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 parent/carer/guardian does not need to attend the course, but are welcome to welcome to book a space if they wish to attend. The young people will be in a group with one instructor, while parents/carers 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. 

  • Age: 14 to 17 years old 
  • Parent/carer: Over 18
  • Previous experience required: None
  • 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

For parents/carers/guardians wishing to attend the same course, please contact us on 01738 493 942. Young people will be in a group with one instructor and over 18's in another group with another instructor.

Cost

£35 for Mountaineering Scotland members. Not a member? Join online 

Booking conditions

To book onto one of our mountain safety courses, you need to be a member of Mountaineering Scotland and have a valid membership when the course takes place.

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.

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

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. 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. 

  • If booking for a young person only - please make the booking through their own account in the members' web portal.
  • If booking for a young person and a parent/carer/guardian - you can link yourselves as a 'family' in the portal and make the booking for both people at the same time. Please note, both attendees require a valid membership. 


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