MOUNTAIN SKILLS 1
COURSE
2 Days
BEGINNER
Mountain Skills in a Mountaineering Ireland accredited navigation and mountain safety course. The Mountain Skills (MS) training course provides the essential personal proficiency skills you will need to enjoy the mountains in Ireland and the UK safely. Offering a solid foundation for gaining personal mountaineering proficiency, Mountain Skills training teaches the necessary skills in mountain safety, navigation techniques, knowledge of hazards, and personal equipment, so that a person finishing the course may be in a position to safely, and competently, take to the hills. The MS training is broken down into three components, MS 1 MS 2 and the MS Assessment. Mountain Skills training and assessment also provide foundation training for those who wish to progress to further leadership qualifications, such as the Mountain Leader (ML). The Mountain Skills Scheme is a personal proficiency scheme and not a leadership qualification.
Course Content
- Introduction and Scope of the Mountain Skills Scheme
- Mountain Safety, Access, Hazards & Equipment
- Introduction to; Maps, Scales, Symbols and Contour Features
- Grid References
- Map-setting and Self-location Procedure
- Relief, Contours and Feature Recognition
- Introduction to the Compass
- Methods of Timing and Measuring Distance
- Navigational Techniques such as; Handrailing, Tick-off Features
- Route Planning
Prerequisites
- No navigation experience required, this course is aimed at beginners.
- Reasonable level of fitness.
- Registration for the MS Scheme with Mountaineering Ireland (€31 for adults, free for under 18s). On booking details will be emailed directly to you. Note this is a once off fee that will cover MS1, MS2 and MSA. Your registration pack includes: A navigational timing card & a certificate of attendance for completing each course.
- Minimum Age: 10
Course Ratio
- 1 instructor to 6 participants.
- Minimum 2 participants.
Course Duration and Pricing
- 2 Days (20 hours) - €150
Course Location: Laragh, Co. Wicklow
COURSE BOOKING OPTIONS
July 2026 - Dates: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th of July. (4 Places Remaining).
August 2026 - Dates: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd of August. (6 Places Remaining).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Professional and qualified Mountain Leader.
- First aid trained and certified leader to REC 3/ Wilderness First Aid 3 standard.
- Fully insured activity and staff.
- Map.
- Compass.
- Personal equipment as listed in the "required equipment" list.
- Food and refreshments.
- Transport.
- Car parking fees.
- Accommodation.
- Personal accident insurance.
- Hiking boots - It can be wet and boggy with off trail sections and open mountainside.
- Clothing suitable for hiking/sport - Avoid cotton/ jeans etc.
- Raingear - Waterproof jacket and leggings.
- Water & Nutrition/Food/Snacks.
- Extra layers such as a fleece jumper.
- Hat & gloves.
- SPF - even if it’s not sunny.
- Bug spray - There can be midge and ticks from spring to autumn.
- Any medications you may need.
- Small rucksack to hold the above items.
- Spare clothing such as socks/tops/bottoms/shoes for after the hike - you don’t need to carry these, leave them in the car for your return.
- Walking sticks if you normally use them.
We use a number of locations around the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains. National wide options also available. Locations will be advertised on the booking link. Contact us for more details.