Learn to navigate in the mountains
Mountain Navigation
Mountain Skills Courses - Ireland
The Mountain Skills training course provides the essential personal proficiency skills you will need to enjoy the mountains in the UK & Ireland safely.
Offering a solid foundation for gaining personal mountaineering proficiency, Mountain Skills training teaches the necessary skills in mountain safety, navigation techniques, knowledge of hazards, and personal equipment, so that a person finishing the course may be in a position to safely, and competently, take to the hills.
Mountain Skills training and assessment also provide foundation training for those who wish to progress to further leadership qualifications, such as the Mountain Leader (ML).
Mountain Skills 1 (MS1):
Introductory Level: Mountain Skills 1 is the foundational course aimed at beginners or those with limited experience in hillwalking or mountain hiking. It is designed to provide participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for safe navigation and enjoyment in the mountains.
Navigation Skills: MS1 focuses on basic navigation skills, including map reading, compass work, and understanding grid references. Participants learn how to plan and follow simple routes in less challenging terrain.
Mountain Safety: The course covers essential mountain safety topics such as weather awareness, recognizing and avoiding hazards, and basic emergency procedures.
Route Planning: Participants learn how to plan straightforward routes suitable for their level of experience and the prevailing conditions.
Duration: Mountain Skills 1 is typically a two-day course, which may be offered over a weekend.
Mountain Skills 2 (MS2):
Mountain Skills 2 is the next level of training, intended for those who have completed Mountain Skills 1 or already have a basic understanding of hillwalking and navigation. It builds on the skills acquired in MS1 and provides more advanced training.
Advanced Navigation: MS2 delves deeper into navigation, including night navigation, feature recognition, and contour interpretation. Participants learn to navigate in more challenging terrain.
Mountain Safety: While it covers similar safety topics as MS1, MS2 goes into greater depth on subjects like emergency procedures, route planning, poor visibility navigation, advance use of the compass etc.
Movement skills on steep ground and broken terrain.
Duration: Mountain Skills 2 is typically a two-day course, which may also be offered over a weekend.
Where
Our Mountain skills courses run in various mountain ranges across Ireland. Courses are often run at request.
Kit
Map and Compass: OS 1:50 of the relevent area. Maps amnd compasses can also be borrowed on the day (included in the price)
Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers to manage your body temperature. This typically includes moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, and a waterproof, breathable jacket and pants. Ensure your clothing is suitable for the prevailing weather conditions.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential. Make sure your boots are well broken in to avoid blisters.
Headlamp: A headlamp with spare batteries is important, especially for Mountain Skills 2 courses that may include night navigation.
Food and Water: Carry enough food and water to sustain you for the duration of the course.
First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
Hat and Gloves: To protect your head and hands from the elements.
Sunglasses and Sunscreen: To protect your eyes and skin from UV radiation.
Dates
Please email for next available dates for 2023/2024
Cost
€150 per person
(inc. Map & Compass)
A review from a recent bespoke Snowdon day
May 2022 - Snowdon and navigation skills day
“Jono brought us up Snowdon by the Watkins's Path. When he heard we were interested in learning mapping skills he very patiently brought our attention to details on the map and terrain, and like the best of teacher's, he let us try our hand at it. He recommended gear to us and talked us through walks that we could try the following days. Jono is a real gentleman. To top a perfect day, he produced homemade Welsh cakes for our picnic. I would thoroughly recommend him as a guide.”
-Eilleen Hil, Co. Kildare
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