Awarding Body

Mountain Training

Scheme

Mountain Leader

Course

Training

Type

Training

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.

Lake District Mountaineering and Navigation with Harriet have partnered to offer Mountain Leader training and assessment courses specifically designed to create safe and inclusive spaces for women, the LGBTQ+ community, and other underrepresented folks in the outdoors.

https://www.navigationwithharriet.co.uk/mountainleader

WHO ARE THESE COURSES FOR?
Our Mountain Leader training and assessment courses are specifically designed for women and underrepresented folks in the outdoors. Creating a space for women and underrepresented folks is about more than just representation—it’s about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. These courses aim to:

​-Address unique challenges, such as menstrual health, physiology, and confidence-building strategies.

​⁠-Encourage open conversations and create a safe space for learning.

​⁠-Develop leadership skills that feel authentic to you.

​⁠-Build lasting confidence through mindset coaching, progressive learning, and inclusive practices.

​⁠-Highlight the importance of allyship and support networks.

​⁠-Provide a supportive environment for those who may not have previously seen themselves as Mountain Leaders.

​-Foster connections with others in similar positions.

​⁠-Inspire change and encourage more inclusion in outdoor spaces.

​-By creating a different space, we hope to inspire change, one Mountain Leader at a time, paving the way for more diverse role models in the outdoors.

If you’re unsure whether this is the right space for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a chat. We’re here to support you.

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

26/05/2025 09:00

End

31/05/2025 17:00

Total Days

6

Maximum Bookings

6

Bookings

3

Venue

For Women and Under-Represented folk - in collaboration with Navigation with Harriet

Town

Buttermere YHA - Cockermouth

County

Cumbria

Postcode

CA13 0HY

Country

United Kingdom

Latitude

54.66251

Longitude

-3.38564

Name

Lake District Mountaineering

Phone

07458353048

Website

Booking/Details

Email