Mountain Leader Training

 

Days
6

Category
Mountain Training Courses

Location
Lake District

Ratio
1:6

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.

While on your ML Training with us, you will gain experience in a variety of testing conditions in the mountainous regions of the Lake District.

Course 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

Register with Mountain Training

Once registered

  • You need to have at least twenty quality mountain days (QMD) logged on your online logbook (aka DLOG). – These days can be prior to your registration.

For more information please visit the ML Award FAQs page or see: Mountain Leader Training course Pre-Requisites

Itinerary

The following itinerary for the six-day Mountain Leader training is provisional and is dependent on the weather, access, and the learning requirements of candidates.

Day 1 • Mountain day:

  • 9:00 – Meet at Mountain School UK

  • Introductions and coffee

  • Course outline – the scope of the scheme, the role of the Mountain Leader, policies and procedures, plan for the course ahead.

  • 11:00 – Navigation skills (time of year dependent, walk into darkness)

  • Introduction to teaching navigation, use of compass, different map scales,
    navigation strategies, contour interpretation, mapping devices, GPS and smart phones.

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

  • 17:30 – 19:00 – Mountain Weather

Day 2 • Mountain day:

  • 9:00 – Meet at Mountain School UK

  • Mountain Day – Route choice and selection, group pace, group management,
    navigation techniques, mountain history, environment and education.

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

  • 17.30 – 19:00 – Environment & Access Quiz

Day 3 • Rope work day:

  • 9:00 – Meet at Mammut Mountain School UK

  • Rope work day – emergency use of rope, belaying, building an anchor, abseiling
    and confidence roping.

  • River crossings, leaders pack, first aid, emergency procedures and remote
    supervision.

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

  • 17.30 – 19:00 – Legal & the liability of the Leader

Day 4 • Mountain day:

  • 9:00 – Meet at Mountain School UK

  • Mountain Day – steep ground journey day – route choice and timings, managing a
    group on steep ground, scenarios of looking after people on steep ground, both
    roped and unroped.

  • 3:00 – Return to Mountain School UK for tea and cake, and to prepare and pack for the expedition

  • 17.30 – 19:00 – Route planning

Day 5 • Expedition:

  • 9:00 – Meet at Mountain School UK

  • Ready for two-day expedition

  • Expedition Day – Expedition skills, poor vis navigation, re-location, looking after a
    group on expedition and camp craft skills.

Day 6 • Expedition:

  • 9:00 – Continue with expedition

  • 16:00 – Return to Mountain School UK

  • Debrief with an assessment preparation plan and close of course

What’s provided?

Or ask a question.

 

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 for teaching navigation 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.

  • Screenshot of a webpage from Mountain Training featuring text about the organization, a navigation menu, and an image of hikers wearing backpacks in outdoor clothing.

    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 field, featuring yellow and pink blooms among green grass and vegetation.
Three climbers ascending a steep rocky hill on a sunny day with backpacks, set against a mountain landscape and partly cloudy sky.
Two hikers with backpacks examine aircraft wreckage on a grassy mountain slope, with rolling hills and a cloudy sky in the background.
A person wearing a climbing helmet and outdoor clothing, handling a rope on a grassy hillside with a rocky, mountainous backdrop.
Scenic landscape featuring a rocky creek flowing through grassy hills with a sunset in the background and clouds in the sky.
Two people wearing rain gear studying a map in a rainy outdoor setting with mountains and parked vehicles in the background.
Group of people outdoors at night with headlamps, holding maps, and wearing backpacks.
Hikers pointing at a scenic landscape with mountains and valleys, holding maps outdoors.
A group of four hikers with backpacks examining a map in a mountainous landscape. The foreground shows a partially visible map being held.
Group of hikers with backpacks in a grassy mountain landscape under a blue sky.
Mountain landscape with rocks, green foliage, and a goat under a blue sky with clouds.
Three people wearing helmets and outdoor gear are rock climbing on a grassy, rocky hillside. The person in the foreground is sitting, holding a rope, while two others are standing below on the slope.
Two people wearing headlamps in the dark, looking at a handheld booklet.
Person rock climbing preparation with rope and helmet outdoors
Hiker with large backpack on grassy hill overlooking expansive valley and mountains under clear blue sky.
Group of hikers in a grassy mountain landscape on a sunny day, with mountains and clouds in the background.
Two men hiking at night with headlamps, one holding a notebook, smiling.
Four hikers with backpacks standing on a grassy hilltop, looking at maps under a clear blue sky.
Silhouettes of people against a twilight sky, with one person holding a red light.
Group of hikers on a mountain trail with expansive scenic views, under a bright blue sky and sunlight.
Group of hikers with backpacks walking on a grassy mountain trail under a partly cloudy sky.
Rocky landscape with mossy boulder in foreground, rolling hills, and a blue sky with clouds.
People hiking at night with headlamps and backpacks, reading maps in a dark outdoor setting.
Two climbers wearing helmets set up ropes on a rocky hillside for climbing or abseiling.
Group of hikers in raincoats and backpacks standing on a grassy hill in a misty landscape.
Group of hikers walking on a mountain path with a scenic view of hills and a clear blue sky.
Three people with headlamps and backpacks hiking at night, consulting maps on a grassy area.
Hikers walking on a steep trail in a mountainous landscape with green valleys and rocky cliffs under a blue sky with clouds.
Hikers reading maps on a grassy hill with distant mountain views and blue sky.
Scenic view of a lush valley with sunlight streaming through clouds over hills and a lake, featuring a rock cairn in the foreground.
Mountain landscape with rocky foreground, a lake in the middle ground, and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Scenic mountain landscape at sunset with rolling hills, distant peaks, and a winding river. The sky is colored with hues of orange and blue.
Scenic view of a serene lake surrounded by green hills and mountainous landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
Group of people rock climbing on a steep, rocky hillside with green vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Two people handling ropes in a storage room with shelves stacked with equipment, including bags, mats, and containers.
Group of people rock climbing a steep, rocky mountain under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with grassy hills and rocky terrain, under a partially cloudy blue sky. A small lake is visible on the left side.
A scenic landscape of rolling hills and mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A small blue lake is visible in the valley, surrounded by grass and rocky terrain.
Aerial view of a mountainous landscape with a ridge bathed in golden sunlight, surrounded by valleys and distant snow-covered peaks under a clear blue sky.
Four people in outdoor clothing with netted hats around a green tent on grassy hillside
Group of hikers with backpacks using maps in a grassy landscape with hills under a cloudy sky.
Mountain landscape with rocky terrain, a small pond, and cloudy sky at sunset.
Scenic view of rugged stone walls, green grass, and ferns, with mountains in the background under dramatic cloudy sky with sunbeams.
Three hikers with backpacks standing in a grassy landscape, looking toward mountains under a cloudy sky with sunbeams.
Person hiking in a mountainous landscape, reading a map, with a yellow backpack on the ground.
Close-up of a topographic map being held by a hand, showing contour lines, water bodies, and place names such as "Middle Teegeshaw" and "Birks Ridge."
Five hikers with backpacks standing on a grassy hillside, holding maps, under a cloudy sky.
Group of hikers resting in grassy area with rocky mountain in background near a lake. Clear blue sky with some fluffy clouds.
Three hikers standing on a rocky trail, checking maps. They are wearing outdoor gear, including backpacks, caps, and hiking boots. They are surrounded by green grass and under a partly cloudy sky.
Group of people standing in a shallow river, collaborating on an activity with clear water and a scenic background of trees, grass, and distant hills under a blue sky.
Group of people in a river crossing a shallow water area, surrounded by lush green trees and a rocky shore on a sunny day.
Two hikers wearing helmets and backpacks descending a rocky hillside, using a rope for support.
Two hikers wearing helmets and backpacks, navigating grassy hillside terrain, with one person holding a rope. Both are dressed in outdoor gear, and the landscape is lush with green grass and ferns.
A person's hand with a smiley face and abstract line drawing on the knuckles, wearing a smartwatch, next to a blurred map on grass.
Group of hikers wearing rain gear on a misty, wet, grassy trail with ferns and rocks.
Two hikers climbing a rocky mountain face under a cloudy sky.
Group of people hiking on a rocky hilltop with distant mountains and blue sky
Engraved stone marker on grass reading 'Three Shire Stones,' marking historical boundaries between counties in the UK, including Cumberland, Westmorland, and Lancashire.
Scenic landscape of a mountainous valley with grassy hills, scattered rocks, and grazing sheep under a cloudy sky.
Scenic view of misty mountains at sunset, creating layers and silhouettes.
Scenic view of a valley with rolling hills, rocky foreground, and a winding river, under a sky with scattered clouds at sunset.
Mountainous landscape with grassy hills, rocky peaks, and a cloudy sky, featuring grazing sheep.
Hand touching a sundew plant in a grassy field
Close-up of green and yellowish moss growing in a grassy area
Close-up of grass and moss on the ground
Purple heather flowers growing on a rocky surface.
Person holding a map at night with someone in the background using a red flashlight, in a grassy outdoor area.
Carnivorous plant, likely a sundew, in a grassy wetland area.
Three climbers on a rocky slope, wearing helmets and connected by a rope under a blue sky.
Group of hikers with backpacks reading maps on a grassy hill overlooking a scenic valley and mountains under a blue sky with clouds.
Group of hikers jumping and cheering on a scenic hilltop with lush green valleys in the background.
  • Five orange stars in a row, representing a five-star rating.

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

    Dave and Andrea

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Mountain Leader Training
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If you have a question about the Mountain Leader Scheme or the pre-requisites please feel free to ask and we get back to you as soon as possible.

 

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