Beginners and experienced hillwalkers can benefit from a series of talks being run by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) early next year.

Speakers will be Helen Barnard and Ian Brodie and topics covered will include navigation, route finding, scrambling, weather and the use of Global Positioning System devices. Six venues will be used, starting with Liverpool in January.

The BMC says the talks will also cover health at altitude for those considering trips abroad. In addition to the Liverpool event, the speakers will be in action at Bangor, Hereford, University College, London, Leeds and Penrith.

Helen Barnard is an instructor at the National Mountain Centre in Plas-y-Brenin and is also the centre’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award co-ordinator. Ian recently retired as Director of Policy for Friends of the Lake District. The BMC says the talks will cover the essential skills and knowledge you need to operate safely and enjoy walking in the British hills, mountains and beyond.

Chief Executive Dave Turnbull said: “We have an excellent track record in delivering high quality good practice lectures, which continue to prove popular. Over 1300 people attended our annual winter and alpine talks last year, and we believe that the hill walking series will prove just as popular.”

Cost for BMC members is £5 and £7 for non-members. The talks all take place in the evening. Details are on the BMC website.