Hike Skills - learn the skills to become independent...
Do you love walking but find yourself relying on group leaders or apps to guide the way? Or perhaps you’ve heard about the benefits of hiking and want to take your first confident steps into the great outdoors? The Wellness Walks Hike Skills Course is designed just for you.
We’ll teach you the essential skills you need to become an independent walker, so you can explore with confidence. From planning your route to navigating with a map, clothing & equipment choices, staying safe in unpredictable weather, and understanding the basics of hill-walking, this course equips you with the tools to embrace the freedom of hiking on your own terms.
Whether you’re looking to discover new paths, escape the stress of daily life, or simply build confidence in the outdoors, our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way. By the end of the course, you’ll feel empowered to explore the beauty of nature independently and make every walk an adventure.
Key Takeaways:
This course needs a minimum of 2 people to run
- Route planning and navigation techniques
- Safety tips and how to handle unexpected challenges
- Confidence to step out solo or lead your own walks
Embrace the skills to transform your love of walking into a lifelong passion for adventure. Let’s take the first step together—join us and unlock your independence on the trail!
What's involved??
Course Objectives:
- Equip participants with basic navigation skills using maps and compasses.
- Introduce essential walking techniques and considerations for various terrains.
- Familiarize participants with appropriate clothing, equipment, and packing strategies.
- Provide an understanding of weather considerations and their impact on walking.
- Highlight basic safety procedures and emergency protocols.
example day
09:15 – 10:30 : Indoor Session
Introduction and Objectives: Welcome participants, outline the day’s objectives, and highlight the importance of independent walking skills.
Route Planning: Basics of selecting appropriate routes using guidebooks and mapping tools.
Weather Awareness: Understanding forecasts and adapting plans accordingly.
Equipment Essentials: Overview of clothing, footwear, and day-walk essentials.
10:30 – 15:30 : Outdoor Practical Session
Navigation Basics:
Practice orientating maps and identifying features in the surrounding environment.
Basic compass use.
Timings.
Terrain Awareness and Walking Techniques:
Practical experience navigating varied terrains (e.g., ascents, descents, and uneven paths).
Tips for managing pace, conserving energy, and adjusting to conditions.
Environmental Considerations:
Applying Leave No Trace principles and minimizing environmental impact.
Lunch will be on the hill & a relaxed break to discuss experiences and share insights with the group.
Indoor OR Outdoors elements
We want to maximise learning so some elements of the course will be responsive to the group and the elements!
Safety and Emergency Procedures:
Identifying potential hazards and mitigating risks during walks.
Basic first aid considerations, including dealing with minor injuries.
Procedures for managing emergencies, including how to seek help.
Personal Development and Next Steps:
Group discussion to consolidate key learnings from the day.
Individual feedback and tailored recommendations for further development.
15:45 – 16:00 : Wrap-Up
Final Q&A session to address outstanding queries.
Overview of progression to Hill and Mountain Skills courses.
Handout of course resources and useful references.
Thank participants and provide follow-up contact details.
What Do I need to bring?
Welness Walks will supply nearly everything you need.
Obviuosly it’s always best to practice with your own equipment if you have it but we’ll supply:
Maps, compasses, learning materials.
We can lend waterproofs & if you’d like to learn to use walking poles properly we can lend you those and give you some top tips.
You’ll need to bring:
Sturdy footwear – preferably boots if you’ve got them.
Warm clothes.
Lunch, snacks and a drink.
Money for tea/coffee if you want one.
something to make notes with.
Enthusiasm!
1 Day Hike Skills Course
Below are details of the 1-day Hike Skills Day dates that we currently have running – please note we also run Hill, Mountain and Women Only courses – please read details for each – or you can take our “which course is right for me quiz”
Book a Space
Informed Consent - we want you to know what risk is involved
While we take every precaution to ensure your safety on our walks (physically, psychologically and emotionally), all outdoor activities involve an inherent and unavoidable risk of an accident occurring that could lead to personal injury. All of our Walk Leaders are qualified in First Aid and carry emergency equipment to deal with emergencies. Walk Leaders are also trained to dynamically alter the route or plan for the day based on numerous potential factors - any decision to do so is fully authorised and expected by Wellness Walks. All participants should take an active role in minimising risks - so if you have a concern please speak up, if you feel unwell or unable to continue tell the leader.