Lake District Mountain Skills 2 Day Course
Develop Confident Navigation Skills in the Lake District
The Lake District National Park offers some of the most varied and rewarding mountain terrain in the UK. Steep ridges, narrow valleys, complex ground and rapidly changing weather mean that confident navigation and sound decision-making are essential for safe travel in the hills. This Lake District 2 Day Mountain Skills Course, based in the North Lakes around Keswick, builds on the fundamentals of map and compass navigation, giving you the time and space to develop confidence through repeated practice in real mountain terrain.
Over two full days, you’ll consolidate core navigation skills while progressing to more accurate techniques and stronger decision-making. The course focuses on effective route planning, navigating across varied fell terrain, relocation strategies, and understanding how weather, visibility and ground conditions influence navigation choices. With continuous coaching from experienced Mountain Leaders, learning remains practical and hands-on throughout.
With more time on the hill, skills are practised in a range of terrain typical of the Lake District, allowing you to refine techniques, ask questions and build confidence step by step. This 2 day course is ideal for walkers who want to move beyond the basics, become more self-reliant in the mountains, and prepare for longer routes or progression to the 4 Day Mountain Skills Course.
Navigation equipment provided: Maps, compasses and map cases are supplied free of charge.
Footwear & clothing: Personal outdoor clothing and suitable footwear required.
Lake District 2 Day Mountain Skills Course
A step up from the 1 day course with more time to practise, refine and apply skills. The Lake District National Park offers some of the most varied and rewarding mountain terrain in the UK. Steep ridges, narrow valleys, complex ground and rapidly changing weather mean that confident navigation and sound decision-making are essential for safe travel in the hills. Based in the North Lakes around Keswick, this two day course builds on the fundamentals of map and compass navigation, giving you the time and space to develop confidence through repeated practice in real mountain terrain.
Over two full days, you’ll consolidate core navigation skills while progressing to more accurate techniques and stronger decision-making. With continuous coaching from Mountain Leaders with a wealth of experience, learning remains practical and hands-on throughout, helping you become more self-reliant and confident in the hills.
Course Highlights
- Advanced map reading: contours, aspect of slope, subtle features and terrain interpretation
- Compass skills: taking and following accurate bearings, plus pacing and timing
- Navigation strategies: attack points, collecting features, aiming off and catching features
- Relocation skills: what to do when you’re unsure, and how to confirm your position
- Route planning for mountain days: timing, distance, ascent and escape options
- Understanding terrain and how weather, visibility and conditions affect decisions
- Practical problem-solving with repeated, coached practice in real fell terrain
- Small group instruction for maximum hands-on learning
What’s Included
- Qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders with a wealth of experience
- Use of group safety equipment
- Practical instruction and coaching across both days
- Small group size for effective learning
- Navigation equipment provided: maps, compasses and map cases
What’s Not Included
- Travel to and from the Lake District
- Personal hillwalking clothing and suitable footwear
- Food and drinks for both days
- Personal insurance
Who This Course Is For
Ideal for walkers who have basic navigation knowledge (or have completed a 1 day course) and want to become more confident and self-reliant in the mountains.
- Walkers who want to move beyond the basics and navigate more accurately
- Those who rely on GPS and want stronger map-and-compass foundations
- People returning to hillwalking and looking to rebuild confidence
- Anyone planning bigger days, remote routes, or progression to the 4 day Mountain Skills course
Practical Information
- Meeting Point: Keswick area (full details provided after booking)
- Course Length: 2 days
- Location: Lake District National Park (North Lakes)
- Terrain: Paths, ridges and open fell terrain (conditions dependent)
- Fitness Level: Good general hill fitness required
- Weather: Changeable mountain conditions — come prepared
Travel Information
- Meeting Point: Keswick area (exact meeting point confirmed after booking)
- Getting There:
- By Car: Keswick is easily accessed via the A66. Parking details provided after booking.
- By Train: Travel to Penrith Railway Station, then use local bus or taxi connections to Keswick.
Full joining instructions, including kit guidance and final meeting details, are sent after booking.
Typical Course Outline
Day 1 – Consolidate Core Skills
Meet in the Keswick area before heading onto the fells. Refresh key map skills and contour interpretation, practise bearings, and build reliable techniques for staying found using features on the ground.
Day 2 – More Complex Navigation & Decision-Making
Develop stronger route-planning and relocation strategies in more complex terrain. Practise accurate navigation using pacing and timing, refine your approach in poorer visibility, and learn how to adapt plans safely as weather and conditions change.
Note: The exact content and location will vary depending on weather, ground conditions and group ability.
Why Choose Peak Adventures?
- Mountain Leaders with a wealth of experience
- Small groups for better learning, safety and individual feedback
- Real mountain environments, not artificial settings
- Clear progression: 1 day → 2 day → 4 day Mountain Skills courses
- Friendly, supportive instruction focused on confidence building
Navigation Equipment
To help you focus fully on learning, we provide essential navigation equipment for use during the Lake District 2 Day Mountain Skills Course at no extra cost.
- OS maps covering the North Lake District course area
- Compass suitable for accurate mountain navigation
- Map case for use in all weather conditions
All equipment is available for use across both days, allowing you to practise consistently and build confidence with the same tools in a range of fell terrain and weather conditions. You’re welcome to bring your own map and compass if you prefer, but there’s no requirement to do so.
Using our equipment gives you the opportunity to try different styles, ask questions, and develop a better understanding of what works best for you before investing in your own navigation kit.
Not sure what equipment is right for you long term? Get in touch and we’ll happily offer advice. A detailed kit list will also be provided as part of your joining instructions.
Lake District 1 Day Mountain Skills
Learn the essentials of map and compass navigation and hill safety in a single practical day in the North Lake District.
- Map reading & contour basics
- Compass bearings & simple strategies
- Route planning for day walks
Lake District 2 Day Mountain Skills
Build confidence and independence with two full days to practise, consolidate and apply navigation skills in real fell terrain.
- Navigation across varied terrain
- Relocation & decision making
- Weather, safety & route choice
Lake District 4 Day Mountain Skills
An immersive course with deeper learning, advanced navigation and multi-day mountain travel experience.
- Advanced navigation & planning
- Terrain, weather & risk management
- Multi-day expedition skills
Tip: If you want more hands-on practice and the confidence to navigate independently, most people benefit most from the 2 Day course.
