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Writer's pictureSophie Hunt

Mountain Training - Hill & Mountain Skills Courses




“It was a very enjoyable and insightful course. It has given me the confidence and additional skills to plan my own walks in more remote areas that I wouldn’t have done before, and I look forward to taking on additional courses” – Carl Arrowsmith


· Mountain Training Hill & Mountain Skills courses available NOW through no-mad Adventures.


Hill walking is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors, while being calmly introduced to wild adventure. The gentle slopes, valleys, and natural remote spaces provide scenic locations to develop and grow, both as explorers and individuals. Hill walking is a fun and enjoyable activity that gently challenges skills and builds confidence. Hill walking can be the key to unlocking countryside and moorland adventure for beginners and often provides a calmer gait for those who prefer a slower pace.


Mountain walking provides a smooth transition for experienced hill walkers who are ready to explore more rugged, mountainous terrain. Those with basic knowledge in hill walking can enhance their skill set on higher peaks - taking their adventure learning to new heights!

no-mad adventures believe that everyone who wants to, should have access to wild geography, but understand that taking the first step can feel daunting. Knowing what kit to carry, what is best practice in an emergency, or how to navigate using a map and compass can be overwhelming to those with little or no experience … but that needn’t put you off!


no-mad Adventures have guided individuals and groups through the hills and mountains for many years and appreciate the anxieties that can often plague beginners. The training and guide specialists have put over 30 years of experience and knowledge into creating a supportive learning environment, that encourages people to get the very best out of their experiences.


“Journeys and skills, for people to places” is at the core of what they do, with bold emphasis on equipping people for independent adventure …


… And that is why no-mad Adventures are now offering two courses in Hill & Mountain skills, as Mountain Training course providers!

The two courses on offer from no-mad Adventures cover the essential aspects of recreational hill and mountain walking. The course content is designed to provide participants with the correct skill set and knowledge for safe and enjoyable adventure during their own time.

The training days provide numerous learning opportunities at a friendly pace, ensuring that everyone gets the most out of their tutoring – no matter what style of learning, or fitness background you come from. The courses are open to anyone over the age of ten and welcome people with additional needs.


Which course is right for me?

The hills skills course requires no previous experience of hill walking as the content is aimed at beginners. This course is a great way to learn the basics and build the confidence to take on more hiking activities in your own time. The course is an ideal introduction for those who are completely new to hill walking, and for those with some experience of the hills that want to develop in areas like navigation or map reading.


The mountain skills course takes place on higher mountain areas in the United Kingdom, and some previous experience of hill walking is required to enrol on this course. This course is ideal for those who are ready to advance from the hills to more mountainous terrain. The mountain skills course is most appropriate for those with a basic knowledge of hill walking and a reasonable fitness level, who want to develop the skills for independent mountain adventure.


What does the course include?

Hill Skills:

· Planning – How to successfully plan a hill walk.

· Walking skills – what things you should 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 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, plus an introduction 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.

Resources included in the course:

· 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


Mountain Skills:

· Planning – how to successfully plan a walk in the mountains.

· Walking skills – what things you should consider while out walking and what can make your experience easier (pace, nutrition, movement skills, steep ground 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 mountains and your day out.

· Navigation in the mountains – everything from selecting a compass and

using a map, to navigation in poor visibility, and an introduction to GPS.

· Environmental knowledge – how to minimise your impact on the hills, information on good practice and useful organisations.

· Hazards and emergency procedures – how to respond to any hazards you encounter and what to do in an emergency.

Resources included in the course:

· 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 mountain walking


Why choose no-mad Adventures for hill and mountain skills courses?

no-mad adventures are approved course providers of Mountain Training; the awarding body network.



Mountain training has been developing qualifications that are relevant and fit for purpose since 1964. Training and guide specialists, such as no-mad Adventures, who hold qualifications through Mountain Training, have been fully assessed at a nationally agreed standard.

Mountain Training administer qualifications that are recognised by the mountaineering councils and training boards of the UK and Ireland, in addition to recognition by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other government organisations.


Registered providers who hold qualifications through Mountain Training have been given the correct training to teach, lead and guide people through the hills and mountains with safety at the heart of what they do. With a registered member of Mountain Training, you can have full confidence in your guide specialist while you learn new skills under their leadership.


Mountain Training is a collection of (5) awarding bodies for courses and qualifications in walking, climbing, and mountaineering, and operate across the UK and The Republic of Ireland. The five national Mountain Training organisations collectively set standards for all the qualifications listed to ensure their validity across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. (learn more here).


What have other people said?

“Amazing course with lots of eye-opening information about the mountains and the skills needed (and their practice) to enjoy them safely. Great indoor and outdoor locations used, and an extremely good tutor made this a top-notch learning experience that even the weather couldn’t detract from” – Drew Thompson


“It was a very insightful course. It has given me confidence and additional skills to plan my own walks, in more remote areas, that I wouldn’t have done before, and I look forward to taking on additional courses” – Carl Arrowsmith


“This course and the leader totally provided what was expected. Ash is so personable and knowledgeable, and you never feel stupid for asking the same question until you really understand. Time is taken to explain things fully and I now have so much more confidence going out and putting into practice the skills learned. Would definitely recommend this course, and provider, to others” – Amanda Calloway.


For further information, or to book your place on a hill’s skills or mountain skills course, contact Ash at no-mad Adventures. or have a look at upcoming dates here


Written by Sophie Hunt, freelance journalist check her website here - https://sophieoutdoors.wordpress.com/




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