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Mountain safety and skills

Get hiking with Sofa 2 Summit 

Sofa 2 Summit is a free online program to help you get the most out of hiking in the hills this spring and summer. 

It's for anyone new to hiking who wants to explore Scotland's hills and mountains, as well as people who want to learn a bit more or take a refresher after a break from hill walking.

Register now to get started on this 7 week program and let us help you get from sofa to summit!

Sign up for free


The following winter skills videos have been prepared by Glenmore Lodge and offer a useful introduction to equipment and skills required for heading to the Scottish mountains in winter:

The following organisations are concerned with safety in the Scottish mountains:

Mountain Training Scotland – the national governing body for mountain training 

Scottish Mountain Rescue – represents all the civilian mountain rescue teams 

Glenmore Lodge - the National Outdoor Training Centre, offers a wide range of training courses at all levels  

Scottish Avalanche Information Service – provides daily reports throughout the winter 

Mountain Weather Information Service – a daily mountain-specific weather information service 

The Met Office – daily mountain-specific reports 

Association of Mountaineering Instructors – has lists of qualified professional mountaineering instructors

Walk Highlands – great for ideas for routes and the latest outdoor news 

Mountain Aid - A charity which aims to help improve the quality of life of anyone permanently injured on the Scottish hills; to promote training and education in the skills required to enjoy the Scottish hills safely, and to maintain a close relationship with the Scottish Mountain Rescue services, granting funds for projects, equipment or activities which might otherwise not receive funding