Introduction to Mountain Skills

If you want to make the move from hillwalking to mountaineering, this two day Mountain Skills course will help you progress. Push yourself to walk on steeper, remoter or more mountainous terrain as your instructor introduces you to the new considerations you’ll have to take into account when walking on British and Irish mountains.


Plas y Brenin

2 Days

Instructor Ratio8:1

Location

Plas y Brenin

Length

2 Days

Instructor Ratio

8:1

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Overview

Transitioning from hillwalking to mountaineering requires new skills and considerations. This course covers everything from planning and navigation to weather and emergency procedures. Whether you aim to tackle higher-grade scrambles or simply enhance your confidence in mountainous terrain, this two-day experience in the stunning landscape of Snowdonia will set you on the right path. Accreditation from the Mountain Training Trust is also available for those interested.

The Objectives 

By the end of this course:

  • You’ll Be Confident: Gain the skills and techniques needed to plan and undertake your hill walks in Britain and Ireland.
  • You’ll Gain Experience: Spend two days actively learning on the hill, immersed in the beauty of Snowdonia.
  • You’ll Understand Planning: Learn how to successfully plan a walk in mountainous terrains.
  • You’ll Master Walking Skills: Discover key considerations like pace, nutrition, movement skills, and steep ground handling.
  • You’ll Know About Clothing and Equipment: Dress appropriately for mountain adventures and handle equipment effectively.
  • You’ll Understand Weather’s Impact: Learn how weather affects mountains and your hiking experience.
  • You’ll Navigate with Ease: Get introduced to map reading, compass usage, navigation in poor visibility, and GPS basics.
  • You’ll Learn Environmental Ethics: Minimize your impact on nature and familiarize yourself with good practices.
  • You’ll Prepare for Emergencies: Recognize hazards and know what to do in emergencies.

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What to Expect

Day 1: Introduction and Basic Skills

  • Introduction to planning, clothing and equipment, weather considerations, and environmental knowledge.
  • Hands-on navigation training, including compass and map usage.
  • Outdoor practice focusing on walking skills like pace and nutrition.

Day 2: Advanced Skills and Practical Experience

  • Advanced navigation techniques and introduction to GPS.
  • Exploration of hazards and emergency procedures in the mountains.
  • A full day of active learning on the hill, applying skills in real scenarios.

Embark on a fulfilling adventure and unlock the immense rewards of mountain walking. This course offers everything you need to feel safer and more accomplished on the trails of Britain and Ireland.

Experience Required

You will gain more from this course if you have already done some hillwalking or attended a Hill Skills course.   You should be able to walk in the region of six to eight miles for up to six hours each day on rough terrain, but rest assured we will tailor the course to the needs of those attending.

How Should I Prepare?

You’ll need to be able to walk in the region of six to eight miles for up to six hours each day on rough terrain. Rest assured we will tailor the course to the needs of those attending.

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Why Plas y Brenin?

Plas y Brenin is at the forefront of outdoor instruction. Whether you are starting a career in the outdoors, or just want to take an adventure holiday, PYB is the place for you.

We inspire explorers. We train trainers. We’re internationally recognised. We’ve been around since 1798, with our earliest guests including Queen Victoria. Since then, we’ve focussed on providing the best customer experience, working alongside some of the greatest, 007 included.

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Expert Tuition

You’ll receive expert supervision from fully qualified and psyched instructors, creating the perfect environment to learn and enjoy something new!

Our Instructors

Explore Eryri

Your experience will take place in the heart of the extraordinary Eryri National Park. Our National Outdoor Centre features accommodation, a bar, dining, and more. And while you’re here, why not check out some local gems?

Explore Eryri

Develop a Passion

Everyone at Plas y Brenin, from staff to visitors, is excited about adventures and inspired to get outside. Our guests return year after year to experience all that North Wales offers.