Master Your Navigation and Mountain Skills: Compass & Steep Ground Techniques in Sneem, Co. Kerry
Next Mountain Skills Course (MS2) Dates:
To begin with, Mountain Training Board Ireland and Mountaineering Ireland accredits this Mountain Skills course. In addition, we limit each course to six participants with the first day running for circa 11 hours including 3 hours after sunset for night navigation. Following that, the second day’s schedule will last approx. 7 hours focusing on navigating through steeper ground.
Ready to Master Mountain Navigation?
Accredited by Mountaineering Ireland and The Mountain Training, our Mountain Skills 2 course will take your navigation skills and confidence to the next level to tackle more challenging mountain environments. Furthermore, this two-day course, based in the stunning terrain of Sneem, Co. Kerry, will cover the MS2 Syllabus and build upon your existing foundation and all that you covered in MS1.
Mountain Skills 2 Syllabus Covers:
- Compass Navigation Expertise: Deepen your understanding of compass use, including taking and walking on a bearing, back-bearings, resection, and intersection techniques.
- Mastering Steep Ground: Learn safe and effective techniques for navigating steep terrain, including ascent, descent, and traversing.
- Advanced Contour Interpretation: Refine your ability to visualize the landscape from contour lines, crucial for off-trail navigation.
- Precision Distance Estimation: Develop accurate distance estimation skills for competent navigation in complex terrain.
- Route Planning & Micro-Navigation: Plan intricate routes and master micro-navigation techniques for accurate off-trail travel.
- Enhanced Mountain Safety & Emergency Procedures: Expand your knowledge of mountain safety, including hypothermia risks and emergency protocols and scenarios.
This Course is Ideal For:
- Graduates of the Mountain Skills 1 course looking to advance their skills.
- Experienced hillwalkers seeking to refine their navigation and steep ground techniques.
- Anyone wanting to confidently navigate challenging mountain environments.
- Individuals wanting to gain a deeper understanding of Compass Navigation.
Course Syllabus Breakdown
Compass Navigation Expertise:
- Advanced bearing techniques for more complex routes.
- Utilizing resection and intersection for location finding.
- Compensating for magnetic variation in diverse terrains.
Mastering Steep Ground:
- Safe ascent and descent techniques on varying gradients.
- Effective traversing strategies for challenging slopes.
- Risk assessment and hazard identification in steep terrain.
Contour Interpretation:
- Visualizing terrain features from contour lines.
- Identifying changes in slope and aspect.
- Using contours to predict navigation challenges.
Enhanced Mountain Safety & Emergency Procedures:
- Advanced weather interpretation and its impact on navigation.
- Hypothermia risk management.
- Managing emergencies in remote and challenging locations.
- First aid considerations for mountain environments.
Why Choose Our Mountain Skills 2 Course?
- Experienced Instructor: Learn from Mountaineering Ireland qualified instructor with extensive mountain experience.
- Stunning Location: Sneem, Co. Kerry, provides diverse and challenging terrain for practical learning.
- Small Group Sizes: Ensure personalized attention and focused learning.
- Mountaineering Ireland Accreditation: Gain a recognized qualification.
- Build Confidence: Gain the skills and confidence to tackle more challenging mountain adventures.
Your Investment:
€150 payable to Álaind Walking, which includes course materials and instruction.
€28 Mountain Skills Training Registration:
In addition to the course fee, all attendees will need to register for the MS scheme with Mountaineering Ireland (MI). Only do this when Fergal Harrington has confirmed with you that the course is taking place. Registration is free for those under 18, but for adults it is a one-time fee of €28 that covers MS1, MS2 and the MS Assessment. On payment of your registration fee, you will receive:
- A digital MS training record account.
- The official Mountain Skills Logbook.
- Certificate on completion of your MS1.
- MTA Timing card.
- BMC Safety on Mountains book.
Don’t wait! Limited spaces available.
About Your Instructor
Fergal Harrington, your approved training course provider, is a qualified and experienced Mountain Leader. He holds membership in the Mountain Training Association (MTA) and has undergone full Garda vetting. He is owner and founder of Álaind Walking and conducts his approved training and walking activities from Álaind Lodges, located in Sneem, and within the Dunkerron Mountains. Visit www.alaindwalkingireland.ie for more details.
Ready to Book?
Accommodation:
If you are interested, we have a number of guests rooms at Álaind Lodges Bed & Breakfast – you can book direct at www.alaind.ie. This means that for courses like this, we can offer preferential rates for attendees. Let us know if you are looking for accommodation and we’ll ensure you get our best rate.
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Booking & Payment:
By Revolut @alaindwalking . Our registered business is Álaind Marketing.
Book with Fergal direct and pay by bank transfer. BIC BOFIIE2DXXX
IBAN IE31BOFI90135148950304
Cancellation Policy
We understand that things come up!
- Changes more than 10 days in advance: No worries! We’ll happily refund 50% of your course fee.
- Changes within 10 days: Unfortunately, due to our small class size, refunds are not possible within 10 days of the course start.
- Unable to attend due to illness or bereavement: We completely understand. In these exceptional circumstances (with a doctor’s note for illness), you can transfer your booking to another available course date.
Please note: No-shows on the day of the course will not be eligible for a refund or transfer.
