Mountain Leader Training

Itinerary

All our Mountain Leader Training courses have a large amount of flexibility within the daily itinerary. Factors including the weather and the group ability will determine how each course is delivered. Our evening sessions are also flexible. Sometimes our evening topics will be covered while out on the hill and thus an alternative topic may be covered during the evening. However, below is a general idea of what you may experience on your Mountain Leader Training Course.

Day One: Introductions and Navigation

We will begin the day with an introduction to the qualification, the group and the course instructors. Once out in the mountains we will be focusing today on navigation. You will learn how to use a map and compass and gain an understanding of the various features of a map. We will look closely at the techniques and skills we can use to refine our navigation in both simple and more challenging terrain. A running theme through the entire course will be how we operate within a leadership context and today we will begin to consider this in regards to navigating. As we journey around we will also consider the environment within which we are engaging, including the mountain flora, fauna, conservation and access.

Evening Talk: Understanding Mountain Weather

Day Two: Leadership and Group Management on a Mountain Journey.

Every day on the Mountain Leader Training Course we will be discussing group management, it is such an important part of the ML Training. However, today this will be a key focus. We will be considering factors such as group kit, ability, dynamic and our responsibility to a group as a leader. Throughout the day we will also be continuing to develop navigation as well as how we would travel through complex mountain terrain. This will include working on your route finding in the glorious and technical mountains of Torridon. As with every day we also like to share information about our surroundings including how the landscape was formed, flora and fauna.

Evening Session: Legal Responsibilities of a Group Leader, The Mountain Environment and, access and conservation

Day Three: Steep Ground and Ropework

Today we will be looking at ropework. For some people this will be a completely new concept, others may be more familiar. We will tailor this day to the experience level of the group to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn within their own comfort level. You will learn how to tie basic and effective knots, practice rope handling skills and consider when and how these techniques become appropriate to use. We will also consider a range of other mountain hazards, including river crossings, loose rock and animals. Additionally we will explore how we would effectively manage emergency situations, discussing first aid and the role of the mountain rescue.

Evening Session: Expedition Prep.

Day Four: Wild Camp and Night Navigation

Today we will head into some of the most remote and wild mountain terrain in the UK for the first day of our two day/one night expedition. Throughout the day we will have plenty of opportunity to refresh and practise everything you have learned so far. As we head into the afternoon we will set up our tents and discuss the considerations, challenges and advantages of wild camping. Covering topics including how and where to pitch, safe and efficient cooking and food choices, water collection and treatment, hygiene and sanitation. As the evening progresses, we will venture away from our camping site and practice night navigation. Practising techniques that will help make navigation accurate even when dark or in very poor visibility. We will then return to our tents for a good night sleep in the wilderness.

Day Five: Return from Expedition

Today we will continue with camp craft as we cook breakfast and pack away our wild camp site in a responsible manner. Ensuring we fully adhere to the “Leave no trace” ethos. We will have further opportunity to practise our group management, navigation and leadership skills as we make our way out of the mountains.

Day Six: Round up and Review

This final morning is a valuable opportunity to integrate everything you’ve learned. We’ll begin by reviewing the skills you’ve developed this week and ensure all key areas have been thoroughly explored. This morning also provides dedicated time for you to refine any skills you’d like to practice further. The afternoon will involve a comprehensive course review and individual feedback sessions, equipping you with clear next steps for confidently consolidating towards assessment.

Accommodation

We offer courses with accommodation so you can concentrate on learning and not have to worry about anything else.

The accommodation included with this course is on a self catering, twin sharing basis in Thrail House situated at the head of Glen Torridon. This location provides the perfect base for our Mountain Leader Training courses, being close to the hills and in a beautiful relaxing location.

The accommodation includes shared cooking facilities and lounge for you to relax in after your hill days. There is also a private carpark onsite so travel is simple.

The Mountain Leader Award – Resources and Information

About the Qualification

The Mountain Leader Award (or ML Award) is a nationally recognised qualification that is ideal for people who want to take groups into the mountains for single or multi-day hikes.

Minimum age: 18

Pathway to Assessment:

Step One: Registration

To register for the award you must have the following:

• At least 18 years old.
• At least a year’s worth of mountain walking experience
• Have an interest in leading groups in the mountains
• Be a member of a Mountaineering Council (The BMC, Mountaineering Ireland or Mountaineering Scotland). For those that are not currently a member this is just a simple online registration form. Do note, that registration will incur a registration fee to the Mountaineering Council. The cost of which is in the region of £30.
• Create an account with Mountain Training and register for the Mountain Leader Award (cost: £65)

Step Two: Log 20 Quality Mountain Days

Next you will need to complete 20 Quality Mountain Days (or QMDs). These days can take place at any time; before your registration, after your registration or a bit of both. For a day to qualify as a Quality Mountain Day it must fulfil the following criteria as defined by Mountain Training:

A ‘Quality Mountain Day’ for the Mountain Leader should take place in mountainous terrain in the UK or Ireland.

The quality element lies in such things as the conditions experienced both overhead and underfoot, the exploration of new areas, the terrain covered, the skills deployed and the physical and mental challenge. The experience of a quality day should contribute to knowledge, personal development and associated skill acquisition.

All the following criteria should be fulfilled:

• The individual takes part in the planning and leadership.
• An unfamiliar locality is explored.
• A mountain is ascended.
• Navigation skills are required.
• Knowledge is increased and relevant skills practised.
• Judgement and decision making is required.
• Five hours or more journey time.

These criteria mean that days as a course member under instruction, a member of a group practising skills, or days spent repeating familiar routes are very unlikely to meet the requirements of a quality day.

Source: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-a-quality-day/

Step Three: Training Course

Complete a Mountain Leader Training Course. These are six days long and include a two day/one night expedition, covering the full Mountain Leader Training Syllabus. You can find out more and book on to our ML Training Courses here.

Step Four: Consolidation

After your training course, take the time to put into practice everything you have learnt. The average time between training and assessment is 3.3 years. Use these years to build upon your knowledge of the mountains and gain valuable experience. In addition to gaining personal experience many ML candidates will also gain excellent experience of leading groups. This can be done by contacting guiding companies for opportunities to shadow already qualified Mountain Leaders.

Step Five: Assessment

The Mountain Leader assessment is five days long and includes a three day/two night expedition. You can find out more and book onto our ML Assessment here. You will be assessed against the full syllabus which can be found in the candidate handbook. At the end of the assessment you will receive one of three results: Pass, defer (requires a partial reassessment) or fail (requires a full reassessment).

Downloadable Resources:

• Guide to Registration
• Mountain Leader Candidate Handbook
• Mountain Leader Skills Checklist
• Mountain Leader Guidance Notes for Trainers and Assessors

Online Resources:

• Mountain Training Pathway to Effective Leadership – e-learning

Dates and Pricing

In order to provide the highest level of learning and safety we maintain low ratios for our courses. For our Mountain Leader Training courses we never go beyond a ratio of 1 instructor to 6 clients. These small numbers allow us to make sure you get the tuition you need and the course is tailored around your aspirations whether you’re booked onto an open or private course.

• Open Courses
• Private Courses