Mountaineering: the learning process
The idea of this chart is to demonstrate the learning process and to set out the skills that we teach on our courses and the experience that is required to move onto the next step.
This will allow you to assess where you currently are and which course is right for you.
We can then use the chart within our courses to set out our teaching plan for the course and for your own development after the course has finished.
All of our courses are practical with learning taking place out on the mountains by doing – the very best way to learn.
You can read a map, plan a route, take and follow a bearing, measure distance and follow it on the ground and interpret contour features.
You are happy navigating in poor visibility from a summit.
hillwalker - Mountain Skills Course
You have done some hill walking and now want to venture onto steeper terrain, to escape the crowds on the paths and enjoy the airy ridges and steeper gullies.
You have developed a level of hill walking fitness and can cope with multi day trips climbing mountains.
Understand and interpret the guidebook
Develop movement skills on steeper ground (grade 1)
Understand the concepts of risk identification and management
Have route finding skills on grade 1 ground
Be able to safeguard a partner without the use of the rope
Understand the emergency use of the rope.
Gain more experience
Having learnt the skills to safely enjoy grade 1 scrambles on our Intro to Scrambling Course you now need time to consolidate the skills with mileage on grade1 ground. This can be done under your own steam or if you prefer to gain mileage with like minded people and under our guidance then our Guided Grade 1 scramble Days are ideal.
We choose the routes to best suit the weather and conditions.
Allow you mileage on grade 1 ground under our watchful eye.
Moving onto grade 2 & 3
Fit a harness and tie into a rope.
Understand climbing calls.
Develop some movement skills on grade 2 and 3 terrain and be confident seconding grade 3 routes.
Belay a lead climber and be able to belay a second from above.
Route find on grade 2 and 3 ground.
Remove runners whilst seconding pitches.
Tie into a belay and assist with rope management.
Be able to abseil and self protect using a prussic.
NB: You can combine the intro to scrambling and advanced scrambling courses by joining our Classic Scrambles week.
gain more experience
Ben Nevis & Glencoe
Scrambling on the Skye Cuillin
progress to leading
On grade 2 and 3 scrambles.
Selecting and racking equipment.
Choosing and finding appropriate routes for the weather and conditions.
Placing gear for protection.
Selecting anchors.
Building and equalising belays.
Understand the use of direct and indirect belays.
Be efficient in rope management on the stances.
Carry out a lower of a second.
Be able to read the terrain and choose appropriate techniques balancing efficiency and caution.
Manage a retreat from a scramble.
Be able to shorten the rope by tying off coils.
Move efficiently over long routes of varying difficulty.
competent summer mountaineer
A world of adventure is available to you now. For many people they will then combine these skills with some Scottish winter skills to progress on to winter mountaineering. This opens up the joy of the mountains to year round adventures.
progress to winter
All winter walking, mountaineering and climbing start with their summer equivalents and build on them in a winter environment.
I like to illustrate this relationship with the following pathway.
To read more about of progressive teaching in winter, follow this link.