Mountain Skills 2

The Mountain Skills (MS1 +2) 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 via email: livetheadventure@tollymore.com or telephone  (+44) 028 4372 2158.

The Mountain Skills (2) Course will be based at the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre and each day will be spent in a different area of the Mourne Mountains. The main emphasis of the course will be building upon your existing skills and knowledge to allow you to advance your mountain walking skills in a mountain environment to a more independent level. You will discuss many aspects and practice many skills on the mountain side such as:

Planning – how to successfully plan a walk in a mountainous range of the UK or Ireland.
Walking skills – what things should you consider while out walking and what can make your life easier (pace, nutrition, movement skills etc.).
Clothing and equipment – Understanding the design and functionality of mountain clothing and equipment especially in terms of safety and comfort.
Weather – More detailed interpretation of a variety of weather forecasts and how they may impact on our plans.
Navigation in the mountains – using the compass to take and walk on bearings detailed measurement of distance and re-location techniques.
Environmental knowledge – how to minimise your impact in the mountains and shared use of this environment inc. the roles of a variety of other organisations.
Hazards and emergency procedures in the hills – The role of the mountain rescue services and how to respond to any hazards you will encounter and what to do in an emergency.

Your course will be based at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in the Mourne Mountains. During your Mountain Skills course expect to start each day at around 9am, finishing at around 6pm. The start of the course will be indoors, getting to know the other people on the course and developing an understanding of mountain walking planning. Your tutor will outline the plans for the day before you head out into the hills. The end of the day will involve a session to review the days’ key learning points whilst night navigating and plan the following days’ outing.

This Mountain Skills 2 Course is perfect for those interested in transferring their basic hill walking skills on to more challenging mountainous terrain whilst raising the bar in terms of personal skills.

Ideally participants will have completed Hill Skills or have some basic level of hillwalking experience and a reasonable level of fitness.

It’s a lot more fun when you know where you’re going, even in the mist or darkness!

• First Step Navigation Skills
• REC Level 2 Emergency
• Next Step Night Navigation Skills
• Mountain Skills 1

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 Mountain 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