Mountain Skills training is divided into two blocks, Mountain Skills 1 & Mountain Skills 2. MS1 and MS2 are the fundamental training blocks covering all aspects of hillwalking that the candidate will require to become a self-sufficient hill user.
MS1: This course includes map-reading and simple navigation techniques, recognition of natural features, distance measurement and timing of walks, the mountain environment & access. Mountain hazards are also covered, as is personal equipment such as correct clothing and emergency equipment.
Mountain Skills 1 teaches participants the basics of Compass work, map navigation, Mountain hazards and simple navigation techniques among others. A very informative and enjoyable weekend on the mountains indeed.
The Course took place in the Cooley Mountains in Carlingford on the weekend of the 16th/17th of August 2025 and goes towards earning of training beads and woodbadge pin as part of the Scouter Training Standards.
Find out more about Mountain Skills 1 and Mountain Skills 2 on the Mountaineering Ireland Website