Weekend Mountain Skills
Aviemore, Cairngorm National Park
2 Days
£225 pp
Embark on an unforgettable weekend amidst the breathtaking vistas of Cairngorm National Park. Our comprehensive weekend mountain skills course is tailored for beginners or those seeking to boost their confidence in mountain terrain.
Embark on an unforgettable weekend amidst the breathtaking vistas of Cairngorm National Park. Our comprehensive weekend mountain skills course is tailored for beginners or those seeking to boost their confidence in mountain terrain. Delve into crucial topics like meticulous planning, weather assessment, route selection, navigation mastery, movement on steep and rough ground, mountain safety, and understanding the nuances of the mountain environment and ecosystem. Weather permitting, participants will have an overnight camping experience or an adventurous bothy expedition, adding an extra layer of excitement to this immersive learning journey.
This course is based in Aviemore, at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Scotland's Highlands. Aviemore is well-connected by road, rail, and air, and offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. While the village will be our base, we’ll explore various Highland locations to make the most of the weather and conditions, ensuring you have the best experience possible.
NB: This itinerary is a sample of what we could do during the course. This is subject to change due to weather, conditions and group fitness. I will always make sure that you get the most out of your course no matter what the weather and conditions are.
Weekend Mountain Skills Hiking and Camping Course
2-Day Adventure in the Cairngorms
Day 1 – Exploring the Mountain Plateau and Camp Craft
Our weekend begins with a comprehensive briefing over a coffee, where we’ll meet the team, review essential equipment, safety protocols, and the exciting agenda for the days ahead. We’ll set off on a hike, focusing on navigation skills as we journey across the mountain plateau. Along the way, we’ll discuss key aspects of route selection and safety, including how to assess weather conditions and identify safe paths.
As we reach a stunning summit, we’ll take time to enjoy the expansive views and reflect on our navigation techniques. Following the summit, we’ll descend to our campsite by a tranquil loch, where we’ll settle in for the night. The evening will be dedicated to camp craft, including practical sessions on tent pitching, camp location choice, leave no trace camping and preparing for a comfortable night in the wilderness.
Day 2 – Summit Ascent, Navigation Practice, and Ecosystem Awareness
After a restful night in the mountains, we’ll prepare for a day of further exploration. We’ll ascend another summit, continuing to refine our navigation skills as we tackle more challenging terrain. You’ll learn to manage steeper slopes while practising techniques for reading the landscape, route choice, efficient movement and identifying landmarks.
Throughout the day, we’ll also focus on emergency preparedness, reviewing the contents of an emergency kit and how to use each item to ensure safety in the mountains. As we traverse the mountain plateau and take in the surrounding scenery, we’ll discuss the unique ecosystem of the Cairngorms, exploring its diverse flora and fauna, and understanding the importance of conservation in this remarkable area.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the starting point, completing our journey with a sense of accomplishment and enriched by the skills and experiences gained over the weekend.
If you have any questions about this course, just get in touch!
This mountain hiking skills course is designed for everyone, regardless of experience level. We’ll tailor the course to meet your individual needs and help you become a safe, confident, and independent mountain hiker and camper.
Good general fitness will always make the course more enjoyable and rewarding. If you’d like advice on how to prepare, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’ve got lots of simple and effective ways to prepare physically for winter climbing.
Feel free to get in touch to discuss your experience and goals—I’m always happy to help guide you to the right course!
-
Making informed decisions in hiking and hill walking environments
-
Selecting and using essential hiking and hill walking equipment
-
Navigating effectively with map and compass
-
Understanding terrain and reading the landscape for hill walking
-
Planning and preparing for hiking and hill walking days
-
Practising efficient movement across varied hill walking terrain
-
Developing hazard awareness for safe hiking and hill walking
-
Building essential wild camping skills for hiking trips
-
Choosing and using wild camping equipment for hiking adventures
-
Setting up camp and selecting safe wild camping spots
-
Mastering campcraft and cooking techniques for wild camping during hikes
-
Following Leave No Trace principles for sustainable hiking and camping
-
Interpreting weather forecasts for hiking and hill walking
-
Assessing ground conditions and potential risks for hill walking
-
Understanding emergency procedures for hiking and hill walking
-
Developing micro and macro navigation skills for hiking and hill walking
-
Included:
-
Exceptional instruction and coaching
-
Access to Alex’s knowledge and advice before and after the course
-
Local transport to and from your accommodation in Aviemore
-
Guidebooks
-
Maps and compass
-
Emergency equipment
Not Included:
-
Personal clothing
-
Tent, seeping bag and sleeping mat
-
Accommodation
-
Food and snacks (freeze dried meals recommended)
-
Transport to Aviemore before and after the course
-
