Mountain Skills 1

The Mountain Skills (MS) training course provides a general introduction to hillwalking in Ireland and the basics of mountain navigation. Offering a solid foundation for gaining personal mountaineering proficiency, Mountain Skills training teaches the necessary skills in mountain safety, navigation techniques, knowledge of hazards, and personal equipment, so that a person finishing the course may be in a position to safely, and competently, take to the hills. Mountain Skills training and assessment also provide foundation training for those who wish to progress to further leadership qualifications, such as the Mountain Leader (ML).

A moderate level of fitness and some experience of hillwalking are desirable. If you are unsure about your suitability for this course, please contact us at  livetheadventure@tollymore.com or telephone us on (+44) 028 4372 2158.

The main emphasis of the Mountain Skills 1 Course will be building a foundation level of the skills and knowledge required to allow you to operate safely in the hills.

You will discuss many aspects and practice many skills on the hill such as:

Planning – how to successfully plan a hill walk in the UK or Ireland.
Walking skills – 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 planned day out.
Navigation in the hills – measuring distance and basic contour interpretation.
Environmental knowledge – how to minimise your impact on the hill and information on current best practice and useful organisations.
Hazards and emergency procedures in the hills – how to respond to any hazards you may encounter and what to do in an emergency.

Your course will be based at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in the Mourne Mountains. During your Hill Skills course expect to start each day at around 9am, finishing at around 5pm. The start of the course will be indoors, getting to know the other people on the course and gaining an understanding of basic hill walking planning. The Tutor will outline the plans for the day before you go out into the hills. The end of the day will involve a short session to review the days’ key learning points and plan the following days’ outing.

Non residential option

If you would like to attend this course as a non resident, please contact us.  The cost is reduced by £29 (which covers the cost of B&B on Saturday night), but you will still be supplied with packed lunches on Saturday and Sunday, evening meal on Saturday and copious amounts of tea and coffee while in the centre.

This Mountain Skills 1 course is perfect for the absolute beginner or those with some previous hillwalking experience who have relied on their friends or walking group to make all the decisions before now.

It’s a lot more fun when you know where you’re going!

• First Step Navigation Skills
• REC Level 2 Emergency
• Next Step Night Navigation Skills

Bring any of your own personal hillwalking outdoor clothing and kit such as waterproof jacket and trousers, boots, fleece jacket, hat and gloves, flask, water bottle, Mourne map (1:25,000), and spare clothes. It’s best to bring plenty of lighter layers and avoid cotton if possible as it offers little heat and takes ages to dry out if wet or sweaty.

Please ensure you bring along a device which will allow you to ‘stopwatch’ your time.

Tollymore can supply most of the equipment you require for this course but it is preferable to use your own where possible, even if it’s just a chance for your instructor to comment on your kit and give advice.

The MTUK Hill Skills Course fee includes kit, equipment, in course transport, coaching, food and accommodation.

Course accommodation will be in shared twin ensuite rooms. If you would prefer not to share a room, single occupancy may be available for an additional charge.

• Hillwalking by Steve Long MLTUK
• Navigation In The Mountains by Carlo Forte MLTUK