Mountain Navigation
Pathway: Mountain
Level: Foundation
Turn map and compass skills into a reliable way of moving through mountain terrain.
Mountain Skills & Wild Camp
Level: Progression
Plan, travel and camp with the judgement needed for a self-contained mountain journey.
- Format
- Course
- Duration
- 3 days
- Pathway
- Mountain
- Group
- Up to 4 participants per instructor
£375 per person
Course Overview
Mountain Skills & Wild Camp develops the skills needed to travel beyond a single day. Over three days you will plan and complete a mini-expedition, using a wild camp to connect navigation, kit choice, campcraft, weather and group decision-making. The camp is part of the learning rather than an endurance test. We look at how to carry what you need, choose an appropriate place to stop and leave the mountain with minimal impact. The itinerary remains flexible so the experience fits the forecast and the group.
Key Information
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Based in Buttermere / North Lakes. We choose the exact venue around conditions and the skills being practised.
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Up to 4 participants per instructor. The booking details show spaces available on each date.
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Don't worry if you do not own all of the technical equipment yet. We will advise you before the course and can provide key items where needed.
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Maps and compasses can be provided, but we recommend bringing your own. We will tell you which map you need and recommend a Silva Expedition 4 compass.
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Learn through mountain journeys and practical exercises, with time to understand the decisions as well as the techniques.
Who It's For
- Hillwalkers who want to complete their first supported wild camp.
- Walkers planning longer, more remote or self-sufficient journeys.
- People preparing for Mountain Leader training or expedition-based objectives.
Skills Covered
- Expedition planning, route choice and time management.
- Selecting equipment for a wild camp and packing it efficiently
- Navigation while carrying an expedition pack.
- Choosing a camp spot, pitching, cooking and managing camp routines.
- Weather decisions, emergency options and low-impact practice.
Pre-requisites
You should have some hillwalking experience and enough fitness to carry an overnight pack across mountain terrain. A detailed kit list is supplied before the course.
What to Bring
Weatherproof clothing, warm layers, food, drinks and personal medication. Walking boots, map, compass and headtorch with spare power; a comfortable pack; tent, sleeping bag, mat, stove and suitable overnight food. Keep sleeping equipment dry. If you need a tent, you can hire one from us when you book. Check the joining kit list before buying equipment and ask us about any items you lack.
Maps and compasses can be provided, but we recommend bringing your own. We will tell you which map you need and recommend a Silva Expedition 4 compass.
Itinerary
The exact plan may adapt to weather, venue conditions and the group's experience. The stages below describe the intended focus.
Dates & Prices
£375 per person. Choose a confirmed date below, or register your interest while dates are being finalised.
Filter by:
| Dates | Location | Price per person | Places | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon-Wed 7-9 Jun 2027 | North Lakes · Buttermere | £375 per person | 4 places left | Book now, Mon-Wed 7-9 Jun 2027 |
| Fri-Sun 9-11 Jul 2027 | North Lakes · Buttermere | £375 per person | 4 places left | Book now, Fri-Sun 9-11 Jul 2027 |
| Fri-Sun 6-8 Aug 2027 | North Lakes · Buttermere | £375 per person | 4 places left | Book now, Fri-Sun 6-8 Aug 2027 |
| Fri-Sun 3-5 Sep 2027 | North Lakes · Buttermere | £375 per person | 4 places left | Book now, Fri-Sun 3-5 Sep 2027 |
| Fri-Sun 17-19 Sep 2027 | North Lakes · Buttermere | £375 per person | 4 places left | Register interest, Fri-Sun 17-19 Sep 2027Register interest, Fri-Sun 17-19 Sep 2027 |
No dates match these filters.
Tailored development built around you
Need a different date?
If the published dates do not work, ask about a private mountain skills & wild camp course. Tell us your experience, group size and preferred dates so we can confirm availability and a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mountain Skills & Wild Camp FAQs
Can I join if I have never wild camped?
Yes. You should be comfortable hillwalking, but we introduce camp planning and routines. We will help you understand what to bring before the course.
How many nights are spent wild camping?
The typical programme includes one overnight wild camp across days two and three. Joining information will confirm the final arrangement and any accommodation you need before or after it.
How large should my rucksack be?
Choose a comfortable pack that fits you and holds your own overnight kit. Send your kit list if you would like advice before buying anything.
Do I have to carry my own overnight equipment?
You should be prepared to carry the equipment you need for the camp. We review packing and kit choices beforehand; tell us early if carrying a pack is a concern.
What food should I bring for the camp?
Bring food you can prepare with your stove, plus lunches, snacks and drinks for the planned journey. The joining information confirms the meals you need to provide and the overnight arrangements.
Kit & Equipment FAQs
What if I do not have all the equipment?
Contact us before booking or buying kit. We will confirm what you need, what can be arranged and any hire charges for this course.
What happens if the weather changes?
We may change the route, venue or order of exercises to suit conditions and the group. The advertised learning aims remain the focus, and joining information explains the practical arrangements.
Booking & Cancellation FAQs
Can I book one place?
Yes. Public courses and workshops are priced per person, so you can book an individual place and join others. Check the page prerequisites before booking; you do not need to provide a whole group yourself.
How do I book?
Choose the course or workshop, check the date and location, and follow Book now. Complete the requested participant information and payment steps. If you are unsure about suitability or need equipment advice, contact us before completing the booking.
How do I pay?
Bookings below £300, or made fewer than 42 days before the start, are payable in full. For bookings of £300 or more made at least 42 days before the start, a deposit option is available, with the balance due 30 days before the start. The booking page confirms the amount due when you book.
Are prices per person or for the whole group?
Public course and workshop prices are per person. Private delivery is quoted separately for the agreed format and group. Mountain Leader reassessment is priced according to the scope agreed after reviewing your report.
Can I cancel or move my booking?
Please read our Booking & Cancellation Policy before booking. It explains the applicable notice periods, charges and options for moving a place. Contact us promptly if your circumstances change, giving your booking name and date.
What if I am ill or injured before the course?
Contact us as soon as you know you may be unable to attend. Changes, transfers and refunds are handled under the Booking & Cancellation Policy. Let us know before the day rather than arriving unsure whether you can take part.
What happens if LDM changes or cancels the event?
We will contact you to explain the change and the options available under our booking terms. Read the policy before booking, particularly before making separate travel or accommodation arrangements.
What happens if minimum numbers are not reached?
Public dates depend on sufficient bookings. If numbers affect your date, we will explain the situation and the options under our booking terms. The places shown online are availability, not a promise that minimum numbers have already been met.
The date is full. Can I join a waiting list?
Use Join the waiting list where it is shown, or contact us with the course and date. A waiting-list request is not a confirmed booking; we will contact you if a suitable place becomes available.
There are no dates listed. Can I register interest?
Yes. Use Register interest or contact us with the offering and your preferred dates. We can let you know about forthcoming public dates or discuss private delivery, subject to availability.
Can I use an existing voucher?
Yes. We will honour valid existing vouchers as the booking system changes. Contact us with the voucher details before paying so we can explain how to apply it.
Can I give my place to someone else?
Contact us before arranging a replacement. We need to check the booking terms, the other participant's suitability and their details before confirming whether a transfer is possible.
I have not received booking confirmation. What should I do?
Check your spam or junk folder, then contact us with the booking name, course and date. Please check with us before making a second payment so we can establish what happened.
Structured progression
Your next step
You will understand the full rhythm of a short mountain expedition and have a practical checklist for planning, packing and completing your own wild camp.
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Night Navigation
Pathway: Mountain
Level: Progression
Refine your navigation process when darkness removes distant visual clues.
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Scrambling Skills
Pathway: Mountain
Level: Progression
Develop movement, route finding and judgement for unroped scrambling terrain.
Reading to support your learning
Knowledge Hub
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Wild camping in the Lake District: access and responsibility
We'll cover essential kit and recommendations, packing tips, wild camping courses to help you, and the guidelines you need to follow to wild camp responsibly in the Lake District.
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Is Instant Access to Information Making Us Less Likely to Develop Skills (for Hill Walking)?
Is Instant Access to Information Making Us Less Likely to Develop Skills (for Hill Walking)?
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Mountaineering Feature - PINNACLE RIDGE
An ascent of Pinnacle Ridge and its airy alpine ridge
Why choose Lake District Mountaineering?
- Highly qualified instructors. MCI and WMCI qualified professionals.
- Small groups, real attention. More time for coaching and feedback from your instructor.
- Structured progression. Every course builds towards real independence in the mountains.
- Real mountain environments. Trained on the fells of the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands.