Mountain skills training courses
So you’d like to be more confident in the hills and mountains?
Gaining confidence as a hillwalker allows a great amount of freedom and satisfaction. To plan a hill walk, navigate your way competently and get home safely, using your skills and training is the essence of enjoying the mountains.
One of the best parts of my job is training people how to navigate effectively in the mountains. To see them progress to hiking safely and self sufficiently, without the need for a guide or leader is really satisfying.
I provide the Mountain Skills 1 & 2 courses on behalf of the Mountain Training Board Ireland and they are run in accordance with their syllabus and guidelines. below is information on both.
Mountain Skills 1 (2 Day Course)
The basis for understanding and progressing your navigation skills. If you learn many of the skills on MS1 correctly, you may never need to rely on the skills of MS2.
This 2-day course includes map reading and navigation techniques, recognition of natural features, distance measurement and timing of walks. Mountain hazards are also covered, as is personal equipment such as correct clothing and emergency equipment.
- map reading and map setting
- understanding contours and contour features
- mountain hazards
- the mountain environment and access
- navigational skills
- pacing and timing
- an introduction to the compass
- using the compass
Mountain Skills 2 (2 Day Course)
- using the compasS
- navigational skills and techniques
- night navigation
- scrambling/steep ground
- emergency procedures/mountain rescue
Duration: 2 days
Location: Mainly courses are run in Clare and sometimes Wicklow, but can be run in various locations around Ireland. please contact me for details.
Cost: €150 per person
Pre-requisites: A basic level of hillwalking fitness/previous hillwalking experience
Ratio: No minimum, max 1:6 ratio. larger groups can be catered to, please contact me for details.
Upcoming dates:
30th Sept/1 Oct – Wicklow – Mountain Skills Assessment (spaces)
14th/15th Oct – Wicklow – Mountain Skills 2 (full)
21st/22nd Oct – Wicklow – Mountain Skills 2 (2 spaces)
9th/10th Dec – Wicklow – Mountain Skills Assessment (spaces)
6th/7th Jan 2024 – Clare -Mountain Skills 1 (Spaces)
3rd/4th Feb 2024 – Wicklow – Mountain Skills 1 (spaces)
2nd/3rd Mar 2024 – Wicklow – Mountain Skills 2 (Spaces)
18th/19th May 2024 – Clare – Mountain Skills 1 (Spaces)
22nd/23rd Jun 2024 – Clare – Mountain Skills 1 (Spaces)
What equipment do you need to bring?
On all-mountain skills training courses it would great if you could bring your own compass and map of the local area. If you don’t have either of these, I will be happy to provide you with a map and compass but would ask that you let me know in advance of the course.
What other gear do you need to bring?
You will need to bring appropriate clothing for the Irish outdoors, including rain gear and walking boots offering a good level of ankle protection. Plenty of water, lunch and a handful of snacks. Prior to the walk, I’ll send you a detailed list of requirements.
For further information you can consult the MI website here.
