OVERVIEW

This Mountain Leader training course involves a minimum of 60 hours training over a 5 day period with mountain professionals. This course assesses candidates on all aspects of the Mountain Leader syllabus. 

The results: Pass, Defer, Fail, Not yet completed, Withdrew, Did not show.

There is no exemption from any element of the assessment.

Practical reassessments cannot take place within three months of the initial assessment to allow sufficient time for practice and preparation.

All deferral reassessments must be completed within five years of the original assessment.

Candidates may undertake two short reassessments after a defer result. Subsequently a full assessment must be undertaken 

 

Once qualified, candidates can lead groups in mountain, hill and moorland environments.  They are able to manage walking groups safely in summer conditions. 

​

The Mountain Leader assessment lasts for five days, including a three day expedition with two overnight camps.  We like to undertake our expedition in and around Ennerdale (the wildest and most remote part of the Lake District) and your course fee may go towards classroom hire in this remote valley so we have a base for the expedition phase for the assessment. 

 You will be assessed in the skills below, in accordance with the Mountain Leader syllabus that is detailed in the handbook. 

​

SKILLS COVERED:

Leader responsibilities

Responsibilities as a group leader with regards to the care and safety of the group. 

Safety management, your own leadership behaviours and ethos as well as dealing with hazards and emergencies.

Leadership and decision making

Vision - Support - Challenge 

INSPIRE leadership models 

Planning and weather

Main air streams, the likely temperature and humidity of the air masses involved.

Sequence of clouds that might indicate an incoming front and see if you can identify those clouds when out on the hill.

Hazards and emergency procedures

Party management in steep ground 

Emergency rope work 

First aid, emergency carries and calling MRT 

Water hazards on the hill

Equipment

Understand personal and group kit 

Additional leader equipment 

Group needs, water, food and overall nutrition

Walking skills

Pace, rhythm, foot placement, conservation of energy, balance, and coordination.

Individual movement, demonstration and coaching skills

Navigation

Navigation is a fundamental skill in mountain walking and leaders must be confident of their route no matter how limited the visibility.  We will develop navigation skills towards the Mountain Leader standard and help you become efficient, accurate and confident. 

Expedition

Undertake a two day, one night overnight camp. 

Learn how to become an effective and responsible camper and supervise mountain camps.

Teaching and learning skills

Teach and promote learning to ensure safe and enjoyable hill walking.

Access, conservation and the environment

Learn about flora, fauna, geology, landform processes (geomorphology), local history, heritage and language, place names, folklore, the evolution of our landscape and future challenges.

Background knowledge

An awareness of the history, traditions and ethics of recreational mountain walking in the UK and Ireland.

​

REGISTRATION

You must be at least 18 years old

You should have at least a year’s worth of mountain walking experience

You should have an interest in leading groups in the mountains

You must be a member (club or individual) of a mountaineering council (BMC, Mountaineering Ireland, Mountaineering Scotland). 

You must create an account on our system and register for the Mountain Leader qualification (cost: £65)

You must have attended the Mountain Leader Training course (any provider) before booking and attending the assessment

​

BY THE END OF THE COURSE, YOU CAN EXPECT TO

Have been assessed fairly in conjunction with the Mountain Leader assessment syllabus, 

Attained a pass, defer or fail result, 

Understand your next steps and be able to develop yourself personally and professionally in relation to the scheme.

​

WHY CHOOSE US?

Certified Instructors:

Our experienced and certified instructors are dedicated to your safety and skill development.  We are an approved provider for Mountain Training. 

Real-World Application:

The course is designed to equip you with practical skills to undertake the consolidation period and subsequent assessment within the ML scheme. 

Beautiful Locations:

Enjoy learning in some of the most scenic environments in the Lake District.  The western fells and north western fells are quiet, have a remote feel and offer amazing opportunities for mountain learning.

​

​