MOUNTAIN SKILLS TRAINING I & II
Willowbrook invites persons interested in hill walking to
participate in the above Training Course. This course will
be run by a Mountaineering Council of Ireland approved
Instructor with 30 years experience in outdoors activities.
The course is designed to bring the walker up to a
standard whereby they can safely walk the mountains of
Ireland
Date to be arranged
Venue:
Willowbrook Camping & Activities Park,
Co Roscommon
On completion of course a logbook will be distributed to individuals
and a debriefing of what next options?
SYLLABUS FOR COURSE
MOUNTAIN HAZARDS
 Temperature, Precipitation, Wind, Lightning, Humidity and
Snow.
 Reference to causes of Mountain Hypothermia
Topographic hazards
 Steepness, Ruggedness, special emphasis on remoteness.
 Reference to falls and drowning in hillwalking situations.
 Ability with reference to terrain and conditions
M APS
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Map Scales/Symbols/Conventional signs.
Ordnance Survey maps/history, reliability suitability,
comparison of different scales.
Terminology/features e.g. corries, spurs, ridges, arêtes etc.
Relief depiction including contours, crags
Orienteering maps

Grid references
NAVIGATION
 Methods of calculating distance traveled and height climbed
(Naismith’s rule)
 Methods of measuring distances on ground (timing, pacing)
 Simple navigational techniques (aiming off, handrails, attack
points etc.)
 Methods of locations, cardinal points (solar, astral)
 Feature recognition (distant and near), self location
 Navigating across country using map alone
 Theory of Silva-type compass (grid and magnetic bearing)
 Map setting by compass – following bearing, backbearing
and simple resection.
 Navigating across country using both map and compass
ROUTE PLANNING
 Route planning (choice of route, route card, bad weather
alternatives, escape routes)
 Guidebooks and sources of information
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
 Equipment for hillwalking with reference to weight, bulk and
cost.
 Comparison and contrasting of: Footwear, Outer clothing,
Headgear, Gloves, Middle layer garments, Inner garments.
 Bivouac bags and Bivouac tents
 Rucksacks, Torches, Care of maps, Whistle and other
emergency signaling devices.
 Additional equipment for winter, first aid kits
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
 Procedure in event of an accident
 Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Mountain
hypothermia, sprains, blisters fatigue and other typical
ailments.
 Mountain Rescue organizations in Ireland including location
of posts and teams
 Call – out procedures
WHAT IS REQUIRED?
Map Series numbers: 24,25 & 33 Discovery Series
KIT LIST
Water & Windproof breathable jacket
Waterproof and breathable over trousers
Comfortable & strong pair of walking shoes (preferable a
pair of hiking boots)
Gaiters
Woolly hat
Gloves
Scarf
Warm loose fitting clothing (not jeans) i.e. jumpers,
fleeces, tracksuit
2 pair of socks
DAY SACK/RUCKSACK – 30 Litres
Drinking flask
Sandwiches
Spare items of clothing
Food
Chocolate
Compass (Silva 4)
Maps
First Aid Kit
Whistle
Head Torch
Spare Batteries
* Equipment in italics & bold are essential items.