Hertfordshire Scouts Mountaineering Experience (HSME)

Lochearnhead Scout Station, Scotland

29 March to 6 April 2024

£400 inclusive of travel, technical equipment, accommodation, and instruction

 

What is HSME? 

HSME is a week-long course held at Lochearnhead Scout Station (www.lochearnhead.org.uk), the Hertfordshire Scouts Activity Centre in the Central Highlands of Scotland. Throughout the week we go over different skills and areas of knowledge, including planning & safety, navigation in mountainous terrain, emergency procedures, wild country camping, mountain environment & weather, and self-reliance & respect for others, with options to cover further skills including security on steep ground and snow / ice work, where relevant for the group / conditions. If you are keen to develop your skills in these areas, read on.....

 

Can I go?

HSME is open to Explorers (age 14-18), Network (age 18-25) and adults involved with Scouting. You do not need any previous hill walking experience prior to the week, although it is beneficial if you have some map reading and basic navigation skills, and a reasonable level of fitness. The week takes place over the Easter period where the weather can be variable. It may be anything from cold and snowy, wet, or even hot and sunny. Applicants need to be prepared to go out on the hills whatever the conditions. The week, albeit physically demanding, is great fun and we make sure there is the right balance between enjoying the mountain environment and providing a learning experience.

We place trainees into parties with others of similar age and experience. Generally, we separate people from the same Unit / Group, which allows us to concentrate on the skills and experiences relevant to each individual. Party sizes vary from four to eight people, which includes two instructors.

 

What does the HSME week look like?

The week involves seven full days on the hills (typically 6-7 hours), returning to the Station each evening for dinner, and sleeping in bunkhouse style cabins. 

The content of the week will cover planning and safety, navigation, and skills for wild country camping. During the week we give instruction so trainees can gain practical experience. Part of the week will involve expedition skills where we will discuss and practice the skills needed to survive in a tent in remote hill country. But attendees will not be required to wild camp during the week. 

Snow permitting, we will practise the use of ice axes too. The week is very practical in nature so you will develop your existing skills and practice new ones. We focus the core outcomes on fun, adventure, team working, self-reliance, and the principal hill walking and mountaineering skills needed to enjoy the hills safely.

 

Travel

Leaving about 7am on Friday 29 March (Good Friday), returning during the day on Saturday 6 April 2024. 

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. Travel to and from the Station is in full Scout uniform. 

 

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 gear needed; all you need to provide is your own personal kit. 

 

Expression of Interest Form

If you are interested in attending the HSME at Easter 2024, please follow the link below to complete an Expression of Interest form. This does not commit you to attending, but please only complete the form if you are genuinely interested in participating. You will receive a confirmation that we have received your form, and we will then be in touch by the end of September with further details.