The Mountain Skills & Summits course is designed to build your confidence and competence for independent adventures in UK mountain walking — with time to develop skills and apply them on longer mountain journeys.
The course begins with a planning session covering weather forecasts, route-planning tools, and essential safety considerations. From there we head out each day — on a mix of terrain including steep ground, rocky paths, and routes off the beaten track. Over the course, you’ll deepen your navigation skills (map & compass) learn to interpret mountain weather, and gain experience making real-time decisions.
As well as these core skills, this course will aim to incorporate one or two longer, summit-oriented journeys — giving you a chance to put your training into practice and enjoy full mountain days.
-How to plan a mountain walk: route-selection, map & compass, estimating distance/time, contingency plans.
-Weather forecasting: reading synoptic charts, understanding fronts and mountain-specific weather risks.
Equipment & packing: layering clothing for changing conditions; packing your rucksack for comfort and practicality on longer walks.
-Techniques for efficient movement over mixed terrain: managing pace, nutrition, energy, and reducing risk on steep or rough ground.
-Introduction to scrambling or easy scrambling (where terrain allows).
-Efficient movement on steep slopes, rocky paths, and off-trail terrain.
-Map-reading and contour interpretation.
-Compass work: taking bearings, navigating to and from waypoints.
-Estimating distance, direction, altitude and timing.
-Navigating in poor visibility or changing weather conditions.
-Understanding how mountain weather develops and how it affects walking plans.
-Identifying terrain hazards and making safe decisions in real time.
-What to pack for emergencies, how to call for help (e.g. Mountain Rescue), giving accurate location, and essential safety procedures.
-Upland environment, flora/fauna, geology, land use.
-“Leave No Trace” principles: minimising impact, proper disposal of waste, responsible behaviour in remote areas. mountain-training.org+2The British Mountaineering Council+2
-One or two full-day mountain journeys aiming for a summits or remote high terrain, putting together planning, navigation, and movement skills.
-Applying all learned skills in a real context: weather assessment, decision making, route-finding, pacing, and safety awareness.
Level: Beginner, intermediate
16+ (under 18's must be accompanied by a parent/adult)
1:6 Ratio | 6 spaces per course (two instructors means double spaces)
Minimum 2 bookings for course to run
Our Hill & Mountain skills courses are accredited by Mountain Training.
If you wish to receive accreditation for this course, we will register you on the scheme with Mountain Training and create an account for you
Mountain Training
-Some basic map reading skills are beneficial
-This is a progressive course designed to build your skills and help you improve your knowledge.
-This course is for anyone looking to build confidence, we will teach you the basics and each day will be at run at a friendly pace
-Kit list provided at booking.
-Wear warm, waterproof clothing and mountain boots.
-Bring a sturdy rucksack, lunch, snacks, and water.
-OL4 & OL6 map
-A Dorrigo Dinky+ is also a good investment (but you will still need OL4 as it doesn't cover this area)
-Silva Expedition 4 compass
-Stopwatch
| Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
Mountain Skills: Comprehensive
Please pay in full if the course is less 30 days away
6 available
|
£450.00 | |
Book with 50% deposit
This ticket allows you to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. We will be in touch when the full amount is due, this will be via email and we will send you a link to an easy bank transfer. The full amount will be due no later than 30 days before the course. The contract you enter into on this ticket is a promise to pay the full amount owed.
6 available
|
£225.00 |
Honister
Honister Pass
Keswick
CA12 5XN
Please meet your instructor at this location
Sam drives a Grey Skoda Estate: MH68 TFA
Please come over to the vehicle and say hello; we will do briefings and course introductions in the cafe
Amenities