A brief introduction to becoming a Mountain leader
What is the Mountain leader qualification?
Put simply it is the qualification you're expected to have, if you're going to lead groups safely in the mountains of Britain and Ireland. Often known just as the ML, it is nationally recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Ofqual and the Adventure Activities Licensing Service.
It is now over half a century old and very well regarded. Holders of the ML will have demonstrated excellent navigation, a comprehensive understanding of mountain hazards and leadership. For many it is a challenging award to get, requiring significant time and preparation.
So why become a Mountain Leader?
For people working professionally in the outdoor industry it is normally considered a prerequisite but it is also considered good practice for anyone taking groups into the mountains including volunteers. For others, it is not uncommon to partake in the scheme for their own personal development or as a personal challenge or achievement. The ML is also a stepping stone to do a number of other mountaineering qualifications including the International Mountain Leader (IML), Winter Mountain Leader (WML) and the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI).
What is Mountain Training?
‘Mountain Training is the collection of awarding bodies for skills courses and qualifications in walking, climbing and mountaineering in the UK and Ireland.’ They are a bit like an exam board and are responsible for the Mountain Leader qualification, but there are a number of approved providers including Mammut Mountain School UK that actually deliver the qualification.
A quick history
In 1960 John Frederick Wolfenden chaired an influential report on sport. The report highlighted the value of adventure activities and also a need to ‘develop higher standards of competence’ in those organising them. In response the British Mountain Council (BMC) and what was then the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR) created the Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTB) and the Mountain Leader award. The names, acronyms and scope may have changed over the years but today Mountain Training is alive and well, and is now responsible for over 20 different qualifications.
Am I ready to become a Mountain leader?
The key questions you need to ask yourself are: Do I have experience of mountain walking in Britain or Ireland? Probably more importantly, do I have a passion for the Mountains? If yes, you will need to make sure you have logged 20 quality mountain days.
What on earth is a Quality Mountain Day (QMD)?
This probably one the most asked questions about the scheme. What it isn’t is spending half a day walking up the same mountain on the same large paths you’ve always done. What a QMD is, is a mountain day that has stretched you, and given you the chance to learn and improve.
Mountain Training have a criteria list online, but here are our suggestions on how to make your days quality:
Have ownership over the day - You need to plan them and lead them.
Go big - A QMD should take a day and should be on a mountain.
Go somewhere new - not just a new mountain but go to a new area.
Go wild - Get away from the big obvious paths and explore!
Don’t become just a fair weather walker - get out there when it’s a bit more challenging.
How do I become a Mountain Leader?
First and foremost, you need some British mountain walking experience. If you don’t have enough you’ve got the great excuse to head to hills and get some more. You will also need to be 18 or over. Then you’ll need to:
Create an account on Mountain Trainings ‘Candidate Management System’ if you don’t have one.
Then you can register for the Mountain Leader scheme and in the process join BMC, Mountaineering Scotland or Mountaineering Ireland if you're not already a member. There is a small cost to both of these things.
Now you can book your Mountain leader training course. But you must have logged at least 20 QMDs before you start the course.
Then after a period of consolidation and after logging at least 40 QMDs and 8 nights wild camping, you can attend your Mountain Leader assessment. However as you might expect, the longer the period of active consolidation and the greater the number of QMD’s, the higher the chances of success. Again another great excuse to go and have some fun.
What’s the training and assessment like?
The training involves a six days course including a two day expedition with one night camping.
Expect long days because there is a lot to cover!
In total, assessment takes five days.
There is a three day expedition with two nights camping and a written home paper to be completed before the start of the Assessment.
Most candidates tend to find the training and assessment intense and challenging, but ultimately enjoyable and rewarding experiences.
You don’t forget your ML Assessment.
Mountain Leader