mountain skills & Scrambling
A 3-day Mountain Skills & Scrambling course designed to build confidence, competence, and independence in UK mountain terrain. Learn navigation, movement, and safety skills, culminating in a hands-on Grade I scrambling day, with real-world practice in route-finding and decision-making.
3 DAY COURSE
PRICES:£390pp
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Mountain Skills & Scrambling course is designed to build your confidence, competence, and independence for UK mountain adventures, progressing over three days.
The course begins with foundational skills: planning, map reading, and essential navigation. Day two focuses on movement on steeper terrain, and more advanced navigation techniques.
On day three, you’ll experience Grade I scrambling, applying all your skills in a real-world, summit-focused setting.
COURSE OUTLINE:
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Planning & Preparation
Learn how to plan a successful mountain day: route choice, timing, distance, and contingency strategies. You’ll also develop practical skills for interpreting weather forecasts and understanding mountain conditions.
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Walking & Movement Skills
Build techniques for efficient movement over varied terrain, including steep slopes, rocky paths, and off-trail sections. Practice pacing, nutrition, energy management, and safe ascent and descent strategies.
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Scrambling Skills
Experience hands-on Grade I scrambling on Cam Crag Ridge. Learn to assess exposure, use hand and foot placements safely, and make decisions in a real scrambling environment.
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Clothing & Equipment
Wearing the right gear and packing efficiently can make all the difference. Learn how to layer effectively, pack a rucksack comfortably for multi-day walks, and select equipment for safety and practicality.
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Navigation in the Mountains
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Gain confidence navigating with map & compass. Learn:
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Map understanding and contour interpretation
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Compass use and taking bearings
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Estimating distance, direction, and timing
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Independent route-finding and decision-making
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Weather & Environmental Awareness
Understand how weather impacts the mountains and your safety. Explore the local upland environment, including flora, fauna, geology, and land use, while practicing Leave No Trace principles.
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Hazards & Emergency Procedures
Learn to manage potential hazards, what to carry for emergencies, and how to call Mountain Rescue. Practice giving accurate locations and essential information during emergency situations.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
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Friendly, experienced instructors guiding you through navigation, movement, weather, and safety skills
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Structured, progressive learning over three days: foundations, steeper terrain, and scrambling
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Hands-on navigation and scrambling practice in real mountain terrain
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Small group sizes (max 1:4) for personalised coaching
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Emphasis on building independence, confidence, and good judgment for safe mountain adventures
SKILLS COVERED
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Route planning and preparation
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Understanding mountain weather and forecasts
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Clothing and equipment selection
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Efficient rucksack packing
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Map reading, contour interpretation, and compass use
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Movement on varied and steep terrain
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Basic Grade I scrambling techniques
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Emergency procedures and calling Mountain Rescue
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
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Walkers with some hill experience wanting to progress to scrambling
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Those wishing to build independent navigation and mountain judgment
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Anyone keen to gain hands-on Grade I scrambling experience in a safe, structured environment
Suitable for ages 16+ (under 18s with a parent or guardian)
No previous experience needed – suitable for those with a moderate fitness level for full-day mountain walk
dates
COURSE RATIOS
Open course with a 1:4 instructor-to-participant ratio (minimum 2 to run)
Meet like-minded people and learn in a small group
Bespoke private courses available year-round – get in touch to arrange
Dogs not allowed on open courses, but welcome on private days
PRE-REQUISITES
Ages 16+ (under 18s with a parent or guardian)
Some hill walking experience is beneficial but we are here to build confidence
Moderate fitness for full-day mountain walks. Some hill experience helpful but no scrambling experience required.
A head for heights will be beneficial
EQUIPMENT
Kit list provided at booking
Sturdy hiking boots, suitable outdoor clothing, waterproofs, warm layers, hat & gloves, food and water, rucksack (25–35L), and any personal items
OL4 map will cover all areas we use
Silva Expedition 4 compass
Stopwatch
Timing Card (provided)
Helmets are needed for steep ground
VENUE
Day 1: Meet at Honister Slate Mine café, 9:00am
Day 2: Will make use of the north western fells, typically in Borrowdale, Buttermere.
Day 3: We will use Cam Crag Ridge for this day (Borrowdale)
Public transport from Keswick available; car shares can be arranged
Hire our Lake District Mountaineering instructors for private and tailored programmes.
Experiences suited to your goals & ambitions to make the most of YOUR time in the mountains.
Summer & Winter guiding available - tackle the mountains all year round.
Day rates:
1:1 £200
1:2 £250
CONTACT
We look forward to hearing from you and working towards your mountaineering ambitions and helping to achieve your goals.
Phone or WhatsApp:
07458353048
If calls are missed we will respond when possible, please leave a WhatsApp or text message so we can respond to your enquiry.
Thank you