Mountain Skills Course – Lake District and Snowdonia
Introduction to the Mountain Skills Course
The Mountain Training Approved Mountain Skills Course is designed for walkers who want to progress beyond gentle hills and well-marked trails and begin exploring the more serious and remote mountain environments of the UK and Ireland. This comprehensive two-day course is ideal for those who have already developed basic navigation and hill walking abilities and now want to build the confidence, competence, and decision-making skills needed for higher, steeper, and more complex terrain.
Your Mountain Skills Course begins with a relaxed meet-and-greet session, giving you the chance to chat with your instructor and get to know the rest of the group. You’ll take part in a short but valuable planning session that outlines the core elements of the course and prepares you for the challenges of mountain travel. From there, you will head directly into the mountains, leaving behind marked paths and stepping into rockier, more rugged and less straightforward ground. This real-world learning environment provides the perfect setting to develop a deeper understanding of navigation, weather, terrain judgment, and risk management.
What to Expect During Your Mountain Skills Course
Physical Demands and Timing
A Mountain Skills Course involves more physical effort than a Hill Skills course. You can expect to be out in the mountains for 5–6 hours each day, often moving through uneven, steep, and rocky terrain. On Day 1, you will complete an extended session that may include walking into darkness or spending additional time learning essential mountain safety and navigation techniques. This ensures that you gain practical experience in low-light or poor-visibility conditions—skills that every competent mountain walker needs.
The minimum age for course participants is 10 years old, and all under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
2026 Mountain Skills Course Dates
Scheduled Dates and Locations
25th & 26th April – Lake District National Park
29th & 30th August – Snowdonia National Park
These world-class mountain regions provide the ideal landscapes for developing the skills taught on this course.
Cost: £145 per person
A minimum of 3 bookings is required for a course to run.
Bespoke private courses can be arranged for groups of 3 or more.
Mountain Skills Course Syllabus
Planning
Learn how to confidently plan a safe and realistic walk in the mountains of the UK and Ireland. You’ll consider terrain, distance, ascent, weather, daylight, escape routes, and risk factors.
Walking skills
Discover effective movement skills for steep, loose, rocky, or uneven terrain. You’ll learn how to manage pace, conserve energy, maintain nutrition, and adapt your walking technique to different slopes and surfaces.
Clothing and equipment
Understanding what to carry into the mountains is crucial for safety and comfort. This section covers essential layers, waterproofing, navigation tools, footwear, emergency items, and how to pack efficiently.
Weather
Explore how mountain weather differs from lowland conditions and how it can affect your safety, visibility, and route choices. You’ll learn how to interpret forecasts, recognise weather patterns, and plan accordingly.
Navigation in the mountains
This module develops your map and compass skills for challenging terrain. You’ll learn about contour reading, poor-visibility navigation, relocation strategies, and have an introduction to GPS and digital mapping tools.
Environmental knowledge
Learn responsible mountain behaviour and how to minimise your impact on fragile upland environments. Topics include access rights, conservation, erosion prevention, and the organisations that support mountain stewardship.
Hazards and emergency procedures in the mountains
Develop essential knowledge on identifying mountain hazards such as steep ground, loose rock, river crossings, and sudden weather changes. You’ll also learn how to respond in an emergency and apply basic safety procedures.
Mountain Skills course benefits:
By joining our Mountain Skills Course, you will also receive:
- 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock
- A digital copy of the Safety on Mountains book
- A navigation timing card
- A certificate of attendance from Mountain Training
- Lifetime access to the Mountain Training Digital Logbook (DLOG)
These added benefits help you continue your mountain learning journey long after the course is over.
Book Your Mountain Skills Course
To book your place, please contact:
📧 info@mountainlynxadventures.com
📞 07961 238962
or Contact Mountain Lynx Adventures
We look forward to helping you build the confidence, skills, and mountain awareness needed to explore the UK’s mountain landscapes safely and independently.
