Lake District Mountain Skills 4 Day Course
Advanced Navigation, Decision-Making and Multi-Day Mountain Travel
The Lake District 4 Day Mountain Skills Course is an immersive, advanced programme designed for those who want to develop confident navigation, sound decision-making and real experience of multi-day mountain travel. Building on the foundations of the 2 day course or equivalent experience, this course takes place in the rugged and varied terrain of the Lake District, where steep ridges, complex ground and rapidly changing weather provide an ideal environment for developing strong mountain judgement and independence.
Over four full days in the Lake District National Park, you’ll progress beyond individual techniques to a deeper, more holistic understanding of mountain travel. The course includes a remote overnight wild camp, giving you hands-on experience of expedition planning, campcraft and night navigation while carrying everything you need. With extended time on the hill, skills are practised across a wide range of fell terrain and conditions, allowing you to refine navigation strategies, manage multi-day journeys and build the confidence required for independent mountain adventures, all under the guidance of experienced Mountain Leaders.
Navigation equipment provided: Maps, compasses and map cases are supplied free of charge.
Footwear & clothing: Personal outdoor clothing and suitable footwear required.
Lake District 4 Day Mountain Skills Course
An immersive progression course combining advanced navigation with a multi-day mountain expedition. This four day Mountain Skills course is designed for walkers who want to develop confident navigation, sound judgement and real experience of multi-day mountain travel. Building on the foundations of the 2 day course (or equivalent experience), the course takes place in the rugged and varied terrain of the Lake District National Park, with continuous coaching from Mountain Leaders with a wealth of experience.
The course includes a remote overnight wild camp, giving you hands-on experience of expedition planning, campcraft and night navigation while travelling through steep ridges, open fell terrain and remote valleys carrying everything you need.
Course Highlights
- Advanced map reading and terrain interpretation in complex fell terrain
- Accurate compass work using bearings, pacing and timing
- Navigation strategies for poor visibility and committing terrain
- Relocation techniques and building confidence when unsure of position
- Route planning for multi-day mountain journeys
- Decision-making in changing weather, visibility and ground conditions
- Overnight wild camping: campcraft, stove use and campsite selection
- Night navigation using headtorch and compass techniques
- Small group instruction with continuous, hands-on coaching
What’s Included
- Qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders with a wealth of experience
- Practical instruction and coaching across all four days
- Use of group safety equipment
- Small group size for effective learning and personalised feedback
- 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 for the duration of the course
- Wild camping equipment (unless otherwise arranged)
- Personal insurance
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for walkers who already have a solid grounding in navigation and want to become confident, self-reliant and capable of planning and completing multi-day mountain journeys.
- Those who have completed a 2 day Mountain Skills course (or have equivalent experience)
- Walkers looking to develop independence in complex mountain terrain
- People preparing for multi-day routes, expeditions or remote areas
- Anyone wanting practical experience of wild camping in the mountains
Practical Information
- Meeting Point: Keswick area (full details provided after booking)
- Course Length: 4 days
- Location: Lake District National Park (North Lakes)
- Terrain: Steep ridges, open fell terrain and remote valleys (conditions dependent)
- Fitness Level: Good general hill fitness required for full days with a rucksack
- Weather: Rapidly changing mountain conditions — come well 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 a detailed kit list and final meeting details, are sent after booking.
Typical Course Outline
Days 1–2 – Advanced Navigation & Mountain Skills
Consolidate and develop advanced navigation skills across varied fell terrain, focusing on route choice, relocation strategies, decision-making and movement in poor visibility.
Days 3–4 – Overnight Expedition & Night Navigation
Travel through remote mountain terrain with a wild camp overnight. Learn expedition planning, campsite selection, stove use, and practise navigation after dark using headtorch and compass techniques.
Note: The exact content and locations will vary depending on weather, ground conditions and group ability.
Why Choose Peak Adventures?
- Mountain Leaders with a wealth of experience in complex terrain
- 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 and independence
Navigation Equipment
To help you focus fully on learning, we provide essential navigation equipment for use during the Lake District 4 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 throughout the course, allowing you to practise consistently and build confidence with the same tools across varied fell terrain and changing 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 Lakes.
- 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.
- Navigation across varied fell terrain
- Relocation & decision making
- Weather, safety & route choice
Lake District 4 Day Mountain Skills
An immersive course with advanced navigation, wild camping and real 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 before progressing to the 4 Day option.
