Mountain Training Hill Skills at Mendip Hills, Bristol

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.

Key Details

• Duration: 2 days
• Age: 16+
• Group size: 1-8 people
• Course dates: Multiple dates available throughout the year 
• Location: Mendip Hills, starting at a dedicated outdoor centre

Key Skills

• • Planning and preparing for a walk in the hills

• • Navigating using a map and compass

• • Understanding weather and its impact on hiking

• • Identifying and managing common hazards

• • Dealing with emergencies in a remote setting

What to Expect

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.

Location

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.

Prerequisites

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.

Why Choose Us

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.