to use a cycle computer.
Cycle computer or cycle GPS device - A handlebar mounted device is ideal to measure distance travelled when navigating by bike. It is recommend you only use the device to measure distance and time and not to check your position on the map. You will not gain confidence in using the map if you do this and you will not pass the bronze award!
Mountain bike instruction, MTB guided rides, guided walks and NNAS courses start in the New Forest, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, South Downs and occasionally the surrounding counties of Sussex, Surrey, Somerset and also South Wales. Blue and red route bike park skills can be taught at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (Hampshire). Many of the MTB rides, guided walks and courses are accessible by car from London, Bristol and Swindon.
Navigation courses - Map and compass on foot! - New Forest Navigation
Wessex Adventures - Nigel Parrish - ©2023
Over two days you will learn all the Bronze level syllabus techniques to plan and navigate routes on public rights of way/and/or permitted cycle tracks.
On a one day course you will learn some of the techniques but will not have time to consolidate the them. Some of the courses are two days/Bronze NNAS only because the flow of the courses works best when everyone has time to consolidate techniques and practice them for a a full day.
You will learn how to use a map and compass together to make sure you go the correct way, check features and to indicate when when you have made an error.
You will learn how to measure distance on the map and use timing, identifiable features, GPS enabled devices and smartphone to measure them on the ground.
You will learn to recognise key features on the map such as tracks, bridleways, contours and how to identify them on the ground, and use them to keep your place on the map and as part of your 'navigation' strategy.
Consolidate and gain confidence in all the techniques learnt and use them to plan and navigate your own routes.
The courses is very practical with most of the time spend out with maps and compasses in hand, looking at features with plenty of time to discuss, practice and navigate!
All courses are suitable for map reading novices.
Centre New Forest - Courses here will primarily use the permitted gravel tracks and are suitable for both map reading and cycling novices. Most off road capable bikes will be suitable.
Martin/Cranbourne Chase/Badbury start - Courses here will take place on a mixture of rights of way with a variety of 'natural' trail features that are more classic cross country riding with a few semi technical sections. Riders will need to be fit enough to ride all day on and have some off road riding experience/capability. Bikes will need to be more substantial off road capable MTB's.
South Downs - Riders will need to be more experienced and off road capable riders and fit enough to get up and down some quite steep and semi technical slopes. You will need an off road capable MTB.
Check out the FAQ's below for more details or Obscurenigelwessex for more information.
One day or two day/Bronze NNAS?
Following feedback from past participants a number of the courses are two day or Bronze only. Spreading the learning and consolidation over two days allows the course to flow better with more flexibility to adjust things around weather and ground conditions. The main difference between the two day and bronze is that on the Bronze NNAS you will be registered with the NNAS, be (informally) assessed against the syllabus checklist, questions and answer to check your understanding and you may have to complete some route planning homework and carry out a simple navigation exercise to demonstrate your skills! You can still complete the bronze after the course has started and the cost is an additional £15 to cover the course fee and admin time.
Suggested kit list for navigation by bike, guided rides and skills workshops
You will be sent a kit list with the joining details - these are usually sent out a couple of weeks before the activity date.
Regular cyclists will know what clothing and equipment to bring with them and what layers they will need for the season. Remember that on navigation courses and technique rides and workshops you will be stationary for periods of time and will cool downs and get cold more easily. Do not skimp on waterproofs, warm layers and gloves etc because if we have to stop and deal with mechanical issues etc it will be miserable standing around without adequate layers.
Item | Always bring with you | Mandatory 1 October to 31 March | Mandatory for Guided MTB/Skills courses |
---|---|---|---|
Suitable bike in fully working order - see guidance FAQ's | YES | YES | YES |
Cycle helmet - properly fitting | YES | YES | YES |
Eye protection | Good idea | Good idea | YES |
Cycling gloves | Good idea | Good idea | YES |
Rucksack/Camel back - to fit all equipment | YES | YES | YES |
And/or water bottles with a waist bag or small rucksack | YES | YES | YES |
Enough food and water to sustain you for the duration of the ride | YES | YES | YES |
GPS or smartphone maps etc | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Waterproof jacket | Yes* | YES | YES* |
Waterproof trousers - cycling specific or walking ones (1) | No* | YES | YES* |
Personal first aid kit with medications | YES | YES | YES |
Sun cream & insect repellant etc | Depends! | Depends! | Depends! |
3 layer system of cycling clothing (2) | YES* | YES | YES* |
Inner tube that fits your tyre/s^ | YES | YES | YES |
Multitool & tyre levers & tubeless repair kit etc. (3) | YES/NO^ | YES/NO^ | YES |
Bike lights/flashers | Good idea | YES | Good idea |
High vis vest/rucksack cover | Good idea | YES | Good idea |
Extra hat and gloves | Good idea* | YES | Good idea* |
Extra thermal layer | Good idea* | YES | Good idea* |
GPS or smartphone maps etc (4) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Flask (no stoves in New Forest) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Orange survival bag | Optional | Useful | Useful |
NO jeans or cargo trousers/shorts. No heavy cotton sweatshirts or bulky jackets please. Your rucksack should be one suitable for cycling that sits closer to your back, ideally has a waist strap to control the 'swing' and one you can look behind you when wearing. NO single strap rucksacks or tying equipment around your waist! Whatever you bring should be inside a rucksack or waist bag.
*Check the weather forecast and make a common sense approach to bringing waterproof jackets and trousers - maybe consider using a windproof if it windy/cold or to put on at rest stops.
1 - Trouser lower legs can be gathered up and secured with silicon bands or 'tape' if they are not cycling specific. You might also want them to pout on when you stop to keep the wind off.
2 - 3 layer systems usually comprises a base layer suitable for the season i.e breathable or thermal base layer with a top layer to go under a shell windproof or water proof jacket. Waterproof trousers are great if have to stop and stand around or fine on the bike if they are cycling specific ones. Cycling or running leggings are great to bring or wear in the cooler seasons. A spare thermal layer such as synthetic top/gilet can be great for the cooler months and for emergency stops.
3 - Tools and inner tubes - If you are new to off road cycling you might not have an extensive tool kit. The bike leader will carry a tool kit but it can be good to start building up a personal set of useful tools for yourself. Please bring an inner tube that fits you tyre even if you run tubeless and a tubeless repair kit.
4 - GPS/smartphone apps - Usually for navigation by bike courses - You will be sent some guidance notes for what to bring
Navigate using a variety of maps and scales.
Use 4 and 6 figure grid references with worded descriptions to define the position of a map feature and to locate a feature on the ground.
Orientate the map using handrails, obvious point features and major landforms.
Use linear features (e.g. paths, tracks, clear boundaries) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
Relate prominent landforms such as large hills and valleys to corresponding contour information on the map.
Orientate the map by aligning a compass needle against grid north and be aware that magnetic variation causes an inaccuracy.
Use an orientated map to confirm the direction of travel.
Use clearly identifiable features to confirm position along the route and to recognise when the target has been overshot.
Measure horizontal distance on the map and estimate distance on the ground using timing, pacing and simple visual judgements e.g.100m.
Plan and implement simple routes and navigation strategies based on the above skills.
Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply simple relocation techniques using handrails and prominent features.
Be aware of the use of mobile phone location apps as a back up to map and compass and in emergencies.
Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues, access legislation, personal responsibilities, the Countryside Code and sustainability.
Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of walking equipment, safety equipment and emergency procedures.
Link to NNAS website https://nnas.org.uk/navigator-award/bronze-national-navigation-award/
Basically you will learn all of the bronze syllabus including the use of a map and compass and how to plan and 'cycle' your own routes using the skills and techniques learnt. Some timing and pacing will be learnt off the bike so you can make a comparison, looking at and interpreting contours and undertaking contour 'exercises' will often be done on foot.
On the bike you will:-
Be allowed to use some functions of GPS enabled devices such as phone apps or cycle computers, mostly to measure time and distance rather than as a 'mapping' aid.
The distance travelled for the planned route on day two will be further but will still take place on Bronze 'terrain'
All route planning & cycling will take place on designated New Forest cycle tracks/routes (central New Forest) and on rights of way that allow cycling (not public footpaths)
Countryside access and legislation will include elements specific to off road cyclists
Discussions about equipment, emergency procedures and safety equipment will also include an off road cycle element.