Mountain skills courses and guided days

Hillwalkers moving up to bigger routes, beginners, friends and families booking together, and some clubs and groups.

A set price per person for a day or weekend course, or a day rate for a private group, with seasonal peaks and repeat bookings for follow-on courses.

• Recognised mountain qualifications and real hill experience
• Clear, patient teaching
• Sound judgement on weather and risk

• Qualifications: there is no single legal qualification for adults, but check what insurers and customers expect for the terrain you plan to teach on
• Adventure activities licensing: the scheme only covers certain activities (which can include climbing and some hill and mountain walking) when offered to under-18s, so check with the Adventure Activities Licensing Service whether it applies to what you offer and where
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance that covers instruction
• Access and permission on private land, national parks and nature reserves, check local rules
• Weather and seasonal income, plan for quiet months

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the equipment, training and insurance you need. These are estimates, and your total will depend on the qualifications you already hold and the terrain you plan to teach on.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on how many days you run and your group sizes. These are estimates, and income can be seasonal and weather-dependent, so plan for quieter months.

Check what qualifications insurers and customers expect for your terrain. Check with the Adventure Activities Licensing Service whether licensing applies, particularly for under-18s, and confirm your instruction insurance and any access or permission needed on private land or in national parks.