Mountain Skills 2

The Mountain Skills (MS1 +2) training course provides a general introduction to hillwalking in Ireland and the basics of mountain navigation. Offering a solid foundation for gaining personal mountaineering proficiency, Mountain Skills training teaches the necessary skills in mountain safety, navigation techniques, knowledge of hazards, and personal equipment, so that a person finishing the course may be in a position to safely, and competently, take to the hills. Mountain Skills training and assessment also provide foundation training for those who wish to progress to further leadership qualifications, such as the Mountain Leader (ML). It is useful to have had some basic hillwalking experience and a basic familiarity with mountain maps or have completed Mountain Skills 1 before attending Mountain Skills 2. There is no minimum age limit to MS training or assessment. *Participants attending this course  must ensure they have registered on the Mountain Skills Scheme prior to attending. Click here to go to Mountaineering Ireland Link.   A moderate level of fitness and some experience of hillwalking are desirable. If you are unsure about your suitability for this course, please contact us via email: livetheadventure@tollymore.com or telephone  (+44) 028 4372 2158.

The Mountain Skills (2) Course will be based at the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre and each day will be spent in a different area of the Mourne Mountains. The main emphasis of the course will be building upon your existing skills and knowledge to allow you to advance your mountain walking skills in a mountain environment to a more independent level. You will discuss many aspects and practice many skills on the mountain side such as: Planning – how to successfully plan a walk in a mountainous range of the UK or Ireland. Walking skills – what things should you consider while out walking and what can make your life easier (pace, nutrition, movement skills etc.). Clothing and equipment – Understanding the design and functionality of mountain clothing and equipment especially in terms of safety and comfort. Weather – More detailed interpretation of a variety of weather forecasts and how they may impact on our plans. Navigation in the mountains – using the compass to take and walk on bearings detailed measurement of distance and re-location techniques. Environmental knowledge – how to minimise your impact in the mountains and shared use of this environment inc. the roles of a variety of other organisations. Hazards and emergency procedures in the hills – The role of the mountain rescue services and how to respond to any hazards you will encounter and what to do in an emergency. Your course will be based at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in the Mourne Mountains. During your Mountain Skills course expect to start each day at around 9am, finishing at around 6pm. The start of the course will be indoors, getting to know the other people on the course and developing an understanding of mountain walking planning. Your tutor will outline the plans for the day before you head out into the hills. The end of the day will involve a session to review the days’ key learning points whilst night navigating and plan the following days’ outing. Non residential option If you would like to attend this course as a non resident, please contact us.  The cost is reduced by £29 (which covers the cost of B&B on Saturday night), but you will still be supplied with packed lunches on Saturday and Sunday, evening meal on Saturday and copious amounts of tea and coffee while in the centre. Mountain Skills 2 is the second in a series of courses for gaining personal mountaineering proficiency. Mountain Skills training is a recognised series of 2 training courses with an optional assessment which teaches the necessary skills in mountain safety, navigation techniques, knowledge of hazards, and personal equipment, so that a person finishing the course may be in a position to safely, and competently, take to the hills. Mountain Skills training and assessment also provide foundation training for those who wish to progress to further leadership qualifications, such as the Mountain Leader (ML). Mountain Skills courses are available throughout Ireland. Those who have registered on the MTUK Hill Skills & Mountain Skills courses may attend Mountain Skills 1 & 2 and achieve recognition on the Mountain Training Board Ireland (MTBI) database. MS training is divided into three blocks, MS1, MS2 and MS Assessment. MS1 and MS2 are the basic training blocks covering all aspects of hillwalking that the candidate will require to become a self-sufficient hill user. Participants attending this course who wish to complete the Mountain skills scheme formally should ensure they have registered on the Mountain Skills Scheme prior to attending. Click here to go to Mountaineering Ireland Link. Or Have registered on the Hill & Mountain Skills scheme with Mountain Training UK Topics covered include: Planning – how to successfully plan a walk in a mountainous range of the UK or Ireland. Walking skills – what things should you consider while out walking and what can make your life easier (pace, nutrition, movement skills etc.). Clothing and equipment – Understanding the design and functionality of mountain clothing and equipment especially in terms of safety and comfort. Weather – More detailed interpretation of a variety of weather forecasts and how they may impact on our plans. Navigation in the mountains – using the compass to take and walk on bearings detailed measurement of distance and re-location techniques. Environmental knowledge – how to minimise your impact in the mountains and shared use of this environment inc. the roles of a variety of other organisations. Hazards and emergency procedures in the hills – The role of the mountain rescue services and how to respond to any hazards you will encounter and what to do in an emergency.

This Mountain Skills 2 Course is perfect for those interested in transferring their basic hill walking skills on to more challenging mountainous terrain whilst raising the bar in terms of personal skills. Ideally participants will have completed Mountain Skills 1 or have some basic level of hillwalking experience and a reasonable level of fitness. It’s a lot more fun when you know where you’re going, even in the mist or darkness!  

• First Step Navigation Skills
• REC Level 2 Emergency
• Next Step Night Navigation Skills
• Mountain Skills 1

Bring any of your own personal hillwalking outdoor clothing and kit such as waterproof jacket and trousers, boots, fleece jacket, hat and gloves, flask, water bottle, Mourne map (1:25,000), and spare clothes. It’s best to bring plenty of lighter layers and avoid cotton if possible as it offers little heat and takes ages to dry out if wet or sweaty. Please ensure you bring along a device which will allow you to ‘stopwatch’ your time. Tollymore can supply most of the equipment you require for this course but it is preferable to use your own where possible, even if it’s just a chance for your instructor to comment on your kit and give advice.

The MTUK Mountain Skills Course fee includes kit, equipment, in course transport, coaching, food and accommodation. Course accommodation will be in shared twin ensuite rooms. If you would prefer not to share a room, single occupancy may be available for an additional charge.   The course fee includes full use of the centre equipment, in course transport, coaching, and packed lunch on both days.

• The course fee (£190.50) includes accommodation and all catering from lunch on Day 1 through to lunch on Day 2

Course accommodation (when restrictions permit!) will be in shared twin ensuite rooms. If you would prefer not to share a room, single occupancy may be available for an additional charge.

• Hillwalking by Steve Long MLTUK
• Navigation In The Mountains by Carlo Forte MLTUK