The AMC
The Alternative Mountaineering Collective
ABOUT The AMC
The Alternative Mountaineering Collective is a community promoting women, non-binary and transgender folks in UK mountain qualifications
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This year it has been running ​a project aimed to improve numbers of folks working towards their Hill and Moorland and Mountain Leader trainings and assessments. It involves a series of peer led weekend away to gain quality mountain days (supported by women instructors) with evening sessions on a range of topics.
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We’ve already ran a range of weekend in South and North Wales, Scotland and the Lakes and many people have now gone on to pass their assessments.
Welcome to our exciting weekends in 2024, nestled in some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes of the United Kingdom – the Lake District, South and North Wales, and Scotland. These weekends offer a unique opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to come together, gain Quality Mountain Days (QMDs) or Quality Hill Days (QHDs), and expand their knowledge and skills in the great outdoors.
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What to Expect:
During these weekends, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in a world of mountains, valleys, and wilderness. Our experienced mountain leaders will be on hand to guide you through the adventure and enhance your skills. Here's what you can look forward to:
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Quality Mountain Days (QMDs): Whether you prefer to learn in small groups or individually, you can work towards your days, a valuable milestone for those aiming for Hill and Moorland or Mountain Leader qualifications.
Interactive Workshops: Evenings will be dedicated to facilitated workshops led by our experienced mountain leaders. These sessions will cover various themes, such as practical night navigation sessions, weather, writing DLOG’s, providing you with a deeper understanding of mountain-related topics.
Connecting with Like-Minded Adventurers: Our suggestions board will help you connect with others who share your skills and interests, ensuring you find the perfect companions for your mountain adventures. We also have a few groups for you to network and connect online.
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Who's Welcome:
Our weekends are open to everyone, regardless of their background or identity. We provide a welcoming and inclusive space for:
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Women
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Non-binary individuals
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Transgender individuals
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People going through menopause
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Individuals with religious beliefs
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What's Included:
Each weekend package includes:
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Two nights' accommodation: Stay in simple bunk barns and huts strategically located to provide easy access to the mountains.
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Dinner for both evenings: Enjoy hearty meals to keep you energised during your mountain expeditions. Dietary options for halal, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.
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Hot drinks: Stay warm and hydrated with hot beverages.
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Evening sessions: Each weekend features unique evening sessions, allowing you to delve deeper into mountain-related topics.
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Optional skills day: For those looking to enhance their skills further, we offer an optional skills day at an additional cost.
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Qualified and experienced woman mountain leaders: Our leaders are here to ensure your safety and support your learning journey.
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Build a Network: Connect with fellow adventurers and build lasting relationships through our dedicated WhatsApp and Facebook group.
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What to Bring:
While we provide many essentials, you'll need to bring:
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Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
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Pillow
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Sleeping bag
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Eye mask and earplugs
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Mountain leader/Hill & Moorland Leader rucksack
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Privacy and Prayer Space:
We understand that everyone's needs are unique. We'll do our best to accommodate those requiring more privacy or a quiet space for prayer (and have the direction of the Qibbla sorted for you!).
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These weekends are not just about honing your outdoor skills; they're about forging connections, building confidence, and creating amazing memories in some of the most beautiful places in the UK. Join us on this journey of exploration and growth in the mountains and hills.
Weekends away
Details
22nd - 24th March 24
Lake District
Welcome to our navigation themed weekend adventure, located on the shores of Derwent Water near the picturesque town of Keswick, Lake District.
Our Base: Hawse End Cottage, CA12 5UE
Cost: £167 (can book with a non refundable deposit of £65).
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The Weekend Itinerary
Friday:
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Optional extra: Navigation refresher Harvey's and OS maps 12 - 4pm £20.
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Welcome Gathering: Arrive on Friday and kick off the weekend with a warm welcome. You'll have the chance to meet your fellow adventurers and get to know the group. Dinner will be ready from 6pm.
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Informative Briefing: We will provide an hour-long briefing, covering essential information about the weekend ahead.
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Connecting with Others: Take this opportunity to find like-minded individuals to explore the mountains with, plan your walks, and build camaraderie.
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Safety First: We'll discuss safety protocols, how to take care of each other and have a planning session.
Saturday and Sunday:
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free to head into the hills, either individually or in small groups (we recommend no bigger than 3 or 4) to gain QMD's
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Dinner will be ready from 5pm.
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Saturday evening: night navigation session. Two sessions 1730 to 1900 and 1915 to 2045.
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Early Arrivals: If you're eager to hit the hills, feel free to arrive earlier in the day and head out.
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What to Expect:
You can anticipate:
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Navigational Skills: Learn some useful tips and techniques for night navigation, getting used to working in gloves and only walking by the light of your head torch.
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DLOG accountability party
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Two/three day's to gain mountain/hill days with equals.
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Lots of support and a chance to talk to qualified mountain leaders.
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Who Is This For?
Our Lake District weekend is perfect for:
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Folks that have registered onto the HML or ML
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Folks wanting to network and be part of a community working towards thee same goals.
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Folks that are keen and ready to gain more quality hill or mountain days with equals/peers.
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Join Us in The Lake District:
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This weekend promises not only skill development but also a chance to connect with fellow adventurers and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Book your spot today, click here to reserve your spot or pay in full.
Details
3rd to 6th May
Scotland
Welcome to our big mountain weekend adventure, located in Glencoe, Scotland.
Our Base: Glencoe
Cost: £261 (can book with a non refundable deposit of £72).
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The Weekend Itinerary
Friday:
-
Optional extra: Navigation refresher Harvey's and OS maps 12 - 4pm £20.
-
Welcome Gathering: Arrive on Friday and kick off the weekend with a warm welcome. You'll have the chance to meet your fellow adventurers and get to know the group. Dinner will be ready from 6pm.
-
Informative Briefing: We will provide an hour-long briefing, covering essential information about the weekend ahead.
-
Connecting with Others: Take this opportunity to find like-minded individuals to explore the mountains with, plan your walks, and build camaraderie.
-
Safety First: We'll discuss safety protocols, how to take care of each other and have a planning session.
Saturday and Sunday:
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free to head into the hills, either individually or in small groups (we recommend no bigger than 3 or 4) to gain QMD's
-
Dinner will be ready from 5pm.
-
Saturday evening: night navigation session. Two sessions 1730 to 1900 and 1915 to 2045.
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Sunday evening: group management indoor session
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Early Arrivals: If you're eager to hit the hills, feel free to arrive earlier in the day and head out.
​
What to Expect:
You can anticipate:
-
Navigational Skills: Learn some useful tips and techniques for night navigation, getting used to working in gloves and only walking by the light of your head torch.
-
Three day's to gain mountain days with equals.
-
Lots of support and a chance to talk to qualified mountain leaders.
​
Who Is This For?
Our Scotland weekend is perfect for:
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Folks that are working towards their ML
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Folks wanting to network and be part of a community working towards the same goals.
-
Folks that are keen and ready to gain more quality hill or mountain days with equals/peers.
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Join Us in Scotland
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This weekend promises not only skill development but also a chance to connect with fellow adventurers and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Book your spot today, click here to reserve your spot or pay in full.