Hertfordshire Scouts Mountaineering Experience
(HSME)
Hertfordshire Scouts Mountaineering Experience (HSME)
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HSME is a week-long mountaineering course held at Lochearnhead Scout Station enabling participants to explore the mountains of Scotland. Participants will learn a huge array of skills from navigation to wild camping but most importantly have an amazing experience in an unforgettable location. The week involves full days out in the hills (typically 6-8 hours per day), returning to the Station each evening for dinner and sleeping in bunkhouse style cabins. It is very practical week by nature and will allow you to develop your existing skills and learn new ones.
Sound interesting? Keep your eyes out for applications, they are usually sent out in Autumn term for the following Easter.
FAQs
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What is HSME?
HSME stands for Herts Scouts Mountaineering Experience – a week based at Lochearnhead Scout station (www.lochearnhead.org.uk), the Hertfordshire Scouts Activity Centre in the Trossachs National Park, Central Highlands.
What will we do?
Throughout the week we go over different skills and areas of knowledge relevant to hill walking and mountaineering skills needed to enjoy the hills safely. Ultimately we want trainees to be learning and developing these skills whilst having the most amazing, fun experience that we can offer.
What are the Travel arrangements?
Travel to and from the Station will be by coach, leaving from Hertfordshire. During the week, we use minibuses to take attendees to and from their pre-planned routes.
Who can attend?
HSME is open to anyone 14+, Explorers, Network and adults involved with Scouting.
Do I need prior experience?
Although there is no specific requirements for previous hill walking experience prior to the week, it is very beneficial if you have some map reading and basic navigation skills. It is however vital to ensure a suitable level of fitness for up to 6-8 hours on the hills each day throughout the week.
What about the weather?
HSME take places over the Easter Holiday - it may be anything from snow and ice, sideways rain, or even blue skies and sunny – sometimes all in the same day! Applicants need to be prepared to go out on the hills whatever the conditions.
Food
The week is fully catered, with excellent home cooked meals and cakes. We can accommodate all dietary requirements to ensure all trainees have a healthy and nutritious diet during the week.
Equipment
We provide all the specialist equipment you may need; A kit list will be provided on signing up and you need to provide your own personal kit, this will need to include suitable walking boots, rucksack and sleeping bag.
Any questions or queries, please email HSME@Hertfordshirescouts.org.uk and we will endeavour to get back to you asap.
