So spring has come early. Many winter skills providers have cancelled their events this year including the mountaineering qualifying bodies.
However, longer range forecasts do suggest some snow returning into March on the mountains in Scotland. If and when it happens providers will be monitoring the situation closely and I might be able to run a winter course. Watch this space!
But there are still some great events and courses coming up in March and April. All of my courses and events are for adults but under 18s are welcome if accompanied by their parent or guardian. I can't offer discounts on navigation courses but there are multi-person booking discounts for all other courses and trips.
Of course if any of the dates don't work for you or you want a private event/course for your club/friends/family/society then just get in touch.
Accredited Hill and Mountain Navigation Course
The popular 2-day National Navigation Award Scheme will kick off monthly. I run the beginners and intermediate courses.
Upcoming dates for scheduled courses are:
30-31st March - Bronze Award (Beginners) on the North York Moors
27-28th April - Silver Award (Intermediate) in the Howgill Fells, Yorkshire Dales
You don't need to have completed the Bronze Award to start with Silver if you are already able to do the Bronze Skills. These are certified courses with an element of assessment. They are also highly practical out on the hills in the actual environment you'd need to use the skills.
To find out more about the courses and to book please see: https://www.afsmountaineering.co.uk/accredited-navigation-courses
In addition I can offer 1-2 day refreshers for those about to take their Summer Mountain Leader Assessments. These are not through Mountain Training, but rather from the perspective of someone who has ben through a number of assessments himself and knows how they work!
EasteR Weekend
Easter around Braemar, Cairngorms National Park. The weekend of 20-22nd April, come and explore the Southern Cairngorms. These large rolling mountains can be magnificent this time of year. Slightly lower in hight than their northern counterparts. We'll have three days out exploring the area.
For more information and to book please see here: https://www.afsmountaineering.co.uk/easter-walking-southern-cairngorms
Climbing!
And last but not least - I'm running another beginners indoor climbing course starting on 17th April. This will run every Wednesday for 2 hours over 3 weeks (17th April, 24th April and 1st May) at The Big Depot in Leeds. Come and learn what it is all about!
You don't need to have ever gone near a climbing wall before. But it's an incredibly social and quite addictive sport!
For more information and to book please see here: https://www.afsmountaineering.co.uk/introduction-to-climbing
