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

4 days

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

Overview

A four-day Mountain Training accredited course for hillwalkers ready to move from following routes to planning their own. You'll learn the practical skills that make independent mountain travel work — navigation, weather, route planning, safety, campcraft — and put them into practice on a one-night wild camp high in the fells.

This isn't a guided walk with theory bolted on. It's a structured course taught by qualified Mountain Training instructors, built around the recognised Mountain Training syllabus. By the end of the four days you'll leave with a Mountain Training accreditation, the skills to back it up, and the confidence to plan your own trips in the hills.

Who it's for

The course suits hillwalkers with some experience who want to stop relying on others and start leading their own mountain days. If you've been on guided trips, ticked off some hills, and want the underlying skills that experienced walkers have built over years — this is the structured way to get there.

You don't need to be highly experienced. But you should be comfortable on the hill, fit enough for full days of walking, and ready to engage with proper instruction rather than just following a guide.

What you'll learn

  • Navigation — map and compass, contour interpretation, pacing, timing, and decision-making in poor visibility
  • Route planning — building routes that work for the conditions, the group, and the day available
  • Weather awareness — reading forecasts, interpreting what you're seeing on the hill, and knowing when to change plans
  • Movement and safety — confident travel on steep and varied ground, group management, and managing risk
  • Campcraft — choosing a wild camp spot, pitching for the conditions, cooking and water, and leaving no trace

About

Your Guide

Michael Curry

Michael Curry

With over 40 years in the field, Michael Curry is a respected outdoor professional and mountaineer known for exploration, leadership, and a strong connection to nature. As a qualified Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor, he brings expertise in technical climbing, navigation, expedition logistics, and outdoor education.

His adventures cover Europe’s wildest regions, including Norway, Iceland, the Alps, as well as expeditions in the Canadian backcountry and the Himalayas. This global experience allows him to blend local knowledge with internationally recognised best practices in guiding and teaching.

Michael is known for his calm authority, technical skill, and enthusiasm, leading groups through tough environments and mentoring many in mountain skills. His work focuses on safety, personal growth, and respect for nature, inspiring both beginners and experienced adventurers.

Beyond guiding, Michael advocates responsible outdoor access, contributing to training, conservation, and community projects—leaving a legacy of mentorship, adventure, and dedication to the mountains he loves.

Itinerary

Location

Things to keep in mind