Mountain Skills & Wild Camp | 3 Days | Wild Camping Course

mountain skills & wild camping

This Mountain Skills and Wild Camping course is perfect for anyone planning an overnight adventure in the UK mountains. You’ll develop essential mountain skills for hill walking alongside practical campcraft, culminating in a one-night wild camping experience.

Accreditation

Our Hill & Mountain skills courses are accredited by Mountain Training.

You will receive accreditation for this course, we will register you on the scheme with Mountain Training and create an account for you

www.mountain-training.org

3 DAY COURSE

PRICES:£310pp

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COURSE OVERVIEW

This is a 3-day mountain skills course for up to 6 people, offering a comprehensive approach to hill walking with the added experience of wild camping.

The course begins with an introductory day and a guided mountain journey where we will look at the foundational skills for hill walking and navigation. This is followed by a one-night mini expedition focused on navigation and campcraft skills. This hands-on wild camping experience is both exciting and practical, helping you develop self-sufficiency in the hills.

We’ll meet at Honister Slate Mine and explore the surrounding mountains. The mini expedition takes place in the Central Fells, with options to start from Great Langdale, Honister, Seathwaite, or Langstrath.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Planning:

Learn how to effectively plan a safe and enjoyable mountain walk in the UK or Ireland. This includes route selection, time management, understanding terrain, and preparing for changing conditions.

Clothing and Equipment:

Understand the importance of appropriate clothing layers, footwear, and essential gear. Learn how to pack efficiently to stay comfortable and prepared for unpredictable mountain weather, especially for an overnight trip.

Weather:

Gain insight into how weather systems affect the mountains and your day out. Learn to interpret forecasts and recognise signs of changing conditions to stay safe and make informed decisions.

Navigation in the Mountains:

There is a big focus on navigation on this course and we will build core navigation skills, using a compass and map to building techniques to navigate in poor visibility. Get an introduction to GPS and how it complements traditional navigation.

Environmental Knowledge:

Learn how to minimise your impact on sensitive mountain environments. Explore Leave No Trace principles, good outdoor practices, and learn how to wild camp under the set guidelines.

Hazards and Emergency Procedures:

Prepare for potential mountain hazards, learning how to respond safely. Understand what to pack for emergencies, how to call Mountain Rescue, and how to provide accurate information during a rescue.

Campcraft:

Develop practical skills for wild camping, including selecting suitable tents and sleeping equipment, choosing a safe and comfortable pitch, and setting up camp efficiently.

Night Navigation:

Put your navigation skills to the test after dark. Practice using map and compass in poor visibility conditions to build confidence and competence in mountain travel.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS COURSE:

Hands-on training in planning, navigation, mountain safety and a wild camping experience with guidance
Navigation practice in varying conditions, including night navigation
Learn from expert guides experienced in delivering Mountain Leader training and assessment courses; meaning we are involved with, and deliver navigation training for other mountain instructors.
The supportive atmosphere encourages questions and provides tailored feedback, creating a positive learning environment for all skill levels.

SKILLS COVERED:

Mountain walking planning & preparation
Map reading and compass use
Navigation in poor visibility and at night
Weather interpretation & reading synoptic charts
Efficient walking and movement techniques
Clothing and equipment selection
Campcraft and tent pitching
Wild camping basics
Environmental awareness and Leave No Trace
Hazard recognition and emergency procedures

COURSE AFFILIATION

We will register you on the Mountain Training website, once registered you will have:

Access to the Mountain Training Digital Logbook (DLOG)
A copy of the ‘Safety on Mountains’ book
Timing card
Certificate of attendance upon completion
Access to technical advice from Mountain Training
15% off with Cotswold Outdoor

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Beginners and improvers wanting to develop mountain skills
Walkers planning overnight wild camping trips
Those seeking confidence in navigation and campcraft
People aiming to become more self-sufficient in the hills
Anyone interested in safe, responsible mountain adventure

Suitable for ages 16+ (under 18s with a guardian)

Ideal participants should have some basic hill walking experience and be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for several hours. While prior navigation or camping skills are not essential, a general familiarity with outdoor activities and a reasonable level of fitness will help you get the most from the course.