Designed for women who are new to hill walking or building confidence outdoors.

Women-only hill skills social walk from YHA Hartington Peak District

Designed for women who are new to hill walking or building confidence outdoors. The pace is steady, the learning is supportive, and no previous experience is needed.

Community vibes: A relaxed, sociable atmosphere where everyone encourages each other. You’ll meet likeminded women who enjoy the outdoors, want to learn new skills, and love the sense of shared adventure.

Aimed at novices: We cover all the essentials in a clear, practical way — perfect if you’re just starting out or want to refresh your knowledge.

General hill skills: Learn how to plan a safe route, choose the right kit, understand common hazards, and know what to do in an emergency.

Navigation made simple: We break down map reading and basic navigation into easy steps, giving you the confidence to find your way on the hills.

Practical session out on the hills: After lunch, we head out for a guided walk where you can put everything into practice — pacing, map reading, spotting features, and making decisions on real terrain.

Schedule for the day

Hill Skills & Navigation Training Day – Hartington

10:15am – Arrival & Refreshments

Meet in the training room at Hartington Hostel. Light refreshments available while everyone settles in.

10:30am – 11:30am

General Hill Skills Session

A practical introduction to safe and confident hill walking, covering:

How to plan a route

Safety considerations

What to pack

What equipment to wear

Common hazards

11:30am – 11:45am – Break

11:45am – 1:00pm - Navigation Skills & Map Reading

1:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch

1:30pm – Head Out for the Hike

Finish around 5pm

Route Overview (Hartington Hostel → Biggin Dale → Wolfscote Dale → Hartington)

Distance: 8.5km

Duration: 3 hours

Led by: Anne Kemp-Eyre

1. Hartington Hostel → Biggin Dale (Navigation warm‑up)

2. Biggin Dale → Wolfscote Dale (Distance & contour practice)

3. Wolfscote Dale → Beresford Dale (Micro‑navigation)

4. Return to Hartington hostel for a de brief.

What to bring for the day

- Notepad and pen

- Lunch and snacks

- Water bottle

- Wear suitable clothes for a hike

We will send out an email 7 days before the event will a kit list for the hike.

What Makes Our Hill Skills Day Special

Fun and sociable learning environment A relaxed, supportive atmosphere where everyone can learn at their own pace, ask questions, and enjoy the day. No pressure — just encouragement, laughter, and practical skills you’ll actually use.

Meet likeminded women A chance to connect with other women who love the outdoors, want to build confidence, and enjoy exploring the Peak District. Many people leave with new walking buddies and a real sense of community.

Free cuppa and cake at the finish We end the day back in Hartington with a well‑earned brew and slice of cake — the perfect way to celebrate new skills, share stories from the hike.

Description supplied by the event organiser.