Skills for every walk you’ll ever do
Hill skills and mountain courses are group or solo activities which encourage people of all ages, fitness levels and backgrounds to learn basic mountaineering skills and knowledge, to enhance their walking experiences.
You’ll learn basic map reading, compass skills, weather conditions and what they mean for your hikes, danger warnings, survival skills and much more.
You can follow a structured course that takes you up the ranks from bronze to gold to gain qualifications, or take a more laid back, adventurous approach that teaches you the skills along the way on your chosen hike.
Pick your starting point
Basic Navigation
This class teaches you the basics of navigating, including map reading and compass use. You’ll leave with new skills to put to good use on future walks. Aimed at beginners who enjoy walking but want to feel more confident at navigation.
Next Step Navigation
Following on from Basic Navigation, you’ll learn route planning tactics and map reading skills and cover more in-depth scenarios such as bad weather or emergency situations. You don’t need to complete Basic Navigation first; if you already have some knowledge, start here.
Night Navigation
For those who already know how to navigate by day but may not be experienced at night. Three topics are covered: emergency procedures, planning routes when visibility is poor, and travelling during the night.
Hill Skills Accredited Course
Many people who walk in the countryside started by picking up a map at the local library and taking an exploratory hike. This syllabus is designed to help you get started with your outdoor adventures, covering route assessment, weather knowledge and more.
Safer, more fulfilling hikes
Explore walking techniques, navigational knowledge and more. Our courses are flexible and tailored to your experience, abilities and goals: choose a course that fits you and follow your own path.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or taking your first steps, Hill Skills and Mountain Courses teach you the basics of outdoor adventure. Join a group or go solo. The only way to learn the art of mountaineering is to practise it.
What will the Mountain Leader do?
The Mountain Leader is in charge of your group or solo hike, walk or course. They’ll set tasks, challenges and group activities to test your knowledge and physical abilities.
They take your experience and knowledge into account and carefully plan the best routes for you, managing the group by setting goals and targets to work towards while providing training and expertise throughout.
The Mountain Leader also carries out risk assessments and strategic planning to make sure everyone is safe and travelling in the right conditions with the correct equipment.
Join as a group or solo
Our team of experts is here to help. Book your personalised course and mountain training today.