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Going the Extra Mile

Who is this for?

Going the Extra Mile is a project to provide navigation skills courses for people aged between 18 and 25 years of age who enjoy exploring the hills and mountains of Scotland and would like to learn the skills needed to help them gain confidence and stay safe when hiking.

The project is supported by donations to the Sarah Buick Legacy Fund.

The Sarah Buick Legacy Fund

Sarah Buick was a keen hill walker and loved adventures in the mountains. 

Sadly, Sarah lost her life in a tragic accident on the south side of Ben Nevis in June 2021. 

Thanks to the generosity of people touched by Sarah’s story, money was collected in her memory that will be used to support a series of 'Going the Extra Mile' courses which will help young people enjoy the mountains of Scotland safely.

The courses will take place in the Sidlaws (near Dundee), Ochils (near Stirling), Campsie Fells (near Glasgow), Pentland Hills (near Edinburgh) and Cairngorms (near Aviemore) starting at an indoor meeting point at 9am and finishing around 5pm (see booking details using links below for more details of meeting points). Please note that it may be necessary to travel a few miles from the initial indoor venue to the outdoor location, so it's helpful if you can let us know if you will/won't have a vehicle when you book.

This great opportunity is just £15 per person. 

What's included:  A full and fun day's training in navigation skills and other hill skills with our experienced instructors. 

If you're not already a member, the cost includes your first year of membership of Mountaineering Scotland, the national representative organisation for hillwalkers, climbers and mountaineers. With membership, you have access to a range of money-saving discounts on outdoor kit, as well as insurance, our digital magazine, regular monthly e-news and access to other skills training and courses.

What's not included: The course fee does not include transport, but details of participants will be shared (with permission) for car sharing purposes.

Fitness rating

Fitness grade 2

This course is for people who are generally active and enjoy days out on the hill, but terrain will not be too physically demanding. At times the course will be off track on the open hillside, therefore we recommend appropriate footwear such as hiking boots. 

Maximum distance 12km and maximum ascent 600m.

Over the course of a day with our instructors Lucy and Scott, you will learn some essential skills to keep you safe on your summer hiking adventures. The day starts with a short indoor session at the meeting venue to give you some basic knowledge before moving to an outdoor location to start practising on the hill.

The primary focus of the one-day training courses will be:

  • Navigation using both map, compass and modern technology
  • Route planning
  • Mountain weather and forecasts
  • Clothing and kit for hiking
  • What to do in the event of an emergency.

What's provided?

Maps, map cases and compasses will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you have them.


What you need to bring

You will need to be equipped for a full day out on the hill with food and drink, hiking boots, and a minimum of waterproof jacket and over trousers, warm hat and gloves and a rucksack to carry everything in. 

Here's our suggested kit list for this course:

  • Rucksack - about 25-35 litres
  • Hiking/walking boots (with good soles which will grip on rock, grass and mud)
  • Waterproof jacket with hood (Goretex or similar)
  • Waterproof over trousers
  • Hiking/trekking trousers or leggings (not jeans or cotton)
  • Base layer top (usually synthetic/merino - not cotton)
  • Fleece/softshell warm jacket
  • Spare warm layer e.g. fleece top
  • Warm hat 
  • Gloves
  • Watch
  • Food & drink for the day
  • Emergency survival bag (polythene is OK) 

  • Pre-booking is essential
  • For cancellations less than 4 weeks before a course date, we are unable to offer a refund or transfer to another course.
  • Please read our course information for full booking and cancellation conditions.
If you have any questions please contact us at info@mountaineering.scot

Use the links above to book your preferred date.

  • For non-members - you'll need to create a profile on our members portal before booking.
  • Mountaineering Scotland members - please log into your existing member profile on the members portal to book your place.

If you have any questions please contact us at info@mountaineering.scot