Awarding Body

Mountain Training

Scheme

Mountain Leader

Course

Assessment

Type

Assessment

Award Description

This qualification trains and assesses candidates in the skills required to lead hillwalking groups in summer conditions on mountainous routes not requiring the planned use of a rope. Established in 1964, this was the first qualification created by Mountain Training.

Join Lake District Mountaineering to undertake your Mountain Leader assessment. LDM are here to help break the stigma of assessment. We assess holistically and recognise every candidate as an individual - we are committed to setting you up for success. Our supportive and professional approach ensures you feel confident, empowered and able to showcase your skills in a positive environment.

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.

Start

24/11/2025 09:00

End

28/11/2025 17:00

Total Days

5

Maximum Bookings

8

Venue

YHA Borrowdale

Town

Keswick

County

Cumberland

Postcode

CA12 5XE

Country

United Kingdom

Latitude

54.51817

Longitude

-3.15232

Name

Lake District Mountaineering

Phone

07458353048

Website

Booking/Details

Email