Mountain Training Weekends : Mountain Skills 1 – Mountain Skills 2.

Ever wanted to learn the skills you need to become a competent navigator in the mountains of Ireland and beyond by day, by night or in bad weather  ?

As mountain leaders and course providers for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK, we run Mountain Skills 1 and 2 which is a nationally accredited course.

The aim of the course which run over 2 weekends or 4 days, 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. In addition to this, you will learn how  to navigate with confidence using a map, a compass and proper equipment in any type of weather condition during day time or night time.

The indoor sessions are 4 hours in duration on the Saturday and Sunday morning followed by an outdoor session of 4 hours which includes a night navigation as being part of Mountain Skills 2.

The courses cover :

1. Mountain Skills Scheme introduction
2. Personal Equipment
3. Reading and Understanding Maps
4. Features recognition and depiction of relief
5. Contour interpretation
6. Grid reference and self location
7. Map’s Scale
8. Introduction to compass
9. Timing and Pacing
10. Mountain Environment and the Leave No trace Program
11. Route Planning
12. Route Card
13. Mountain Hazards
14. Emergency
15. Steep ground
16. compass bearing

Private and personalized courses for individuals and small groups are also available.

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

The location of this courses take place in the  Blackstairs for Mountain Skills 1 and the South Wicklow area for Mountain Skills 2 which includes Lugnaquilla.

In order to take part in this 2 parts course, you will need to register with Mountaineering Ireland for €22 ( which is not part of the yearly subscription of €35.)

PRICE = € 120

Which include: Tea, coffee, scones or else, course notes and a free hiking practice day.

Dates and location of my courses are in the Upcoming Events page of this website included bookings.

2022 Mountain Skills 1 and 2  are as followed: