Hill Skills

Overview

This course is designed for both beginners and those eager to enhance their hillwalking abilities. You’ll learn essential skills like navigation, understanding weather and what to do in an emergency from our highly qualified instructors.

Whether it’s understanding the right clothing or planning the perfect route, you’ll be prepared to take on your own hill walks with confidence and joy.

The Objectives

By the end of this course, you will have:

• Gained Confidence: Acquired the skills and techniques needed to confidently plan and undertake your own hill walks.
• Enjoyed Practical Learning: Spent substantial time outside, applying what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
• Become Inspired: Felt motivated to explore further and embark on your own hillwalking adventures.
• Mastered Essential Skills: From walking techniques to navigation, weather, clothing, environmental care, and handling emergencies.

What to Expect

Day 1: Introduction and Foundations

• Walking Skills: Learn how to move efficiently and comfortably, considering pace, nutrition, and movement techniques.
• Navigation Skills: Introduction to maps, symbols, compass use, navigation strategies, and electronic devices.
• Weather Insights: Understand how weather affects your day and how to prepare for it.
• Clothing and Equipment: Discover the importance of proper attire and equipment, and how they contribute to a successful outing.
• Environment Awareness: Learn about good practices and how to minimise your impact on nature.

Day 2: Advanced Techniques and Practical Experience

• Hazard and Emergency Procedures: Understand how to respond to potential hazards and emergencies.
• More Navigation Practice: Delve deeper into navigation techniques and tools.
• Outdoor Exploration: A full day of guided exploration and hands-on practice in the peaks of Snowdonia.

Designed for people who want to get started or become more independent in the hills, this course is an inviting gateway to the outdoor joys of hillwalking. Gain experience in one the best walking areas in the UK and take your passion for the outdoors to new heights!

Experience Required

You must be at least 18 years old to join this course at Plas y Brenin (or 14 if accompanied by a parent).

How Should I Prepare?

You need to be reasonably fit. But we’ll tailor the course to the needs of those attending.