The Summer Mountain Proficiency Course covers all the skills required for walking in the mountains in summer conditions. You will learn about navigation skills, clothing and equipment, emergency procedures, food and how to cook it, environmental issues, weather and how to predict it and skills specific to the mountains. Most of the course will be practical and will include a 48 hour expedition.

You will need to be 16 years or older, be physically fit and have passed expedition training at 2-star APC (ACF) or have equivalent experience.

If you get through the course successfully you can take part in expeditions in summer conditions with others who are also at SMP level, as long as you know the ground and it is not in steep or rocky terrain. This may include Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions. When you reach 18 you can then go on to attend Mountain Leader Training either through the military system or the civilian National Governing Body system.