Award Description
The Hill & Mountain Skills scheme is a great way to develop your personal skills and confidence in all elements of hill and mountain walking. From planning a coastal walk to navigating in complex terrain, these courses are an ideal opportunity to learn the basics and enjoy the countryside. THIS IS NOT THE HILL AND MOORLAND LEADER SCHEME.
Hill Skills Courses are nationally accredited and developed by Mountain Training, they aimed to equip you with basic knowledge and safety skills required to participate in hill walking.
What does the Hill Skills Course Cover?
Planning – how to successfully plan a hill walk in the UK or Ireland.
Walking skills – what you should consider while out walking and what can make life easier (pace, nutrition, movement skills etc.).
Clothing and equipment – being suitably dressed and equipped can make the difference between a great day out and a complete disaster.
Weather – how it affects the hills and your day out.
Navigation – everything from selecting a compass to navigation strategies and an intro to GPS.
Environmental – how to minimise your impact on the hill, information on good practice and useful organisations.
Hazards and emergency procedures – how to respond to any hazards you encounter and what to do in an emergency.
Prior Experience and Fitness
The course requires a moderate level of fitness as you can expect to be out walking each day for around 4-5 hours. The walking will generally be on footpaths or trails that are rough underfoot. Much of the journey during the course will involve learning opportunities and the pace of the day is relaxed with plenty of breaks.
Any health issues should be talked through with your Tutor prior to the start of the course.
What is included?
All instruction and learning resources, certificate upon completion, all group safety equipment, use of maps and compasses.
What is not included?
Registration fee with Mountain Training, personal clothing and equipment, transport, accommodation and meals.
Registration for the Scheme
Each participant must register with the Hill & Mountain Skills scheme with Mountain Training prior to attending the course.
To register you need to create an account on the Mountain Training Candidate Management System and then register for Hill & Mountain Skills (HMS). This registration cost is in addition to the course fee.
More information can be found in the Scheme Handbook or on the Mountain Training website.
Minimum Booking
This course requires two people booked to run (this is a stipulation by Mountain Training), in the event that minimum course numbers are not met a full refund or alternative dates will be offered, if you have any queries then please contact me.