Mountaineering Scotland has relaunched its free Sofa 2 Summit online course in a bid to help more people enjoy Scotland’s hills and mountains safely this summer.

The relaunch comes as Mountain Rescue teams reported a record number of callouts during 2025, highlighting the importance of preparation and mountain safety.

Originally launched in 2021, the course has already helped more than 3,000 people build the knowledge and confidence needed to venture into the outdoors responsibly.

Designed for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills, Sofa 2 Summit covers the practical information needed to plan and enjoy a day in the hills.

The course was created by mountain safety experts and aims to remove some of the barriers that prevent people from exploring Scotland’s landscapes.

Research commissioned by outdoor clothing brand Helly Hansen found that 46 per cent of people in Britain identified a lack of knowledge as the biggest obstacle to spending more time outdoors.

Many cited uncertainty around equipment, navigation, safety and knowing where to go.

Mountaineering Scotland believes Sofa 2 Summit can help address those concerns by providing free access to trusted information and guidance.

The updated course now includes new videos, revised advice, interactive quizzes and a community discussion board, all hosted on a new online platform.

Participants can work through the material at their own pace.

Seven modules cover key topics including planning, equipment, navigation, responsible access and essential mountain safety skills.

The organisation says the course is intended to complement, rather than replace, practical experience and instructor led training.

Stuart Younie, Chief Executive of Mountaineering Scotland said:

“We are fortunate in Scotland that our hills and mountains are so accessible.

“Whilst it doesn’t replace the value of an in-person course led by an expert instructor, Sofa 2 Summit is designed to give everyone the confidence and knowledge to enjoy them safely and responsibly as a first step in their hillwalking adventures.”

Among those who have completed the course is Sarah, who says it gave her the confidence to begin exploring the outdoors.

Sarah said:

“I’d always wanted to try hillwalking but didn’t know where to start.

“This course made everything feel simple and achievable, I’m glad I could dip in and out at my own pace.”

Scotland’s mountains attract millions of visitors every year and remain one of the country’s greatest natural assets.

With summer underway and more people planning outdoor adventures, Mountaineering Scotland hopes the refreshed course will encourage newcomers to enjoy the hills while understanding how to do so safely and responsibly.

For many aspiring walkers, Sofa 2 Summit could be the first step from the sofa to the summit.

Sofa 2 Summit is available now, sign up here and start planning your summer adventures.