Mountain Leader Training England has produced a DVD showcasing the eight leadership and instructional awards available in the UK.
The Mountain Leader Award (ML) was established in 1964 to promote the safe enjoyment of our hills and mountains. The scheme provides training and assessment in the skills required to lead summer walking parties in the hills, mountains and moorlands of Britain and Ireland.
Whilst fostering a love of the hills in their groups, leaders should also make them aware of the nature of rural communities, the needs of other hill users, and the fragility of many upland habitats. Consideration of these aspects is vital if the mountain environment is to be protected.
It is the combination of technical skills, personal experience and leadership qualities which form the basis for effective group leadership. The ML scheme assesses all these aspects and the ML handbook lays out the award in more detail.
The ML film begins with a school party being guided up Tryfan. We then see an ML training course, including interviews with candidates and the trainer.
Mountain Leader Award
If planning on progressing through the ML, first register for the scheme with a home nation training board - see links opposite. You can view forthcoming courses in England and Wales. Alternatively contact English and Welsh providers direct, to see when they are delivering courses.
The films of all the awards available in the UK can be viewed on the BMC website. Alternatively, contact Mountain Leader Training England for a copy of the comprehensive DVD.