summer mountain courses
autumn & early winter mountaincraft
2 days (w/e) 3 or 5 days (midweek)
Ratio | 1:6/4
Minimum Ages | 16 years
Course preview
This course is intended for those who have already done some walking and rambling, who are reasonably "hill fit", and who wish to extend their personal experience from summer season conditions into more challenging areas. The aim of the course. The main part of the course will deal with moving safely through major Scottish Mountains out side the spring and summer seasons - in the more variable Autumn and Early Winter seasons, enjoying perhaps some roped scrambling and easy rock climbing. There may be full winter conditions at this time of year! Alternatively there can be clear, calm frosty days in the mountains, full of vibrant autumn colours.
Course Content This stand along course builds on your previous mountain walking experience & skills already acquired in spring, summer & early autumn and gives a chance to look at:
- consolidation of these skills
- detailed navigation & route planning
- walking skills
- planning your own mountain day walks ●movement & protection on steeper ground
- appropriate equipment
- land access issues
- emergency procedures
- dealing with emergency situations – emergency bivouacs, river
- mountain weather
- mountain hazards
- Depending on the weather conditions – the use of ice axe & crampons
- extending the range and difficulty of your own mountain walking in to the autumn & early winter seasons – with the additional challenges of lower temperatures, shorter days and the need for more accurate navigation
You will look at what works well, what you may have overlooked and how to put things right – but we will be with you every step of the way – right behind you!
Previous Experience | For those who have previous experience of summer hill walking in mountainous country. Students should be fairly fit and be prepared to walk up to 8-10 miles on some days. The course is fairly strenuous but not excessively so. No previous technical knowledge of navigation or rope work is assumed.
