Mountain Skills 2 course in Glenmalure and Lugnaquilla, Co.Wicklow

From my past experiences, Ireland is probably one of the best places in Europe or in the world where one can learn how to hike and navigate in a wild environment and especially off trails.

Ireland is a beautiful unspoiled country with very few hiking trails provided in lowland areas or in the mountains.

As an example, some of my customers have hiked all over the world included: Kilimanjaro, Patagonia, Chili, Peru, Himalaya or in the Alps, but mostly on trails. One customer from Germany wanted to join the course because he wanted to bring his daughter to Greenland Hiking for 3 weeks! One of my last Mountain Skills 1 the participant flew from Italy the night before and rented a car to meet me the following morning.

Mountain Skills is a great course in this regard as you will learn how to navigate on and off trails.

About Mountain Skills.

Mountain Skills 1 and 2 is a nationally accredited course by the Mountain Training Board of Ireland and is delivered in an upland environment.

The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking:

independently, safely, responsibly in the mountains of Ireland, the UK and beyond.

You will learn how to navigate with confidence using a map, a compass and proper hiking equipment in any weather conditions during day time, in poor visibility or at night (MS2).

At the end of this course, you will have taken a big step forward in developing your own self-confidence and enjoyment in hiking.

Note: Some hiking experience is essential before joining the scheme but, you don’t need to be an expert.

Registration with Mountaineering Ireland is essential in order to take part in the Mountain Skills scheme and the registration fee is € 28 mountaineering.ie/awardreg/?aid=32 which covers:

– Access to the full Mountain Skills Scheme (MS, MS2 and MS Assessment)

– A digital and/or paper Logbook setting out the scheme and allowing to track your progress

– A discounted Mountaineering Ireland membership fee of €35, if you wish to join at the time of registration.

Any explanation and information will be given to you on training day.

ABOUT THE COURSES.

Mountain Skills 1. (2days)

• Introduction and presentation of instructor and Mountaineering Ireland.
• Maps and Map’s scales
• Map reading, land and ground features
• Contours and contour lines
• Land features and ground features
• Navigation Legs
• Setting/orientating the map
• Simple navigation techniques
• Direction and Distance Estimation
• The 5 D’s
• Mountain Hazards: weather, human, topographic.
• Grid reference
• Timing and Pacing
• Introduction to compass
• Route planning
• Route card

Mountain Skills 2.  (2 days)

• Maps and map scales
• Contours and contour lines
• Timing and pacing
• Introduction to compass
• Compass bearing and magnetic variation
• Measuring a bearing from map by estimation
• Setting / orientating the map
• 3 methods for self-location
• Navigation Techniques
• Mountain Hypothermia
• Recognition and Treatment
• Emergency Procedures
• Treatment of casualty
• Late at night
• Safe movement skills
• Rivers and streams crossing

Each course is €120 / person and €100 for under 18/students for small groups from 4 up to 6 people which includes:

Full course notes, tea breaks provided, a free hiking day practice and some route cards for you to practice.

The indoor course location has a fully equipped kitchen, some camping facilities and showers for an extra €10.