Who Is This Course For?

This course is perfect for:

• Beginners with limited mountain experience

• Hillwalkers looking to improve navigation and scrambling skills

• Anyone preparing for the Mountain Leader scheme

• Walkers who want to safely explore UK mountains in all conditions

You’ll learn how to plan and navigate your own hikes, move confidently on steep terrain, and camp safely in the wild.

What You’ll Learn

Each day is spent outdoors in the mountains, with learning integrated into real journeys. The course includes:

Navigation Skills (Days 1–2)

• Route planning using maps, guidebooks, and apps

• Map reading: scales, contours, symbols

• On-path and off-path navigation

• Compass use and re-orientation techniques

• Pacing, timing, and poor visibility navigation

• Digital mapping tools: GPS, phone apps, satellite comms

• Mountain weather and emergency procedures

• Environmental awareness

Scrambling Skills (Days 3–4)

• Movement techniques on grade 1 scrambling terrain

• Route finding and guidebook use

• Classic scrambles like Tryfan’s North Ridge and Gribin Ridge

• Safety and risk management on steep ground

Wild Camping Expedition (Days 5–6)

• Overnight wild camp in the mountains

• Night navigation exercise

• Campcraft and environmental responsibility

• Mountain safety and emergency planning

Course Location

We run the course in Snowdonia National Park, meeting daily in Capel Curig. Each day explores a different mountain area, chosen based on weather and group needs.

🎓 MTUK Mountain Skills Certification

This course is part of the Mountain Training UK (MTUK) Mountain Skills Scheme. Your course fee includes:

• BMC Safety on the Mountains Handbook

• Registration with Mountain Training

• Certificate of attendance

• Mountain Training Timings Card

We’ll register you with MTUK when you book — no need to do it yourself.

What Makes Our Courses Different?

Led by experienced instructors Rob Johnson and Huw Gilbert, both holders of the WMCI qualification (the highest instructional certification in the UK), our courses are:

• Based on decades of real-world mountain experience

• Approved providers for Mountain Training UK’s Mountain Skills and Hill Skills Awards

• Focused on learning by doing, with a relaxed and supportive approach

• Designed to help you become confident and independent in the mountains

Read more about our instructors

What’s Included

• Six days of expert instruction

• Use of specialist equipment (e.g., compass, maps, camping gear)

• Access to our kit list and “what’s included” page

Accommodation & Transport

Accommodation is not included. Snowdonia offers a range of options from campsites to boutique hotels. Explore travel and accommodation options here.

🕘 Meeting Point & Times

After booking, you’ll receive:

• A confirmation email

• Detailed course notes

• Full kit list

• Meeting instructions

Courses begin at 9:00 AM on Day 1 in Capel Curig and finish around 4:00 PM on Day 6.

📅 Course Dates

2026

13-18 April: Fully booked 

Got Questions?

If you have any questions not answered on the website, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help.

Ready to Master Mountain Navigation and Scrambling?

[Book Your 6-Day Mountaincraft Course in Snowdonia Now]