Hill Skills Award       

A Hill Skills course is your key to getting started in countryside and moorland walking. No previous hill walking experience is required because the content of the course is aimed at beginners.  

The two courses in the Hill & Mountain Skills scheme are designed to provide progressive learning opportunities for new hill walkers. 

Courses are delivered by approved providers who will introduce you to the skills and techniques required to enjoy hill walking in your own time. You will have plenty of opportunities to practise these new skills as well as learning more about the environment and how to manage the risks associated with hill walking.

Courses include:

• A copy of the Safety on Mountains book

• A navigational timing card

• A certificate of attendance for completing each course

• Lifetime use of our digital logbook (DLOG) for recording your walks

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. Find a course

During a Hill Skills course, you can expect to start each day at about 9am. The first part of the course is spent indoors, getting to know the other people on the course and gaining an understanding of basic hill walking planning. Your experienced tutor will outline the plans for the course before you head out into the hills. The end of the day will usually involve a short indoor session to review the day and plan the following day's outing. 

You can expect to be out walking each day for around 4-5 hours and generally on Hill Skills courses this will be on footpaths or trails that are rough underfoot. Much of the journey during the course will involve learning opportunities and as such, the pace of the day is friendly and will include plenty of breaks.

Cost:  £70 per person includes certification fee

Transport and maps provided

Rock Skills Introduction courses are typically 1 day, although some providers may deliver the course over 2-3 days. 

Courses are delivered by approved providers from Mountain Training England.  We will introduce you to climbing in a supportive and encouraging environment, making sure you get the most out of the day.

Background and Planning. An awareness of the types of places you can climb in the UK and Ireland, how to use guidebooks and mobile devices to find crags and routes, crag etiquette and the work of the mountaineering councils. 

Climbing Skills. Fundamental movement skills and climbing styles. 

Footwear and Equipment. Footwear and equipment selection and how to use the kit you choose. 

Technical Skills. Tying into a harness, belaying, spotting and how to abseil. 

Environmental Knowledge. The impact of climbers at the crag, ethics, access and environmental considerations for climbers. 

Hazards and Emergency Procedures. Identifying hazards, managing risk, understanding common injuries, how to get help and the role of Mountain Rescue and associated emergency services.

Cost:  £70 per person includes certification fee

Transport and maps provided