Mountain Skills
A complete guide to the Mountain Skills scheme for hillwalkers — what it is, what each course covers, how it works, and how to enjoy the hills with confidence.
(free under 18s)
What is Mountain Skills?
Mountain Skills is a training scheme run by Mountaineering Ireland that teaches the practical, personal skills you need to enjoy the hills safely — reading a map, using a compass, understanding the weather, choosing the right kit, and making sound decisions when conditions change.
It's designed for recreational hillwalkers, not professional guides, and it focuses on the things that actually matter when you're out on the hill. As an approved provider, Atlantic Edge delivers it in some of the finest mountain terrain in Ireland.
It is not a leadership qualification and won't qualify you to take groups out. Its purpose is to make you a confident, self-reliant hillwalker. (For those who do want to lead, the Mountain Skills Assessment is a required step towards the Mountain Leader Award.)
Who is it for?
For anyone who wants to feel at home in the hills
- Complete beginners who want to start hillwalking on the right foot
- Trail walkers ready to head off-track or explore higher ground
- Club or group walkers who want to navigate independently
- Solo walkers building the skills to look after themselves
- Aspiring Mountain Leaders completing a step on the pathway
- Anyone who simply wants more confidence in the hills
There's no fitness test or prior experience needed for MS1 — just bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn.
How the scheme is structured
Three parts — start anywhere, stop anywhere
You can complete MS1 on its own and never go further — many people do, because it gives them everything they need. MS2 and the Assessment are there if you want to keep developing. Atlantic Edge offers both MS1 and MS2.
Mountain Skills 1
The foundation course covering the basics of navigation and hill safety.
- First step of the scheme
- Mostly outdoors, hands-on
- No experience required
Mountain Skills 2
Builds on MS1 with advanced navigation and poor-visibility skills.
- Assumes MS1 basics
- Night & poor-visibility nav
- Where it all clicks
MS Assessment
A voluntary assessment for those who want to formally prove their skills.
- Entirely optional
- Required for the ML Award
- Daylight & night navigation
What you'll learn
Two days each, mostly out on the hill
MS1 — the foundations
Course 1 · 2 days- Read a map and set it to the ground
- Read the shape of the land from contours
- Pinpoint where you are from the landscape
- Measure distance with pacing & timing
- Grid references & route cards
- Mountain hazards, kit & Leave No Trace
MS2 — going further
Course 2 · 2 days- Take and walk on a compass bearing
- Navigate at night and in poor visibility
- The Three Norths & confident relocation
- Move safely on steep, broken ground
- Plan routes with escape options
- Emergencies & mountain rescue
The Assessment (MSA)
Optional — and only if you want it
A two-day assessment of everything covered across MS1 and MS2. It's voluntary — you don't need it to enjoy the courses — but it's a required prerequisite for the Mountain Leader Award. It includes navigation in daylight and darkness, a written paper, and a demonstration of safe movement on the hill.
To book an MSA you'll typically need:
- A current 16-hour first aid certificate
- A logbook of ~14 documented mountain walks in varied conditions
- Recent activity in the hills before assessment
Your provider will confirm the exact requirements when you book.
Is Mountain Skills right for me?
Yes — this is exactly where to start
Whatever brought you here, Mountain Skills is the right first move. It's the nationally recognised foundation for hillwalkers — build real confidence now, and keep as many doors open as you like for later.
You just love the hills
MS1 and MS2 give you everything you need to explore safely and confidently on your own terms. For most people, this is all they ever need — and that's exactly the point.
Confidence, freedom & safety in the hillsIt's the first step, too
Mountain Skills is the recognised starting point on the pathway towards leadership awards. Begin here, develop at your own pace, and decide how far you want to go later — no need to choose now.
The foundation everything builds onHow to register
Two simple steps before your course
There are two separate parts: a one-time registration with Mountaineering Ireland for the scheme, and the course fee you pay us directly as your provider.
Register once with Mountaineering Ireland before booking. It covers the whole scheme — MS1, MS2 and the MSA — and never expires. You don't need to be an MI member, though there's usually a discounted membership offer at registration.
Once you're registered with Mountaineering Ireland, book your MS1 or MS2 course with us directly. Get in touch for current dates, meeting points and pricing, or to arrange a private course for your group.
Your registration includes
A navigational timing card · a certificate of attendance for each course you complete · and lifetime access to DLOG, Mountaineering Ireland's digital logbook for recording your hill days. After your course we record your attendance on the Mountain Training system and it appears on your DLOG automatically.
How courses work in practice
Two days, mostly outdoors, at a steady pace
Each course runs over two consecutive days, usually a weekend, with most of the time spent in the hills. Expect a full day on the go — boots, layers and a packed lunch are essential.
Full days outdoors
Most learning happens on the hill, actually doing things — not in a classroom.
A deliberate pace
Slower than a normal hillwalk — we stop often to map-read and practise.
Kit provided
Atlantic Edge supplies all technical equipment — maps, compasses and more.
Logged for you
Your attendance is recorded on the CMS and appears on your DLOG.
What to bring
A starting kit list
A full list is sent before your course, but as a starting point:
- Sturdy walking boots with ankle support
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
- Warm layers
- Hat and gloves
- Rucksack
- Packed lunch, snacks & water
- Notebook and pen
- Personal first aid kit
- Sunglasses & sun cream when appropriate
We supply all technical equipment — maps, compasses, and anything else you'll need on the day. Just bring yourself, dressed for the weather.
Do I need to be fit?
You need to be comfortable walking for a full day in the hills, but the pace is deliberately slower than a typical hillwalk — we stop often to look at the map and practise. You don't need to be a marathon runner; if you can manage a decent day's walk, you'll be fine.
What if the weather's bad?
Mountain Skills is taught in real mountain weather — rain, wind and poor visibility are often the best conditions for learning, because that's when navigation matters. Courses are only cancelled if conditions become genuinely dangerous, in which case we reschedule.
Where we run courses
Two of Ireland's finest mountain ranges
Get in touch and we'll let you know upcoming dates and exactly where to meet.
The Derryveagh Mountains
Based in and around Glenveagh National Park.
The Mourne Mountains
Ireland's iconic granite range in the north-east.
Still wondering?
Frequently asked
Do I need any experience to start?
Do I have to be a member of Mountaineering Ireland?
Can I just do MS1 and stop there?
Do I need my own maps and compass?
Is Mountain Skills a qualification to lead groups?
Ready to get started?
Find your way with confidence
Got a question that isn't answered here? Get in touch.
Atlantic Edge · Approved Mountain Skills Provider · Donegal & the Mournes