Who is it for?
This course is perfect for walkers new to the hills or those wanting to refresh their knowledge before tackling longer trips or wild camping adventures. It’s suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoys being outdoors and wants to feel more confident in navigating and making good decisions in the hills.
Whether your ambition is to explore the Pentlands at weekends or set your sights on bigger mountains in Scotland and beyond, this trip will give you the tools, knowledge and confidence to do it safely – and get the most enjoyment from the journey.
Trip Itinerary
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Meet your guide at Midlothian Ski Centre (NT 24345 66758) at 09:30. After introductions and a briefing, you’ll head out into the Pentland Hills for a day of practical learning. Sessions will be woven into the walk, covering everything from interpreting maps and using a compass to planning routes and making sound decisions in varied hill conditions. Expect to cover around 8–10km at an easy pace with plenty of stops for discussion and hands‑on learning. The day wraps up around 16:30 with a debrief and a chance to ask questions.
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On your second day, you’ll consolidate the skills learned by planning and leading sections of the walk yourself under expert guidance. Topics include weather awareness, clothing and layering systems, what to carry in your pack, and tips for staying safe and looking after yourself and others in the hills. Depending on conditions, you’ll tackle another varied loop in the Pentlands (around 8km) before finishing mid‑afternoon back at the Ski Centre.
Throughout both days, your instructor will share local knowledge of the area and help build your confidence step by step, ensuring you finish the course ready to tackle new adventures independently.
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The trip starts at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, located at Hillend, Midlothian (Grid Reference NT 24345 66758), just off the A702, south of Edinburgh near the Pentland Hills. This location is accessible by car and public transport, making it an ideal meeting point for snowsports activities in the Scottish Borders region.
By car: From Edinburgh, take the city bypass (Edinburgh City Bypass) and exit at the Lothianburn junction. Head south on the A702 towards Biggar. The centre is approximately half a mile from the junction on the right, just after The Steading restaurant. Parking is available on-site.
By public transport: The centre can be reached by LRT bus numbers 4 or 15 to Hillend, followed by a short uphill walk to the slopes.
By air: The closest airport is Edinburgh Airport. From there, travel by car or public transport (bus or taxi) to the snowsports centre located near the Pentland Hills.
The centre features two main dry ski slopes, nursery slopes, and other facilities including lessons, equipment hire, and a café with views of the Pentland Hills, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders year-round under floodlights
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Group size: Small groups of no more than 8, keeping things friendly and personal.
Guides: Experienced, trusted guides who know the area well and are qualified to deliver your training
Fitness: Expect two full 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.
