Overview
We know that female specific events make a valuable and positive difference to some women. They provide choice, something different to complement the norm, delivering unique experiences and opportunities that are not always readily available to many.
This is a 2 day (18hrs contact time) Mountain Training course delivered by Wellness Walks aimed at giving you the personal skills to begin to plan a day in the mountains – we’ll look at planning, navigation, emergency procedures, kit & probably a few other things too!
We want to support people who might not always have the opportunity to attend this sort of course – if you’ve the funds to pay then please do – your money is one of the ways we’re able to support those who haven’t.
But Ultimately we want to see more women out in the hills & Mountains having fun – so our women only courses for 2024 are subject to a 50% discount
If you’d like to apply for one of the supported places then use the code below at checkout:
WO-MtnSkills50
Details
The Mountain Skills course is an ideal choice for walkers interested in transferring their walking skills to steep, remote or more mountainous terrain. Ideally, participants will have some basic hill walking experience and have a reasonable level of fitness. Courses are run in the higher mountain areas of the UK and Ireland.
We’ve deliberately kept the ratio on this course low so that participants get maximum contact time with the instructor and to make sure everyone gets the chance to get the very best from the course.
On Day 1 we’ll be meeting at Basecamp North Lakes at 9:30am, having a coffee and introductions – we’ll make a plan together, sort out kit and then head up into the hills for the day! Well look at personal movement, navigation and all things mountain – whilst also having a lot of fun! Day two will start at Basecamp again with a review & top tips from day one We’ll then head out on a journey practising the skills we learn on day1 , then we’ll head back down for a final brew and some 1:1 debriefs & to answer any personal questions you might have about potential next steps.
You’ll need to be fit enough to spend 2 consecutive days in the hills carrying a rucksack – but they won’t be super hard – there’ll be lots of stopping to learn, to add little bits of extra knowledge & to simply enjoy being out. Our aim is that you leave confident and inspired.
How fit do you need to be?
To really get the most from a Mountain Skills course you need to have a reasonable level of fitness. Whilst this is a learning course, not a challenge or forced march, each day there will be:
- 6-7 hours of walking (breaks etc) time.
- The ascent of a mountain – which typically means being fit enough for 5-600m of steep ascent.
- Learning – you’ll also be taking on board new information – which is often mentally tiring.
On every course there’s a mixture of abilities – and all of our instructors are excellent at dynamically adjusting the day to make sure everyone has a positive experience.
If you’re not sure send us a message & we’re always happy to have an honest and supportive chat. Alternatively take a look at the Hill Skills course.
Beth Wallis - Course Tutor
Beth is a working mountain and paddlesports instructor – and a really awesome person to spend time with. She’s a real enthusiasm for helping people take the first steps into adventuring & is especially skilled in offering different ways to make seemingly complex tasks simple.
Like all of our team Beth is very qualified – but she’s also received specific training in how to support individuals who might find a traditional outdoor course too intimidating – with Beth its going to be lots of laughs and some real moments of understanding.
Meeting Point: Basecamp North
Cold Weather not Expected!
At this time of the year in the UK the weather can be very mixed.
Participants will need to have warm clothing (including a spare top) as whilst we will be moving we may well also be stood around looking at things and will get colder than we trhink.
Wet Weather
Whatever the forecast participants must have waterproof jackets and trousers – BUT don’t worry if you don’t own any – we can lend you both so long as you let us know when you book on to the event.
Wild Camp Expedition
This 2-day course includes an over-night wild camp – the perfect opportunity to learn the skills to make your own adventures happen – also a great way to disconnect from the modern world for a while.
We can lend camping equipment if needed – you will need your own sleeping bag and food.
Things you’ll need to carry:
- tent
- stove
- water
- sleeping mat
- food
- overnight kit
- toilet kit
Kit List
- Sturdy walking shoes/boots – we’ll occasionally be on rough ground
- Rucksack
- Waterproofs
- Map & Compass if you have them*
- Warm clothes – bring a spare jumper!
- Hat & Gloves
- Lunch, Snacks & Drink
- Camera/phone -its all about the pics!
Any Questions?
If you have question, please check our General FAQ for quick answers. If your question is specific to this walk, you can reach out to the walk leader using the contact button below. Please be mindful that our walk leaders are volunteers who generously give their time! So we kindly ask that you keep your inquiries relevant and respectful.
Book a Space
If this course sounds like it might currently be a little too much then take a look at our Hills Skills Course.