A Mountain Skills course is your stepping stone to getting started in mountain walking. No previous mountain walking experience is required because the content of the course is aimed at hill walkers wanting to take the step up to build confidence in different, steeper terrain. Even if you do have some experience of mountain walking, but feel you lack the confidence to plan journeys, navigate effectively and understand the equipment required, then a Mountain Skills course is an ideal way to learn.
The Mountain Skills courses is nationally accredited course from Mountain Training, the National Governing body for mountain activities, like rock climbing, walking and mountaineering. It is a 2 day course covering the skills below, and includes certification.
We cover a whole range of skills that will be beneficial to you as a hill walker:
- Route Planning – selecting appropriate maps
- Walking skills – developing technique walking over steep terrain, use of poles in ascent and descent
- Clothing and equipment – discussing items that differ to what you might have in you hill bag
- Weather – how this affects your planning, route and your equipment choices
- Navigation – maps, compasses and when and how to use them
- Environment – maintaining a low impact whilst adventuring, recognising flora and fauna
- Emergencies and hazards – avoidance, but also how to deal with these unfortunate occurrences
Previous experience
Summer hill walking experience is essential. A reasonable level of fitness will help you to get the most from the day.