Hill and mountain walking offers a sense of freedom and adventure, but having the right skills is essential to stay safe and make the most of your experience. The Hill & Mountain Skills courses, developed by Mountain Training, provide the fundamental knowledge and safety techniques needed for independent exploration in the hills and mountains of the UK and Ireland.
For those keen to build their navigation skills, the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) offers the Navigator Awards, designed to help outdoor enthusiasts confidently explore paths, trails, and open landscapes. The awards progress through three levels — Bronze, Silver, and Gold — taking participants from beginner map readers to expert navigators.
The Hill Skills course is your key to getting started in countryside. There is no experience required to attend a Hill Skills course because the content of the course is aimed at beginners. If you do have some experience of hill walking but aren’t confident about planning walks, navigating and understanding the equipment required, then the Hill Skills course is an ideal way to learn.
Planning – how to successfully plan a hill walk.
Walking skills – what things should you consider while out walking and what can make life easier (pace, nutrition, movement skills etc.).
Clothing and equipment – being suitably dressed and equipped can make the difference between a great day out and a complete disaster.
Weather – how it affects the hills and your day out.
Navigation in the hills – everything from selecting a compass to navigation strategies and an intro to GPS.
Environmental knowledge – how to minimise your impact on the hill and information on good practice and useful organisations.
Hazards and emergency procedures in the hills – how to respond to any hazards you encounter and what to do in an emergency.
The Mountain Skills course is an ideal choice for walkers interested in transferring their walking skills to more mountainous terrain.
Ideally, participants would have some basic hill walking experience and have a reasonable level of fitness.
Planning – how to successfully plan a walk in the mountains.
Walking skills – what things should you consider while out walking and what can make life easier (pace, nutrition, movement skills, steep ground etc.).
Clothing and equipment – being suitably dressed and equipped can make the difference between a great day out and a complete disaster.
Weather – how it affects the mountains and your day out.
Navigation in the mountains – everything from selecting a compass and using a map to navigation in poor visibility and an intro to GPS.
Environmental knowledge – how to minimise your impact on the hill, information on good practice and useful organisations.
Hazards and emergency procedures in the mountains – how to respond to any hazards you encounter and what to do in an emergency.
Duration: 5 day residential course
Location: CCAT Capel Curig, Snowdonia National Park
CCAT Halton near Lancaster, Lake District & Yorkshire Dales National Park
Course fee: £50
Eligibility: Cadets aged 15+ and CFAVs
Prerequisites: There are no prerequites for CFAVs but Cadets must have completed their Two star syllabus.
Course Certification: Successful participants will be awarded the appropriate Mountain Training Hill/Mountain Skills award and NNAS Navigator award. Additionally for cadets, this meets the requirement of the three star AT element of the Army Cadet Syllabus. For successful CFAVs, they may also be recommended for the Expedition Supervisor in Normal Country on Foot Accreditation.
DofE: This course also meets the requirements of the Gold DofE Residential section.
Please speak to your detachment or contingent commander if you are interested in attending this course.
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Adult Volunteer Testimonial
James Watts It’s been a really positive experience. The cadets are skilled, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. We’ve built on their navigation and teamwork, helping them tackle tougher terrain and understand the mountain environment in a supportive setting.
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Adult Volunteer Testimonial
SSI Mark Stevens CCAT builds leadership, resilience, and camaraderie. Cadets from different units come together with real enthusiasm and dedication. It’s rewarding to see them grow and enjoy the challenge—my advice to anyone thinking about it: don’t think, just do it
Hill Walking & Mountaineering Skills Course October 2025
Cadet Centre for Adventurous ran a Hill Walking & Mountaineering Skills Course in October 2025 to help participants build confidence in planning, navigation, safety, and more—perfect for all levels.