John Chivall, Outdoor Instructor

With only three participants on last weekend's Silver NNAS course, Mark, Liz and Rachel got a lot of practise and feedback as they improved their navigation skills. We started on Saturday in Mugdock Country Park, using orienteering maps to develop route planning skills and compass work, before heading up onto the moor west of Craigton for more advanced contour interpretation and open country navigation.

On Sunday, we drove over to Fintry in heavy rain for a little more training followed by the assessment phase of the course. The rain did not stop all day (it was too wet even to get the camera out!) but spirits were high even if hands were cold and feet wet. All three participants were able to demonstrate their ability to navigate at the level required - congratulations to all!

The next Silver level NNAS course I am running will be in spring 2010 - dates to be confirmed. If you are interested in this course and would like me to let you know once a date has been fixed, then please get in touch.

Liz is a member of the Glasgow HF Club and Rachel is a member of Glasgow Young Walkers. I offer reduced rates for clubs, so if you are in a club and feel that your members would appreciate some friendly, professional navigation training, then contact me to discuss your options

On the moor, with the Campsies behind.

Mark, Rachel and Liz planning the next leg of the journey

Rachel concentrating on taking a bearing.