Getting Started

Starting the journey to become a Mountain Leader is an excellent step for anyone who loves working in the great outdoors. The qualification unlocks loads of opportunities and demonstrates your ability to safely lead others through some of the UK and Ireland’s most challenging and beautiful environments. The pathway to achieve your Mountain Leader requires commitment, some tenacity and a love for the mountains.

At Land & Wave, we receive lots of questions about the Mountain Leader Award and the training involved. So we’ve compiled a guide to answer some of the most frequently asked questions and help you take your first steps toward becoming a qualified Mountain Leader.

A Mountain Leader qualification is a brilliant next step for graduates of Land & Wave’s Outdoor Instructor Training course.

What is a Mountain Leader?

A Mountain Leader is qualified to lead groups on single and multi-day adventures across the UK and Ireland’s mountain, hill, and moorland regions.

Mountain Leader courses are regulated by Ofqual and are the gold standard of leading and guiding accreditation.

Lots of Mountain Leaders work independently for a variety of different companies and organisations to provide adventure experiences all over the UK.

Many people working in the Outdoor Industry choose to undertake the Mountain Leader Qualification because it’s SUCH a good addition to an Outdoor Instructors CV. It’s a qualification which is desirable for employers and supports and supplements lots of other outdoor qualifications.

Mountain Leader Training (6 days)

‘Mountain Leader Training’ is the initial training course designed to give participants the skills needed to confidently and safely lead groups in the mountains.

To join a Mountain Leader Training course you’ll need at least 20 ‘quality mountain days’ worth of experience and

• 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 and register for the Mountain Leader qualification (cost: £65)
• You must have recorded a minimum of 20 quality mountain days* (ideally these will be recorded on DLOG**)

There’s some great info about what a ‘quality mountain day’ is HERE.

What Happens After a Mountain Leader Training Course?

After completing the Mountain Leader Training, candidates consolidate their skills over a few months (or even years, if they take thing slowly) and gain at least another 20 ‘quality mountain days’.

Quality mountain days must include…

1. Planning and Leadership

You must take an active role in planning and leading the day. This includes choosing the route, preparing for potential challenges, and making decisions as the day unfolds. Being part of a led group does not count.

2. Exploring Unfamiliar Terrain

Your chosen route should take you into an area you haven’t explored before. Familiarity with the location may detract from the overall learning experience. An entirely new area, a new mountain, a new distinct route up a hill.

3. Mountain Ascent

The day should include ascending at least one mountain.

4. Navigation Skills

The route must challenge and improve your navigation abilities. Get used to using a paper map, compass, GPS, and your phone – on their own and in partnership. Maps get blown away, phones get damaged or run out of battery – have options. Navigating effectively is central to being a Mountain Leader.

5. Skill Development

A QMD should contribute to your personal growth, enhancing your mountain skills and knowledge. You should experience something new, you should learn something new.

6. Judgement and Decision-Making

You’ll need to assess risks, adapt to changing conditions, and make sound decisions throughout the day. You should be, mostly, calling the shots all day long.

7. Duration of Five Hours or More

The day must involve a minimum of five hours of journeying. Shorter outings or quick practice sessions typically won’t qualify. Journeying IS subjective – if you have a decent walk but are practicing your navigation loads, you’ll probably walk a bit slower and cover a bit less distance.

You’ll always be given feedback after your Mountain Leader Training course – you’ll be given specific skills and experience that you should improve.

Navigation and skills courses run by companies like Wild Wales can really help with progress, spending a few days with people that are in the mountains almost every day is really useful.

Who is Mountain Leader Training For?

Mountain Leader Training is ideal for anyone who would like to…

• Lead group adventures and expeditions in the mountains
• Gain a great qualification as a side hustle or for part time work in the hills.
• Develop a career in the outdoor industry
• Anyone that wants to build their own skills and confidence in the mountains
• Anyone involved with DofE
• It is the highest summer walking leadership award available in the UK

How to Pass a Mountain Leader Assessment

The Mountain Leader assessment is five days long, including a three day expedition with two overnight camps. You will be assessed against the syllabus competencies in the candidate handbook. At the end of the assessment you will receive one of three results:

• Pass
• Defer (requires a partial reassessment)
• Fail (requires a full reassessment

We strongly recommend a log book that shows MORE than 40 quality mountain days and that has good levels of detail and variety.

Know your equipment well before you get to your assessment course, don’t buy lots of shiny new kit for assessment.

The navigation is important, but so is taking the time to plan your route properly.

When it’s your turn to lead take it slow and steady, don’t spend all day with your head buried in your map, make a plan and then stick to it – look ahead, to where you’re going.

Whatever happens, when you’re making the decisions, think about safety in everything; from the steep ground and emergency rope work to camp craft and looking after your group. Show that you understand the hazards and are making decisions appropriate to your group and the environment.

FAQs About the Mountain Leader Award

What Can I Do With a Mountain Leader Qualification?

Once qualified, you can:

• Work with outdoor companies, DofE expeditions, and youth organisations.
• Start your own outdoor business.
• Lead private group activities and expeditions.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Mountain Leader?

The process varies depending on your prior experience and availability. On average, candidates take 1-2 years to complete training, consolidate their skills, and pass the assessment.

Do I Need Previous Leadership Experience?

No prior leadership experience is required, but a strong foundation in mountain walking and navigation is essential.

Can I Complete the Training in Stages?

Yes, many participants take time between training and assessment to gain more experience and confidence.

Land & Wave in North Wales

Land & Wave can help with courses, residential trips and experiences in North Wales – if you’re interested, just get in touch.

We also work with Wild Wales, who are based in North Wales – if you’d like a bespoke course or day of adventures get in touch with them…

>Wild Wales<

https://www.instagram.com/wildwales_/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Wild-Wales/61556027019002