Who Is It For?
This course is ideal for hikers ready to move from following others to leading their own mountain journeys. It suits those with some hillwalking experience who want to build confidence in planning, navigation, and overnighting. You’ll leave not just with the badge of a recognised Mountain Training accreditation, but with practical skills, a deeper connection to the mountains, and a sense of independence that lets you explore safely and responsibly.
Guided throughout by expert local instructors who know the Lake District inside‑out, you’ll receive personal coaching and plenty of hands‑on practice. The course format keeps group sizes small to ensure supportive learning and time for everyone to grow in confidence.
Trip Itinerary
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Meet your instructors and fellow participants at the Café at Booths in Keswick (grid ref. NY 26345 23547) at 9am. The first day introduces key hill skills: navigation with map and compass, understanding mountain weather, equipment choice, movement on steep ground, and personal safety. Expect both classroom discussions and practical field sessions in the surrounding fells. In the evening, you’ll return to your chosen accommodation in Keswick or nearby.
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Building on day one, this day focuses on refining navigation and decision‑making. You’ll practice contour interpretation, pacing, and route planning on more complex terrain. The group will explore techniques for moving confidently in poor visibility, using both traditional and modern navigation tools. Return to local accommodation in Keswick for the night.
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Today is about putting it all together. You’ll plan a short expedition route under instructor guidance, carrying an overnight pack into the mountains. In the afternoon, you’ll learn how to select a safe and sustainable wild camp spot, set up camp, and cook out in the fells. The night will be spent wild camping — a chance to live and breathe the mountain environment while cementing your new campcraft skills.
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Wake up to a memorable sunrise in the fells, enjoy breakfast at camp, and strike out on your final mountain journey. You’ll travel back via a planned route, navigating as a group with instructor support and feedback. The course concludes back in Keswick by mid‑afternoon, with time for a final debrief, Q&A, and next steps on your personal outdoor journey.
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The trip starts at Tithebarn Street in central Keswick (CA12 5EA), right next to Booths Supermarket. This location is straightforward to reach by car or public transport and is an ideal meeting point in the heart of the Lake District.
By train: The nearest mainline station is Penrith North Lakes, with services via Manchester, Glasgow and London. From Penrith, travel onward to Keswick by bus or taxi.
By car: The Tithebarn Street car park is located in central Keswick, about 25 minutes from the M6 (junction 40) via the A66. Parking is pay and display, next to Booths supermarket.
By air: The closest airports are Manchester and Newcastle. Onward travel is easiest by train to Penrith, then by bus or car to Keswick.
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Group size: Small groups of no more than six, keeping things friendly and personal.
Guides: Experienced, trusted guides who know the Dartmoor National Park inside out.
Fitness: Expect a full day of days of activity and instruction. The pace is steady, with plenty of breaks to catch your breath, enjoy the views, and learn from your guide. Great fitness isnt essential but you should be able to spend the whole day on your feet and moveing over varied tarrain
Flexibility: Routes can be adjusted depending on weather and trail conditions, always keeping safety, learning and enjoyment top of mind.
Why Book with the GBAC?
Adventure, Authentically Delivered
Every journey with GBAC is led by passionate outdoor leaders who design their own adventures—trips as unique and inspiring as the guides themselves. Expect one-of-a-kind experiences that dive deeper, excite the senses, and promise memories no ordinary itinerary can match.
The UK’s Most Trusted Guide Network
Join the adventure community built by outdoor lovers, for outdoor lovers. With one of the largest guide networks in the UK, there’s always support, if a guide is unwell, your trip goes ahead with someone just as qualified and enthusiastic.
Create Unforgettable Memories
Our trips are crafted to leave a lasting mark—whether it’s summiting a new peak, discovering hidden wild places, or simply sharing laughter around the campfire. With GBAC, every adventure becomes a story worth telling, and the moments you share become lifelong memories.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Our guides are handpicked, fully insured, and qualified. Every one of them holds an enhanced DBS check and meets strict GBAC standards, so you can relax knowing your adventure is in safe, expert hands.
Feel-Good Booking, Fair Pay, Real Impact
GBAC guides and outdoor leaders are valued and fairly rewarded. We pay better by taking only a commission—helping expert guides earn more and focus on the experience, not just the job. Every adventure booked helps sustain a thriving, passionate community of outdoor leaders.
Small Groups, Big Adventures
Our trips aren’t crowded. Smaller groups mean a friendlier, more personal atmosphere—letting journeys unfold naturally, stories get shared, and every moment feel memorable.
Ready to create unforgettable memories in the wild? Choose GBAC—where every booking powers a more passionate outdoors, one unique journey at a time
Kit List
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Clothing & footwear
Walking boots (broken in — not fresh out of the box)
Walking poles with snow baskets (recommended, but optional)
5 pairs of socks (1 for walking, 1 spare)
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Gaiters (optional but useful)
Appropriate clothing for a day in the hills
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Sunglasses & sunhat
Backpack & kit
20L+ backpack, suitable for hillwalking, with a waterproof cover
Sitting pad (optional, but keeps your bum dry)
1.5L of water
Food & drink
Sufficient food for an active evening (inlcude some snacks!)
Safety & essentials
Personal first aid kit (your guide will carry a kit, but bring your own for blisters & small scrapes)
Foil survival blanket (tiny and light)
Whistle
Head torch
Personal medication (your guide will ask you for any relevent medical information prior to your departure)
Miscellaneous
Mobile phone
Debit/credit card
A bit of cash (just in case)
Insect repellent
Don’t worry, your guide will email you the above in advance of your trip, including links to recommended products, so you can get set up as easily (and cheaply!) as possible.
About your Guide
Michael - Mountain Leader, Climbing instructor and Mountaineer
With over 40 years in the field, Michael Curry is a respected outdoor professional and mountaineer known for exploration, leadership, and a strong connection to nature. As a qualified Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor, he brings expertise in technical climbing, navigation, expedition logistics, and outdoor education.
His adventures cover Europe’s wildest regions, including Norway, Iceland, the Alps, as well as expeditions in the Canadian backcountry and the Himalayas. This global experience allows him to blend local knowledge with internationally recognised best practices in guiding and teaching.
Michael is known for his calm authority, technical skill, and enthusiasm, leading groups through tough environments and mentoring many in mountain skills. His work focuses on safety, personal growth, and respect for nature, inspiring both beginners and experienced adventurers.
Beyond guiding, Michael advocates responsible outdoor access, contributing to training, conservation, and community projects—leaving a legacy of mentorship, adventure, and dedication to the mountains he loves.
Got Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
