Mountain Navigation Courses
HikeandClimb runs a series of Mountain Courses designed to move the participants towards independence and greater freedom in the Irish Mountains and beyond. The Mountaineering Ireland Mountain Skills navigation courses are an ideal starting point for anyone wishing to gain the fundamental navigation skills that will enable freedom in the mountains.
Mountain Skills One is the beginner friendly starting point where all the essential navigation skills are covered over two days in a fun and friendly environment.
Mountain Skills Two is the logical follow on from Mountain Skills One also run over two full days. The participants on Mountain Skills Two will learn how to navigate at night and on steep ground.
Mountain Skills Assessment runs over two days and assesses the candidates on personal proficiency when navigating and hiking in the Irish Mountains. The Assessment is carried out over a full day into night navigation and on steep ground. The MSA is a vital stepping stone for anyone wishing to work towards the Mountain Leader Scheme.
Mountain Navigation – What Course is Right for Me?
If you are unsure what course to book please check out our page dedicated to assist you in finding the instruction / activity that best suits your needs.
Consider the following:
- What you want to experience / achieve?
- Over what period of time?
- During weekends or midweek?
If you would like to as any specific questions please contact info@hikeandclimb.ie
Mountain Skills One
Mountain Skills One is the foundation course that underpins a progression through the Mountaineering Ireland hill walking awards scheme. This two day course is a practical course involving two navigational journeys into the mountains on a realistic hike.
On day one you will learn the fundamentals of mountain navigation and then convert that learning from theory into practice by carrying out realistic navigational journeys.
On day two we will reinforce the learning by undertaking another realistic hike into the mountains, increasing your confidence and understanding of the core navigational skills by carrying out a series of navigational journeys.
Mountain Skills One explores in detail, map reading, compass use, route planning, feature recognition, contour interpretation, calculating distance, mountain hazards and personal equipment. All of the core mountain navigation skills are covered in an enjoyable, fun and positive learning environment.
Location: Wicklow and Dublin Mountains
Duration: Two Days
Price €140 per person
Beginner friendly course.
Will travel to other areas for group bookings
Mountain Skills Two
Mountain Skills Two is a two day course that builds and consolidates upon the foundation course Mountain Skills One. The course follows a similar format as that on Mountain Skills One, except this time on day one we will venture into the hills during daylight and come back in darkness.
Under darkness we will cover a new set of navigational techniques as we aim to make our way from a mountain summit back to the cars using the map, compass, pacing and timing.
During day two we will focus out attention on navigating close to steep ground, assessing the potential risks and a deep dive into contour interpretation.
Mountain Skills two introduces a new range of navigational techniques to assist in difficult conditions and challenging situations. You can expect to build confidence during night navigation, assess risk on steep ground, emergency best practice, dealing with hypothermia and procedures for contacting Mountain Rescue Services.
Location: Wicklow and Dublin Mountains
Duration: Two Days and One Night
Price €140 per person
Some experience required.
Will travel to other areas for group bookings
Mountain Skills Assessment
Mountain Skills Assessment is a two day assessment in personal proficiency covering all the core navigation skills as learned during the Mountain Skills One and Two courses.
On day one we will undertake a journey into the mountains and it will be up to the assessment candidates to either lead navigational legs or follow and relocate. It will be our goal to spend several hours after darkness carrying out navigational legs back towards our vehicles.
On day two we will undertake another journey into the mountains but this time we will focus on steep ground and contour interpretation.
The Mountain Skills Assessment is the gateway for all those wishing to attend the Mountain Leader Training.
Location: Wicklow and the Dublin Mountains.
Duration: Two Days and One Night
Price €170 per person.
Experience Necessary
Will travel to other areas for group bookings
Mountain Skills Refresher
Mountain Navigation Refresher is a one day course that is tailored to a clients specific requirements. This day course is ideal for those who want to take the Mountain Skills Assessment but want to brush up on skills. It is also ideal for those that are taking the Mountain Leader Assessment but would like to focus on specific skills.
Location: Wicklow and the Dublin Mountains.
Will travel to other areas for groups
Price daily rate of €180
Max number of four people.
Map and Compass Bespoke Course
The Map and Compass Bespoke Course is ideal for groups or clubs who wish to cover map reading, compass use and navigational training but do not want to undertake the Mountain Skills Syllabus.
The course involve undertaking a realistic journey into the mountains while focusing on the skills that interest you most.
Daily rate of €180
Maximum of 4 people per course
Venue: Dublin and The Wicklow Mountains.
Will travel to other areas for a group.
