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. Please note, this is a personal skills course, not a leadership course.

This non-residential course will be delivered in the Pentland Hills.

Mountain Training’s 2-day Hill Skills course is your key to getting started in countryside, hill and moorland walking. No previous hill walking experience is required but if you have some and would like to gain confidence planning walks, navigating and understanding the equipment required, then it’s an ideal way to develop your skills.

The Hills Skills syllabus covers the following aspects:

• Planning – how to successfully plan a hill walk in the UK or Ireland.
• Walking skills – what things should you 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 in the hills – everything from selecting a compass to navigation strategies and an intro to GPS.
• Environmental knowledge – how to minimise your impact on the hill and information on good practice and useful organisations.
• Hazards and emergency procedures in the hills – how to respond to any hazards you encounter and what to do in an emergency.

Participants will receive a free copy of the BMC book 'Safety on Mountains'.