Mountain Leader Award Training is held over 6 days (60 hours) and includes a ‘mini expedition’ element (2 days and 1 night camp).

Course Topics 

Group management, navigation, access, environmental subjects, hazards (e.g. steep ground and river crossings), emergency procedures, appropriate equipment, expedition skills, weather, background knowledge, and more.

Course Requirements

Aspiring Mountain Leaders should be;

i) Aged 18 or over

ii) Be registered with Mountain Training (click here to register)

iii) Have a minimum of 12 months mountain walking experience

iv) Be a member of a Mountaineering Council (e.g. BMC or Mountaineering Scotland)

v) Have completed and logged a minimum of 20 Quality Mountain Days

Following training, and prior to assessment, a period of consolidation can be best used by practicing skills and gaining knowledge to reach award level.

Assessment Requirements

Those undertaking the Mountain Training Assessment should have;

i) Completed a Mountain Leader Training Course (training and assessment providers can be different), unless the participant has been granted exemption only from Mountain Training.

ii) Completed and logged a minimum of 40 Quality Mountain Days in at

least three different mountainous areas of the UK and Ireland

iii) Attended a 16hr (2 day) First Aid course, including assessment, in person and not online

iv) Completed and logged a minimum of 8 nights camping, of which at least 4 nights are ‘wild camping’

v) Have considerable knowledge of the award syllabus.