Learning to explore hills safely and confidently is a key part of enjoying the outdoors. This two-day Mountain Training course provides the essential skills needed for hill walking, including navigation, route planning, and understanding common hazards. Whether you're new to hiking or looking to gain confidence beyond familiar paths, this course will help you develop the skills to explore more independently.
The course begins with an introduction to the key principles of hill walking, including planning routes, reading maps, and understanding terrain. You’ll start by discussing motivations and experience levels with the group, ensuring the course is tailored to meet individual needs. Throughout the two days, instructors will provide guidance on map reading, navigation techniques, and how to adjust plans based on weather conditions.
Practical sessions will take place outdoors, with hands-on experience navigating through the hills. You’ll learn how to use a compass effectively, follow contour lines, and make decisions based on your surroundings. Alongside navigation skills, the course will cover essential safety topics such as dealing with changing conditions, recognising potential hazards, and understanding emergency procedures.
By the end of the course, you will feel more confident in your ability to plan and undertake hill walks independently. You’ll leave with a solid foundation in navigation and hill safety, ready to explore more challenging terrain with assurance.
The course takes place in the Mendip Hills, a designated National Landscape known for its rolling hills and varied terrain. The starting point is a 250-acre woodland estate, offering a mix of open countryside, woodland, and hilltops ideal for navigation training.
Conveniently located near Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, the area provides an excellent setting for learning the essentials of hill walking in a safe and controlled environment.
This course is designed for those who are new to hill walking or who lack confidence in navigating beyond familiar routes. No prior experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended, as the course involves walking over varied terrain for extended periods.
Participants should be prepared for all weather conditions and dress accordingly.
With over 30 years of experience delivering outdoor training, the team is dedicated to helping people develop essential skills for safe and enjoyable adventures. They provide expert instruction in a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring each participant gets the most from their time in the hills.
The course is delivered by experienced hill walkers and qualified instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Their approach focuses on practical, hands-on learning, ensuring that everyone leaves with the confidence to plan and undertake their own walks.
This course is designed for anyone aged 16+ who wants to improve their confidence and skills when walking in the hills. Whether you’re completely new to hill walking or have some experience but want to learn more about navigation and safety, the course provides the essential knowledge needed to explore with confidence.
No previous experience is required. The course is designed for beginners or those who want to build their confidence beyond well-marked routes.
Participants should bring suitable outdoor clothing, including waterproofs, walking boots, a rucksack, and enough food and drink for the day. A full kit list will be provided upon booking.
The course involves walking in hilly terrain for extended periods, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours at a steady pace.
Group sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 8 participants per session. This ensures that each person receives individual attention and has plenty of opportunities to ask questions and practise their skills.
No, accommodation is not included. The course is non-residential, so participants will need to arrange their own accommodation if staying overnight.
About the centre
Sandford, Churchill, Winscombe
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Mendip Activity Centre, a partner of adventuro.
Sandford, Churchill, Winscombe
From £11500
