Built for beginners
Our simple, step-by-step guidance is easy to follow - no prior experience, fitness level, or specialist gear required.
Practical skills you’ll actually use
Learn how to plan routes, read maps, choose the right kit, and stay safe and responsible in the outdoors.
Guided by experts
Follow a 7-week programme designed by industry experts with weekly emails, quizzes, and a certificate at the end to celebrate your progress.
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Here's what you'll learn
1. What's so great about hiking in Scotland 2. Planning your hikes and where to find reliable information 3. What to take with you - clothing, footwear and other useful kit 4. Finding the right path (and sticking to it!) 5. How to be a responsible hiker - your access rights and responsibilities 6. Different scenarios you might come across in the hills, including what to do if you are lost or injured 7. The natural environment and some of the nature and wildlife you might see
Who we are
Mountaineering Scotland is the national organisation that represents hill walkers, climbers, mountaineering and snowsports tourers in Scotland. We support over 16,000 members and 140 clubs to access the outdoors safely and responsibly. Our aim is to inspire and encourage people to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of walking, climbing and mountaineering in Scotland's landscapes. We provide training, advice, and resources to promote safety, self-reliance and the enjoyment of the mountain environment. We also campaign on your behalf to protect Scotland's mountain landscapes and safeguard access rights. Our members benefit from insurance, exclusive offers and discounts on gear, accommodation and mapping, and exclusive access to our great value skills courses and more! We created this course to make getting into hillwalking feel more accessible and less daunting, not matter your experience, fitness level or ability.
Join the Sofa 2 Summit community
Hear from people who have completed our Sofa 2 Summit course.
I’d always wanted to try hillwalking but didn’t know where to start. This course made everything feel simple and achievable—I'm glad I could dip in and out at my own pace.
Edinburgh
I’ve always loved the idea of the hills but felt unsure about going alone. This course gave me the confidence and knowledge to finally get started with wife and son in tow.
Aberdeen
I actually loved the course from A to Z. As a non English speaking person, thank you for the captions!
Glasgow
I loved how practical it was—from what to pack to how to read a map. The quizzes are a great way of testing my knowledge and the videos kept me engaged.
Newcastle
Very informative and beneficial course. Quite detailed but well broken down in easy to follow sections. It was a good refresher for me as I've been on the hills for many years now.
Dunfermline
I thought it was a great mix of videos, text, resources and you can tell creators care about the content and just a big thank you!
Ullapool
Start your journey from Sofa 2 Summit
Learn the skills you need to enjoy the hills safely and responsibly.