Carn Mairg. May 2008

This 3 day beginners hillwalking course is ideal if you have little or no experience of mountain walking. The course will give you all the vital skills to venture out into the mountains and hills of Britain.

We look at choosing equipment and what to pack,  planning a route, map reading and navigation. We'll walk in different types of terrain, pathed and unpathed and planning a mountain day away from the usual guidebook routes

During the three days out on the hills and mountains you'll gain a vast amount of knowledge and be able to tackle days out with confidence.

Course Outline

• Clothing and equipment
• Weather
• Conservation and access issues
• Planning a route
• Map reading
  Using the compass
• Walking on different types of terrain including steep ground
  Mountain Hazards including safe river crossings 

Map reading is the basis of good navigation.

Coping with the wind & rain. Skye

Even at low levels your gear needs to be up to the job. Knowing where it is in your rucsac is a good idea too!

Sgurr a' Mhaim. May 2009

Tackling various types of terrain. Even at the end of May there can be patches of snow lying. Here we have boulders, snow and scree to cross on the way to the summit.

River crossing, Skye. July 2009

There's not many hills in Scotland that you can get up without crossing a river at some point in the day. Good route choice and planning in advance can save huge detours. Good technique for when you do need to get your feet wet occasionally!

Beinn a' Dotaidh. July 2009

Soon you'll be heading off main guidebook routes and using all the skills learnt to plan your own routes in the mountains. Apart from gaining good techniques with your walking you'll no doubt see far more wildlife and different views of the hills. You'll 'escape' the crowds on the main paths and get a feeling of wilderness.

Liathach, April 2009

'Scrambling' is the grey area between walking and climbing. With the right techniques and confidence you'll soon be eager for more challenging terrain.