Under 18's Hill Skills course

The Under 18’s Hill Skills course is a great way to learn more about hiking in the hills, including fundamentals of navigation, route planning, what to pack, hazards, emergencies and how to look after yourself. This is ideal for under 18’s who are new to the hills or are looking to grow independence and confidence.  

The young people will be in a group with one instructor, while parents/carers are also welcome to book a space if they wish and will be in a separate group with a second instructor. Parents/carers can also just book a space for their young person and pick them up at the end of the course. The parent/carer does not need to attend the course.  

  • Previous experience required: None
  • Age: 14 to 17 years old
  • Instructor to young person, ratio 1: 6 
  • Instructor to parents/carer, ratio 1:6 

What you'll learn

The course covers topics like: 

  • Planning a walk in the hills 
  • What to take and how to pack 
  • An introduction to navigation in the hills 
  • Common hazards and how to deal with them 
  • What to do in an emergency 

We cannot guarantee all topics will be covered, as we would like to cover everything well rather than rushing through to cover everything. 

Fitness Level 2

For people who are fit enough to enjoy days out on the hills and high tops, but would prefer to train on terrain that is not too physically demanding. 

This course will be delivered on ‘track/path’, but with just over 10km distance and 780m of ascent.

Course dates & locations

21 July - Pitlochry (Ben Vrackie) 

Cost

£35 for Mountaineering Scotland members 

Not a member? Join us - Thanks to your membership, we can subsidise the costs of our courses and offer them at affordable prices compared to most commercial providers. (More about membership benefits)

Why become a member?

  • Your membership fee goes back into supporting the work we do including our skills and safety course program
  • You're protected with £20m liability insurance and up to £10k personal accident for your mountaineering activities
  • Save money on outdoor gear with some fantastic member-only discounts and offers with major brands and retailers
  • Keep up to date with the latest in our monthly members e-news
  • Be inspired by our feature packed members magazine, Scottish Mountaineer, with two issues a year in print or digital format
  • Stay in some amazing location for walking and climbing, with access to national and club huts
  • Get free registration with Mountain Training Scotland to help you on your journey to gaining qualifications

Booking conditions

To book onto one of our mountain safety courses, you need to be a member of Mountaineering Scotland and at least 18 years old when the course takes place. Thanks to your membership, we can subsidise the costs of our courses and offer you cheaper course prices than most commercial providers.

Please note:

  • Pre-booking is essential.
  • By booking a place on one of our courses, you are agreeing to our booking and cancellation conditions - please read them before you book.
  • Cancellations more than 4 weeks before the course date will incur a £10 admin fee per booking to cover admin costs.
  • If you cancel less than 4 weeks before a course date, we are unable to offer a refund or transfer unless we can find a replacement to take your place (£10 admin fee applies).
  • If you cancel less than 7 days before a course date, we are unable to offer a refund.

How to book a place on a course

To book onto one of our mountain safety courses, you need to be a member of Mountaineering Scotland and aged 18 or over. 

Thanks to your membership, we can subsidise the costs of our courses and offer you cheaper course prices than most commercial providers.

  • Mountaineering Scotland members can book and pay easily and quickly online in our members’ web portal. 
  • If you are not a Mountaineering Scotland member, you can join and book your course place at the same time quickly and easily online in our members' web portal. 

Please take a look at our useful course information for booking and cancellation conditions.