Mountaineering Scotland (the national representative organisation for hillwalkers, climbers, and mountaineers) is running “Going the Extra Mile” basic hill skills courses, funded by the Sarah Buick Legacy Fund. These courses are aimed at young people aged 18 – 25 years old who enjoy hillwalking, but may experience barriers to taking part in courses which will help keep them safe while hiking.
The course lasts for one day, 9am – 5pm, meeting at an indoor venue to learn basic knowledge before moving to an outdoor location to practice on the hills. Transport may be involved when moving from the indoor to the outdoor location; Mountaineering Scotland may be able to arrange for car-sharing.
The course is intended for people who are generally active, though the terrain will not be overly demanding. Maximum distance of 12km and maximum ascent of 600m is estimated.
There is a cost of £15 which covers the course as well as a one-year membership to Mountaineering Scotland. The membership gives access to other training and discounts on outdoor kits, as well as insurance, their digital magazine, and monthly e-news.
The courses will take place in Sidlaws, Ochils, Campsie Fells, and Pentlands. We want to note that Falkirk residents may be most interested in booking into the Campsie Fells and Ochils dates taking place in May and June respectively, as they are closest. Closing dates for bookings are a couple of days before each course runs.
- Friday 22nd April – Sidlaws: Booking link
- Saturday 23rd April – Sidlaws: Booking link
- Sunday 24th April – Sidlaws: Booking link
- Saturday 21st May – Campsie Fells: Booking link
- Sunday 22nd May – Campsie Fells: Booking link
- Saturday 4th June – Ochils: Booking link
- Sunday 5th June – Ochils: Booking link
- Saturday 16th July – Pentlands: Booking link
- Sunday 17th July – Pentlands: Booking link
For further information on the specific dates, booking and cancellation conditions, a suggested kit list, and more, please visit the Mountaineering Scotland website.
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