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Two Rock Outdoor

Accredited Mountain Skills Courses FAQ's

Accredited Courses


We are an accredited Mountain Training Board provider, offering Mountain Skills or MS courses designed to develop your personal skills and your confidence in mountainous terrain in Ireland and the UK. These courses require a basic level of hillwalking and hill fitness and the syllabus consists of two blocks - MS1, MS2 and assessment each delivered over two consecutive days.

Learnings

Skills learned include: planning, walking skills, weather, navigation in mountains, enviornment and hazards and emergency procedures. 

More info..

Find out more about the course and the Mountain Training Association on the Mountaineering Ireland website. Learn more about individual courses available by clicking the 'Book Now' button on the screen.

Mountain Training Board Ireland provides and administers personal proficiency schemes and instructor, coaching and leadership awards

Frequently asked Questions for Mountain skills courses


Mountaineering Ireland, the governing body for hillwalkers & climbers in Ireland, accredits and organizes the Mountain Skills scheme, a personal proficiency award. The scheme consists of two weekend courses out on the hills followed by an assessment. It's an ideal choice for those interested in exploring mountainous terrain and wanting to develop their skills and confidence in more remote areas. 

Previous Experience

Participants should have some hill walking experience and a reasonable level of fitness.

Topics covered over the weekend on Mountain Skills 1

- Maps
- Mountain Hazards
- Personal Equipment
- Contours- Mountain Environment
- Access- Pacing/Timing
- Responsible Recreation
- Route Planning
- Intro to Compass
- Grid References

Topics covered over the weekend on Mountain Skills 2

- Compass work
- Compass Bearings; Grid & Magnetic
- Grid, True & Magnetic North
- Navigation Techniques
- Route Planning
- Night Navigation Exercise
- Emergency Procedures
- Moving on Steep Ground

Yes! This course is for anyone who's interested in learning more skills whilst out hiking, gaining confidence and meeting like minded people interested in learning the same skills. A good level of fitness is a must to be able to spend all day out on the hill. 

You Don't, We will provide a map & compass for everyone, if you have your own map and/or compass bring it along.

A good level of fitness and an interest in hiking and learning more about the hills. Also you must have registered with the Mountain Skills Scheme on the Mountaineering Ireland website. Its €22 or an optional additional €30 to become a member of Mountaineering Ireland for the year as well.


More info on this here https://www.mountaineering.ie/content/MountainSkills/122


Mountain Skills 1 will give you more confidence in navigating and map reading, the course is designed to teach you the basics skills and tools for navigation, for you to then go out and practice and consolidate those skills yourself. As well as learn new skills and gain confidence you could meet like minded hikers on the course and explore a new area that you may not have hiked before whilst practicing navigating skills.
No, not if you don’t want to. Doing just MS1 &/OR MS2 as training courses is fine & a lot of people do this, there is no pressure or obligation to go on to do the assessment. If you are hoping to continue your journey to go on and become a Mountain Leader then a prerequisite is having completed your Mountain Skills Assessment.

Typically the same as what you would carry on a day hike..

  • Good waterproof boots

  • Waterproof jacket & trousers

  • Enough Food, snacks & water for the day


  • Map & Compass if you have one
Go to https://tworockoutdoor.com/ to see when Kathryn has courses running, in 2024 she will be in Wicklow, Dublin, Mournes & Connemara running Mountain Skills.If you have a group of 4-6 and would like to enquire about putting on a course for you group please get in touch at info@tworockoutdoor.ie OR check out the Mountaineering Ireland training calendar for a full list of providers,dates & locations; https://www.mountaineering.ie/courses/
Mountain Skills can only be run by approved Mountaineering Ireland providers. These are all fully insured & qualified Mountain Leaders.
You must still register for The Mountain Skills Scheme even if you are already a member of Mountaineering Ireland, your Mountain Skills training details will be added to your MI Dlog & Account. 

NB: However, you do not have to be a member of Mountaineering Ireland to register for the Mountain Skills Scheme. You are offered a discounted rate at registration for Mountain Skills if you chose to do so.
More information at https://www.mountaineering.ie/content/MountainSkills/122
Yes! Mountain Skills is available for 10 years and above and free to register for under 18’s
When booked with Two Rock Outdoor Mountains 1 or 2 courses run in Dublin or Wicklow Mountains cost  €150 per person, courses in Connemara & the Mournes cost €160 per person.

There is a discount when 2 people booked together available via our website www.tworockoutdoor.com.

Registration Cost

A fee of €28 must be paid to Mountaineering Ireland to register onto the scheme this is done on there website; www.mountaineering.ie
Unfortunately, we can not allow pets on any courses.

Our Apologies

One reason for this is that we often enter farmland where dogs are currently not allowed, especially during lambing season.

Space for Wildlife

We wish to leave as much space as possible for wildlife in the more remote areas we visit, we do everything possible to reduce our disturbance where possible. Thank you for your understanding on this.
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Mountain Skills 2

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