Enhance your hillwalking and mountain skills with a full-day guided experience designed to build your confidence in the outdoors. Whether you’re looking to improve your navigation, learn essential safety techniques, or tackle more challenging terrain, our Hill or Mountain Skills Days provide expert instruction in North West England. Suitable for individuals or groups, this day is tailored to your experience level, offering hands-on learning and practical advice in some of the most beautiful landscapes the UK has to offer.
The Hill or Mountain Skills Day is designed to provide you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to safely navigate and enjoy hill and mountain environments. The content of the day is flexible, depending on the group’s experience and specific learning goals, but typically includes:
Our Hill or Mountain Skills Days are tailored to your skill level. Beginners can focus on foundational skills such as map reading and route planning, while more experienced walkers can hone their navigation, movement on steep or rocky ground, and decision-making in complex environments.
Here are some of the popular routes available, offering a range of terrain and challenges:
A scenic round of the Howgills, perfect for honing navigation skills across rolling hills and expansive moorland.
This route features a mix of ridge walking and valleys, providing great opportunities for navigation practice in varied landscapes.
A popular choice for mountain skills practice, this walk offers great views and the chance to develop skills over more sustained hillwalking.
An excellent Grade 2 day, with a focus on more challenging terrain. Perfect for improving your skills on rocky ground.
A classic Lake District walk, this route offers great exposure and an opportunity to improve skills on technical ground.
A moderate to good level of fitness is required. The skills day involves walking for up to 8 hours, often on rough and uneven ground. Minimum age is 12 for Grade 1/2 days, and 16 for Grade 3 or winter skills days.
Clients are encouraged to use their own equipment for familiarity, though I can provide some items for winter skills and navigation training if needed.
With years of experience as a Mountain Leader, I offer tailored, hands-on instruction to ensure you feel confident and capable in the hills and mountains. My personalised approach ensures that each participant receives guidance suited to their skill level, whether you're a beginner seeking basic navigational training or an experienced walker looking to refine your mountain skills. My knowledge of North West England and the Central Highlands allows me to select the best routes for your learning and enjoyment, ensuring a rewarding and educational day out in nature.
You'll learn essential skills such as navigation (map and compass), route planning, weather awareness, risk management, and safe movement on challenging terrain.
No prior experience is required for Grade 1 days, making them ideal for beginners. For Grade 2 days, a moderate level of fitness and some hillwalking experience is recommended.
Please bring weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy walking boots, a packed lunch, water, and any personal gear you may want to use (such as a map and compass).
You can book as an individual, couple, or small group. There is no minimum group size, and I work with up to 8 participants on Grade 1 and 2 days (maximum 4 for Grade 3 or winter skills). I have a fixed fee of £300 (£350 for Grade 3 or winter skills) for the day.
Grade 1 routes are non-technical and focus more on navigation and hill skills. Grade 2 routes involve rockier, more exposed ground and require greater stamina and concentration.
Safety is a top priority. We review weather conditions, adjust routes if necessary, and practice risk assessment and mountain safety throughout the day.
I can provide some equipment for navigation and winter skills training, but I encourage clients to use their own gear for familiarity and comfort.
In case of severe weather, we may modify the route or reschedule the day to ensure everyone’s safety. You'll be kept informed of any changes in advance.
Yes, the minimum age for participants is 12 years for Grade 1 and 2 days. For Grade 3 or winter skills days, the minimum age is 14 years. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Hill or Mountain Skills Days typically last between 5 to 8 hours, depending on the route and weather conditions.
About the centre
Orton, Penrith
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Operated by Dougie Walker, a partner of adventuro.
Howtown, Penrith
From £59
