BEGINNERS MOUNTAIN SKILLS WEEKEND

A two-day, women’s-only outdoor confidence retreat for complete beginners, designed to help you feel capable, calm, and confident outdoors.

Whether you’ve never hiked before or you’ve always wanted to improve your mountain skills, this weekend is your chance to learn new skills, meet likeminded women and get out into the hills.

This isn’t about racing to the top of a mountain. It’s your one stop shop for building confidence and connection in the outdoors!

The Overview

Location: Peak District National Park, Derbyshire

Dates: 7-9 Aug '26

Duration: 2 days/2 nights

What’s Included

• A pre-trip packing guide + gear checklist

• A group WhatsApp leading up to the event to meet others, organise car shares and discuss the upcoming weekend.

• 2 x Gentle, guided hikes suitable for beginners

• Outdoor skills workshops covering navigation, layering, packing, safety and more throughout the weekend

• Confidence and mindset sessions

• 2 nights exclusive accommodation (self catered)

• 2 delicious breakfasts

• Direct contact with Lucy to ask any questions prior, during and after the weekend

What We’ll Do

Friday Evening – Super Chilled Meet & Greet

• Welcome + introductions

• Casual workshop to cover how to dress for hiking, layering systems and what kit to pack

• Snacks & games night

Saturday – Getting Started

• Enjoy an early freshly made breakfast (included)

• Morning hike with plenty of breaks to learn about the landscape, clothing, pacing, basic route finding etc

• Lunch outdoors (byo) + nutrition workshop in the hills.

• Beginner Navigation Workshop: How to read a map (without panicking)

• Confidence session: Overcoming “I’m not outdoorsy enough”

• Pub dinner (optional + additional cost)

Day 2 – Building Confidence

• Freshly made breakfast (included)

• Guided hike (a little longer, applying your new skills)

• Mindset chat covering self confidence in the mountains

• Lunch on the hill (byo)

• Q&A session and debrief

Perfect for You If...

• You’ve always wanted to hike but don’t know where to start.

• You worry about holding people back or not being “fit enough.”

• You’ve never used a map or compass.

• You’d love to spend a weekend outdoors with supportive, like-minded women.

• You want to leave feeling confident in basic mountain skills ready to embark on your own adventures.

What You’ll Learn

• How to plan and enjoy your own hikes safely.

• How to layer, pack, and prepare for British weather.

• Basic map reading and navigation skills.

• How to pace yourself and rest without guilt.

• Simple techniques for confidence and self-trust outdoors.

What’s Included

• Cosy accommodation (shared bunkhouse with exclusive use)

• 2x nourishing homemade breakfasts

• Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate on tap

• A welcoming, inclusive environment

• Photo memories to take home

• A welcome goody bag

• 2 Guided hikes led by a qualified mountain leader (me, Lucy 🙋🏻‍♀️)

What’s Not Included

• Personal transport to/from the venue and during the weekend (anyone willing to provide lifts to other group members are hugely appreciated)

• Hiking kit. We’ll send a simple checklist of what to bring, no fancy gear needed. We may be able to provide some items of kit if required.

• Personal insurance

Group size: Maximum 12

Spaces are limited to keep the group small and supportive.

Still not sure if this is for you? Message me directly on madewildadventures@gmail.com and I'll get back to you asap or check out our FAQs page!