At A Glance
Why choose this course?
- Build all the essential skills for independent, confident hillwalking in just two days
- Learn navigation, route planning, weather reading, kit choices, safety and decision-making
- Plan and walk a full route with expert coaching and support throughout
- Small groups mean personalised guidance tailored to your goals
- Perfect for those new to hillwalking or with limited experience — build confidence and independence
Why choose Mountain Walks?
- Experienced Mountain Leaders who are expert coaches, not just qualified instructors
- Courses refined over years of teaching — we know what works and what doesn’t
- Small groups tailored to your pace, with support matched to your needs
- Outdoor-focused learning on real Lake District terrain — not stuck in a classroom all day
- Highly rated courses with many people returning to walk and learn with us again
Book Hill Skills Essentials
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Event Description
Hill Skills Essentials – 2 Day Hillwalking Course
Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to explore the hills independently. Hill Skills Essentials is a comprehensive two-day course in the Lake District covering everything you need to plan and enjoy your own hillwalking adventures — from navigation and route planning to weather, kit, safety and decision-making.
Over two days, you’ll learn the full range of essential hillwalking skills in a practical, hands-on way. You’ll plan routes, navigate in real terrain, understand how weather shapes your day, and build the confidence to head into the hills on your own terms. By the end of the course, you’ll have the foundation to walk safely, competently and independently.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the two days, you’ll be able to:
- Navigate confidently with map and compass in varied terrain
- Choose the right clothing and equipment for different conditions
- Read and interpret mountain weather to make informed decisions
- Understand common hillwalking hazards and how to manage them
- Move efficiently on hill terrain and pace yourself for a full day out
- Plan hillwalking routes using maps and guidebooks
- Know what to do in an emergency and when to change your plans
- Explore the hills with confidence, competence and respect for the environment
Who Is Hill Skills Essentials For?
This course is for anyone who wants to build a solid foundation of hillwalking skills and confidence — whether you’re fairly new to the hills or have some experience but want to become more independent.
It’s ideal if:
- You’re new to hillwalking and want to learn the essential skills to get started
- You’ve done some hill walks but aren’t confident planning or navigating your own routes
- You’d like to understand how to make your own decisions and judgements in the hills
- You want a clear, structured introduction to all aspects of safe, competent hillwalking
Hill Skills Essentials covers everything from navigation and weather to kit and emergency procedures — giving you the full skillset you need to explore the hills independently.
What to Expect Over the Two Days
Day 1: Foundations and Navigation
We’ll focus on building your core skills, with a strong emphasis on map reading and navigation. You’ll learn how to use a map and compass, understand the landscape around you, and start making navigation decisions with confidence. We’ll also cover route planning, clothing and equipment, and begin looking at how weather affects your day in the hills.
Day 2: Planning and Practice
We’ll put everything together with a full day’s hillwalk that you’ll help plan. You’ll navigate the route, make decisions about pace and timing, and practise the skills you learned on Day 1 in a real-world setting. We’ll also cover hazard awareness, emergency procedures, and how to adapt your plans when conditions change.
Both days are flexible and tailored to the group’s goals and the weather conditions. Every course is different, and we adapt the plan to make sure you get the most relevant, practical learning experience possible.
Still Unsure If This Course Is for You?
We know it can be hard to know what to expect if you’ve never done a hillwalking skills course before. Here’s what makes Hill Skills Essentials different:
- Small groups so there’s plenty of time for questions and individual coaching
- Two full days of hands-on learning on real Lake District terrain
- An experienced, friendly instructor with you throughout both days
- Teaching resources, maps and compasses provided
- A flexible, responsive approach — we adapt to your goals and the conditions
- Relaxed, supportive coaching at a pace that works for you — no pressure, just practical learning
- Clear pre-course information so you know exactly what to bring and how the two days will run
Still have questions? You’re always welcome to get in touch — we’re happy to help you find the right fit.
What our clients say...
I found the course excellent on all points. An extremely knowledgeable and helpful instructor; very patient and I learnt a lot of useful tools and tips. I will definitely be signing up for more adventures and already recommending Mountain Walks to friends and family … well done Mountain Walks!
Stephen Doughty