Dates: Friday 30 May - Sunday 1 June 2026
Location: Lake District, UK
Duration: 2 days, 2 nights
Level: Beginner-Intermediate - a weekend for walkers and outdoor adventurers who want to build foundational mountain skills
A weekend designed to equip you with the essential skills and confidence you need to explore the hills of the Lake District - focusing on navigation, route choice, terrain movement and hill fitness.
This trip isn’t just about covering ground; it’s about learning the how and why behind smart mountain travel. We’ll cover core navigation techniques (map reading, compass use, bearing work), terrain strategy, efficient uphill and downhill movement, and pacing for longer mountain days - all under the guidance of experienced leaders.
Whether you’re preparing for bigger objectives, want to feel more confident in varied terrain, or you simply love improving your outdoor competence, this academy weekend will give you the tools and experience to explore further with purpose and confidence.
Why Join This Weekend?
This isn’t a casual weekend ramble - it’s a learning experience with clear progression and practical outcomes. We’ll focus on skills that matter:
Navigation fundamentals: map & compass, contour interpretation, day-to-day route planning
Route choice & decision making: picking efficient, safe lines across varied terrain (on and off path), including how to relate what you see on the map to the ground
Hill movement strategy: pacing, energy management, ascent & descent techniques
Real time coaching: on-the-go skills feedback from qualified leaders
Stunning summits: of course, it’s not just learning - you’ll get to experience stunning landscapes with a group of great people!
Learning through doing is the backbone of this weekend - expect hands-on skill sessions woven into enjoyable walks that make every moment a chance to learn and grow.
Picking Safe Routes
We’ll help teach you how to pick safe routes on and off marked tracks.
What’s Included
✅ Two nights’ accommodation at YHA Borrowdale (mixed gender, shared rooms)
✅ Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
✅ Full weekend of guided mountain walking and skills coaching
✅ Qualified UK Mountain Leaders
✅ Practical sessions on map reading, compass use and route choice
✅ Tailored walking routes matched to conditions and group ability
✅ Supportive learning environment with small group sizes
✅ Access to a WhatsApp planning group before the trip
What’s Not Included
Transport - once in Borrowdale, we’ll be able to do everything need straight from the hostel
Meals/snacks you need other than those mentioned above
Weekend Overview - Itinerary
Friday - Arrive
Arrive at the hostel mid-afternoon/early evening. Settle in and prepare kit for the following day.
Saturday - Navigation & Terrain Movement
All the training will be delivered on the hill. Expect a longer day where you’ll set your sights on a big mountain objective all while working on navigation and route finding skills.
Sunset coming off the summit of Bow Fell.
The Lake District can feel incredibly remote at times which adds to its beauty and makes it an excellent training ground.
Sunday - Practice
We’ll take everything we’ve covered and apply it on a another fell walk. Expect real-world decision-making, route evaluation, pacing for fatigue, and confidence building on ground that tests both skill and fitness - all with expert support.
Pricing
£330 per person - Secure your spot with a £150 non-refundable deposit today.
Early bird offer - £310 available until 31 March 2026. Final balance due 60 days before the trip begins.
The end of a big day!
Kit List
Mountain Gear:
Boots or suitable approach shoes
Gaiters (optional but recommended!)
Two pairs of walking socks (minimum)
Walking trousers (you can wear shorts but bear in mind, it is much colder at the summit of any mountain!)
Thermal top / base layer
Warm layers (would recommend a fleece + lightweight down jacket)
Waterproof jacket + trousers
Snacks and water for each day on the mountain (minimum of 1L)
Personal first aid kit
Survival bag (small foil blanket)
Baseball cap or sun hat
Sunglasses
Sun cream
Two pairs of gloves (if one pair gets wet, you’ll want a spare pair)
Warm hat
Walking poles (optional but recommended!)
Ruck sack ~40L (it needs to be able to fit a spare pair of dry clothes, towel and toiletries for our move to Conniston)
Waterproof liner
Headtorch + spare batteries
Portable charging block
Midge repellent
Any medication you need
Map and map case (or make sure you have a weatherproof version)
Whistle
General:
Personal items (toiletries, medications, etc.)
Towel (although you can hire in the hostels)
Comfortable clothes for the evening
Recommend eye mask and ear plugs for the hostel
Would recommend a pair of sandals or flip flops or any other comfy shoes for post hike!
Who Is This Weekend For?
This is ideal if you:
Enjoy hiking and want to improve your mountain confidence
Want to learn and practise navigation on real terrain
Are preparing for longer mountain days or self-guided trips
Want expert feedback in a supportive group
No advanced experience is required - just enthusiasm and a reasonable level of fitness for full days in the hills.
Final Words
“Aside from this being a weekend in the stunning mountains of the Lake District, you’ll be learning or refreshing skills alongside others. No matter what any travel agent says, being sat in a nice hotel for a weekend won’t take your mind off of work like a few days in the mountains. All you’ll have to think about is the team around you, the route in front of you and the epic scenery surrounding you.
We’ve got some huge, epic adventures coming up… This is a chance for you practice fundamental skills, build mountain fitness and ultimately develop confidence.
Whether you join one of these bigger adventures or go on your own trip - we hope this weekend will help you build experience in the right way.” - Freddie, Founder of Jove Club