Had some ideal weather for my Mountain Training Mountain Skills course this weekend - blue skies, sunshine and light winds. We started the course indoors, looking at how to plan and prepare for a day walking in the mountains. This included how to plan and select a route, mountain weather forecasts and what kit to take with you and packing a rucksack. We also covered mountain hazards and how to deal with them. A big part of the 2 days is about navigation - using a map, compass and GPS - so we spent some time talking about different types of maps, scales and an introduction to contour lines.
The course is all about getting out on the hill so we soon headed off for the day's objective - Cnicht and Moelwyn Mawr, a horseshoe route around the Croesor Valley. Cnicht is a lovely little peak with stunning views over mountains and sea. We weren't disappointed! It also offers some good terrain to practice navigation. We looked at interpreting the map - matching it to the terrain, practiced some navigation strategies, using a compass and all the skills and techniques needed to navigate from A to B in the hills. Above all we enjoyed a great mountain walk, a lovely day to be out.
Sunday's forecast promised similar weather although it was noticeably cooler and cloudier. The group were keen to include a scramble so we set our sights on the Llech Ddu spur and a round of the Carneddau. This is an excellent grade 1 scramble at the head of a quiet valley, set amongst the grand cliffs of Ysgolion Duon (the Black Ladders). This gave us the opportunity to look at personal movement skills and how to safely get through steeper and looser terrain. Once again the dramatic views didn't disappoint. Once at the top we set off around the summits of Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewelyn and Yr Elen, putting the navigation skills to use again. Another excellent mountain day.
2 great days in the mountains. If you would like to know more about my Mountain Skills courses please get in touch. If you want to get a bit more from your hillwalking this could be the course for you. Numerous dates throughout the year - details here Mountain Skills Courses. I can also arrange for bespoke courses at any time for a group of 4 or more.