Mountain Skills Course: a four-day Lake District wild camping course

• Four days with qualified Mountain Training instructors — experienced local instructors who know the Lake District and the syllabus inside out.
• Structured tuition across the full syllabus — navigation, route planning, weather awareness, movement on steep ground, safety, and campcraft.
• Wild camping permissions and route planning for the overnight on day three.
• Small group size — no more than six, so everyone gets proper time with the instructors.
• Course materials — handouts, route cards and reference notes to take away.
• Local knowledge — the Lake District's weather patterns, terrain quirks, and the routes that bring the skills to life.
• Safety cover — group first aid kit, emergency communications, and instructors trained in remote-area response.

• Travel to and from Keswick
• Accommodation in Keswick on nights one and two — we'll send a list of recommended options on booking
• All food and snacks for the four days, including the wild camp
• Personal camping kit — tent, sleeping bag, mat and liner (or add a GBAC gear bundle when booking)
• Personal clothing and pack — full kit list provided on booking
• Personal travel insurance — recommended

The course starts at Tithebarn Street in central Keswick (CA12 5EA), right next to Booths Supermarket. Meeting point is the Café at Booths (NY 26345 23547).

By train

The nearest mainline station is Penrith on the West Coast Main Line, with direct services from London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. From Penrith, the Stagecoach 555 bus runs regularly to Keswick (around 45 minutes), or taxis are available at the station. Keswick is one of the easier Lake District destinations to reach without a car.

By car

The Tithebarn Street car park is in central Keswick, around 25 minutes from the M6 (junction 40) via the A66. Parking is pay-and-display, next to Booths. Worth arriving early on weekends as central spaces fill up.

By air

Manchester and Newcastle airports are the closest. Onward travel by train to Penrith and then bus to Keswick is the simplest option if you're not driving.

This is a four-day course with a wild camp on night three. Here are the essentials to plan around.

On your feet

• Sturdy walking boots with ankle support, well broken in
• Two pairs of walking socks for each day (one to wear, one spare)
• Lightweight camp shoes or trainers for the wild camp evening

Clothing (layering system)

• Two base layer tops (merino or synthetic — no cotton)
• Mid layer (fleece or light insulated jacket)
• Insulated jacket (synthetic or down) for camp and breaks
• Waterproof jacket with hood — properly waterproof, not shower-resistant
• Waterproof overtrousers
• Walking trousers (not jeans)
• Warm hat, sun hat, gloves and a buff
• Underwear and spare socks for four days

Pack and shelter

• 35–50L rucksack with rain cover (large enough to carry overnight kit on day three)
• Dry bags to organise kit inside the pack
• Tent, sleeping bag, mat and liner — bring your own or add a GBAC gear bundle when booking

Food and water

• Lunch and snacks for each day
• Breakfast, evening meal and snacks for the wild camp
• Lightweight stove and fuel for the overnight
• Pot, mug, spork and a sharp knife
• 1.5–2L water carrying capacity — water sources are plentiful in the fells, but a filter or purification tablets are recommended
• A reusable rubbish bag — pack out what you pack in

Essentials

• Headtorch with spare batteries
• Personal first aid kit
• Sun cream and lip balm
• Midge repellent and a head net (useful May–September)
• Whistle
• Personal medication
• Phone and a power bank
• Toiletries — biodegradable soap only, packed light

For the learning

• Map: OS Explorer OL4 (The English Lakes — North-western area)
• Compass
• Notebook and pen for the skills sessions
• Watch or timer for pacing exercises

Optional but useful

• Walking poles
• Lightweight camera
• A spare pair of socks (you'll thank yourself)

Expect four full days on the hill, including a day carrying an overnight pack into the mountains. The pace is steady, with regular breaks to take in the views, ask questions and learn from your instructor — but you should be comfortable walking for full days on varied, uneven terrain, and capable of moving with a loaded pack on day three.

You don't need to be an athlete, but regular hillwalking in the months before the course is strongly recommended.

Experience

The course is designed for walkers with some prior hill experience. You should have:

• Done some hillwalking — ideally including full days on UK hills in varying weather
• Basic familiarity with using a map (we'll build on this from day one)
• A willingness to learn and practise, including in poor weather

No previous wild camping or navigation training is required.

Age

Suitable for adults 18 and over.

Cancellations and Refunds

You may cancel your booking at any time by notifying us in writing.

Refunds will be issued as follows:

• 90% refund for cancellations made more than 60 days before the Experience start date.
• 50% refund for cancellations made between 30 and 60 days before the Experience start date.
• No refund for cancellations made less than 30 days before the Experience start date.

No refunds will be issued for failure to attend or late arrivals.

Updated 19th January 2025

GB Adventure Club Ltd trading as The Great British Adventure Club (“GBAC”)

Introduction

GB Adventure Club Ltd, trading as The Great British Adventure Club (“GBAC”, “we”, “us”, “our”), acts as an intermediary platform connecting customers (“you”, “your”) with third-party providers of trips, guided walks, and wild camping experiences (the “Experiences”). GBAC does not own, operate, or control any of the Experiences listed on our platform.

Booking and Payment

All bookings must be made through the GBAC website or authorised channels. Full payment is required at the time of booking. Your booking is only confirmed once full payment has been received and you have received a confirmation email from us.

Role of GBAC

GBAC acts solely as an agent for third-party providers of Experiences. The contract for the provision of the Experience is between you and the relevant third-party provider. GBAC is not responsible for the delivery, quality, safety, legality, or any aspect of the Experience provided by third parties.

Cancellations and Refunds

You may cancel your booking at any time by notifying us in writing. Refunds: 90% if cancelled more than 60 days before start; 50% if 30–60 days before; no refund if less than 30 days before. No refunds for failure to attend or late arrivals.

Changes and Cancellations by Providers

Third-party providers reserve the right to alter or cancel Experiences due to weather, safety, or other circumstances beyond their control. In the event of cancellation by the provider, you will be offered a suitable alternative or a full refund. Trips may be cancelled if insufficient bookings have been made; in this event you will be offered a similar trip of similar value or a full refund. GBAC is not liable for any additional costs incurred due to such changes or cancellations.

Participant Responsibilities

You are responsible for ensuring you are physically and mentally fit to participate in the Experience. You must comply with all instructions and safety guidelines provided by the third-party provider. You are responsible for bringing appropriate equipment, clothing, and supplies as specified in the Experience description.

Liability

Participation in Experiences involves inherent risks. By booking, you acknowledge and accept these risks. GBAC accepts no liability for injury, loss, damage, or expenses incurred as a result of your participation in any Experience, except where required by law. Any claims or complaints regarding the Experience should be directed to the third-party provider.

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We strongly recommend you obtain suitable travel, health, and personal accident insurance before participating in any Experience.

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Governing Law

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Group size

Small groups of no more than six. Keeps things personal and means everyone gets proper time with the instructors.

Instructors

Experienced Mountain Training instructors who know the Lake District inside out — the weather, the terrain, and the routes that bring the syllabus to life.

Flexibility

The course follows the Mountain Training syllabus, but the running order and routes may be adapted based on weather and conditions — always with safety, learning and enjoyment in mind.