Mountain Leader Assessment

 

Days
5

Category
Mountain Training Courses

Location
Lake District

Ratio
1:4

Cost
£410 per person

Detailed information

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Aim

If you want to promote the safe enjoyment of the mountains, hills and moorland. Our Mountain Leader courses provide the technical and group management skills required to lead groups in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Mountain Leader (ML) award is the benchmark qualification to lead people of any age and is standard for safety and good practice when leading groups in the mountains.

The Mountain Leader Training is a pre-requisite before doing the Mountain Leader Assessment and becoming qualified.

The Assessment is a challenging five day long program. You will experience a variety of testing conditions in the mountains of the Lake District. It is both challenging and rewarding.

Assessment Content

Main topics are:

  • Group management

  • Navigation

  • Access and the environment

  • Hazards (including steep ground and rivers) and emergency procedures

  • Equipment

  • Expedition skills

  • Weather

  • Background knowledge

Pre-requisites

To attend this course you MUST have:

  • Attended a Mountain Leader training course or be granted exemption by mountain-training.

  • You need to have logged at least:

    • 40 quality mountain days (QMD)

    • 8 nights camping

  • Including at least 4 nights wild camping into your online logbook (aka DLOG).

  • You must also hold a current first aid certificate of a minimum of sixteen hours and be relevant to your work as a Mountain Leader.

For more information please visit Mountain training’s ML Award FAQs page

Itinerary

The following itinerary for the five day Mountain Leader assessment is provisional and is dependent on the weather, access and the assessment requirements of candidates.

Day 1 • Mountain day:

  • 9:00 – Meet at Mountain School UK

  • Introductions and coffee

  • Course outline – scope of the scheme, policies and procedures and the plan for

  • the course ahead.

  • 11:00 – Navigation skills, leadership, hill environment and leaders pack.

  • 17:00 – Return to Mountain School UK for tea and cake

  • 17.30 – 19:00 – Home paper

Day 2 • Mountain day:

  • 9:00 – Meet at Mountain School UK

  • Mountain Day – Route choice and selection, looking after people on steep ground, water hazards and emergency procedures.

  • 17:00 – Return to Mountain School UK for tea and cake

  • 17.30 – 19:00 – Presentations

Day 3 • Expedition:

  • 9:00 – Meet at Mountain School UK

  • Start expedition

  • Over the expedition all topics will be revisited, plus camp craft and environmental topics

Day 4 • Expedition:

  • 9:00 – Continue with expedition

Day 5 • Expedition:

  • 9:00 – Continue with expedition

  • 16:00 – Return to Mountain School UK for tea and cake

  • Debrief, results and close of course

  • Course Complete

What’s provided?

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WE provide…

  • Instruction.

  • Technical Kit (Helmets, Harness, Climbing Hardware & Ropes etc).

  • Pre Course Information.

  • Action plan for moving forwards at the end of the course.

YOU provide…

*Anything with asterisk can be rented from us if arranged 14 days in advance (subject to availability).

  • Boots should have good grip and be water resistant like a pair of Mammut Ducan High GTX. (Men’s and Women’s)

  • Fully waterproof Jacket and trousers are essential. The Jacket should have a good hood and taped seams. The Mammut Convey Tour HS Hooded Jacket (Men’s and Women’s) is a good example.

    The trousers should fit over your other leg wear and boots. The Mammut Albula HS Pants (Men’s and Women’s ) are a good example.

  • A warm synthetic insulated jacket is idea for damp British mountain conditions to keep warm. The Mammut Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket (Men’s and Women’s) is a good example.

  • Damp resistant warm layers like fleeces are good active warm layers. The Mammut Taiss Light ML Jacket (Men’s and Women’s) is a good example.

  • Should be light with a good freedom of movement and should not be cotton. The Mammut Runbold Pants (Men’s and Women’s) are a good example.

  • Non cotton skin to layers are recommended. The Mammut Trift range is a good example.

  • Warm cushioned socks with a high wool content are idea. Darn Tough Midweight Hiker Boot Cushion Socks are a good example.

  • A simple warm beanie is ideal. Like a Mammut Fleece Beanie. In hot weather bring a sun hat as well.

  • Warm and quick drying gloves are idea. Mammut Fleece Glove is a good example.

  • These are useful and versatile extra items of clothing. The Mammut Merino Neck Gaiter and the Mammut Balaclava are good examples.

  • The Silva expedition 4 compass is recommended.

  • This Harvey BMC mountain map of the Lakes is required because you will be assessed on different scales of map.

  • You will need a map case or laminated versions of theses maps to keep them dry.

  • Needs to be tough, reliable and waterproof. A simple digital watch or a modern sports smart watch will do.

  • A whistle for emergences should be loud and pea less. The Acme Slimline Tornado is a good example.

  • A head torch should be bright, easy to use and weatherproof. A Petzl Tikka core is a good example.

  • A Rucksack needs to be simple and robust. For a one day courses the Mammut Trion Nordwand 38 (Men’s and Women’s) is a good Example. For wild camping it should between 45 and 65 litres in volume. Depending on the bulk of your equipment. The Mammut Ducan Spine 50-60 is a good example.

  • Keeping your equipment dry is essential. This can be done by lining your rucksack with a large dry bag or robust plastic bag. An alternative is to use a number of smaller drybags like the Mammut Drybag Light to pack things separately.

  • Should contain small number items to just to deal with very minor injuries and blisters. The Mammut First Aid Kit Light is a good example.

  • Bring all the medication and basic toiletries you would normal need for the duration of the course.

  • Foods which contain a mix of carbohydrates and are quick and easy to eat in adverse conditions are best of most people. In winter look for foods which will not freeze solid. Simple sandwiches and trail bars are good. When camping look for modern dehydrated expedition food which light and convenient.

  • Needs to be robust and leak proof. A Nalgene water bottle is good example. Carrying at least two litres is a good idea in hot weather.

  • A sleeping bag should be compact and have a good warmth to weight ratio. The Mammut Nordic Down 3-Season is a good a example.

    A sleeping mat will insulate you from the ground. The Term-a-rest NeoAir is a good example.

  • A good tent for British conditions needs to be lightweight, roomy and weather resistance. The Nordisk
    Halland 2 LW is a good example.

  • A simple light wieght gas stove is the best option. The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is simple option.

  • Mountain Training website page showing text about the organization and an image of hikers with backpacks on a mountainous terrain. The page includes navigation links for About, Skills courses, Qualifications, Help, Shop, Login, and more.

    About Mountain Training

    The Mountain Leader scheme is managed by Mountain Training. Mountain Training is the awarding body. Their mission is to:

    “To inspire, enable and develop people in walking, climbing and mountaineering through the provision of nationally and internationally recognised skills training and leadership qualifications.”

    More Info
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Wildflowers in a grassy field, featuring yellow and pink blooms with green foliage and brown buds.
Three hikers climbing a steep, rocky mountain slope with backpacks, under a cloudy sky.
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People rock climbing on a grassy slope, wearing helmets and handling ropes, with rocky terrain.
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Three people with headlamps are hiking at night in a grassy area. One person is standing on a rock, while another is standing on the grass reading a map. The third person is crouching nearby, also holding a map or piece of paper.
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Group of hikers with backpacks examining maps on a grassy hillside, mountainous landscape in the background, clear blue sky.
Scenic landscape with sunlight streaming through clouds over a lake and mountains, surrounded by lush green fields and a rock cairn in the foreground.
Mountain landscape with rocky terrain and a scenic view of a lake and distant hills, under a partly cloudy sky illuminated by sunlight.
Sunset over mountain landscape with rolling hills and valley, featuring a vibrant sky gradient from orange to blue.
Serene mountain lake surrounded by green hills under a blue sky with clouds.
Two people in a storage room organizing climbing ropes, surrounded by equipment and supplies on shelves.
A group of climbers ascending a steep, rocky path on a mountainside.
Scenic mountain landscape with grassy hills, rocky terrain, and partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of mountainous landscape with grassy hills, small blue lakes, and a distant ridge under a blue sky with clouds.
Aerial view of a hilly landscape with brown and green vegetation, illuminated by warm sunlight. Snow-capped mountains are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Group of campers in outdoor gear, some wearing insect netting, standing near tents in a grassy field with rolling hills.
Group of hikers with backpacks and maps standing in a grassy field with hilly landscape under a cloudy sky.
Mountain landscape with rocky terrain, a small lake, and distant peaks at sunset under a cloudy sky.
Stone wall ruins in a mountainous landscape with sunbeams breaking through dark clouds overhead.
Three hikers with backpacks standing on a grassy hill, looking at a distant landscape under a cloudy sky with sun rays.
Hiker in an outdoor setting holding a map, wearing a backpack and orange jacket. A yellow backpack is on the ground with mountainous landscape and cloudy sky in the background.
A person's finger pointing at a topographic map with contour lines and geographic features labeled, including names like "Sheephold" and "Birkrigg." The map shows a landscape with various elevations and natural landmarks.
Group of hikers with backpacks holding maps on a grassy hill under a cloudy sky.
Three hikers resting on grassy hill, wearing backpacks and outdoor gear, with a lake and rocky hills in the background under a blue sky with clouds.
Hikers with backpacks and maps on a rocky trail planning route
Group of hikers jumping and celebrating on a grassy hilltop with backpacks, under a clear blue sky with distant mountains in the background.
Group of people standing in a shallow river on a sunny day, surrounded by a scenic landscape with trees, grass, and hills in the background.
Group of people crossing a shallow river holding onto each other, surrounded by greenery and trees.
Two people hiking on a rocky hill wearing helmets and backpacks, connected by a rope.
Two people wearing white helmets and backpacks are hiking on a grassy hillside. One person is holding a rope, and both are dressed in outdoor gear.
Close-up of hand with doodles and a smartwatch, holding a paper map, surrounded by grass.
Two climbers ascending a steep rocky ridge under a cloudy sky, one wearing a blue shirt and the other an orange shirt, with minimal vegetation.
Hikers in rain gear walking down a muddy trail in a foggy, lush green forest.
Group of hikers posing on a rocky hill with a scenic mountain backdrop under a clear blue sky.
A weathered stone plaque titled "Three Shire Stones" is embedded in grass. It details the traditional boundary marker of Cumberland, Westmorland, and Lancashire counties, mentioning a limestone monolith for Furness Roadmaster William Field of Cartmel
Mountain landscape with grassy hills, rocks, and a cloudy sky.
Scenic view of misty mountain ranges at sunset with layered silhouettes and grassy slopes.
Scenic landscape with grassy hills, rocky foreground, and a valley stretching between mountains at sunset.
Rolling hills with rocky outcrops, dense vegetation, and grazing sheep on green pastures under cloudy sky.
Close-up of a hand touching a patch of grass and small red carnivorous plants, likely sundews, in a natural setting.
Close-up of grass and green plants with small yellowish growths in a natural outdoor setting.
Patch of green moss and grass on soil
Topographic map of Haweswater Nature Reserve at night with people in the background.
Purple heather flowers growing on a rocky surface
Carnivorous sundew plant in grassy area
Three people rock climbing on a grassy, rocky hill under a blue sky, wearing helmets and using ropes.
Group of hikers with backpacks looking at maps in a mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky.
Group of people hiking at night using headlamps in a grassy area.
  • Five orange stars in a row on a white background.

    “We are now well prepared for many more future adventures."

    Dave and Andrea

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Mountain Leader Assessment
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