Introduction

This award is for leaders of walking groups in non-mountainous hilly terrain known variously as upland, moor, bog, hill, fell or down. Such areas are often subject to very harsh weather conditions and require an element of self-sufficiency. Taking responsibility for and leading others in these ever changing and sometimes hostile environments requires skills, knowledge and awareness's that are best developed through a structured training scheme. The Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTB) was set up in 1964, (Later to become Mountain Training England - MLTE) it's aim being to provide training and assessment for those wishing to lead others in the hill and mountain regions of the UK. The schemes are recognised by many organisations including the Health and Safety Executive and the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (AALA).

The MLTE Walking Group Leader (WGL) Award was established to promote the safe enjoyment of the hill and moorland areas. The scheme provides training and assessment in the technical and group management skills required by those who wish to lead groups in the hills and moorlands of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, other than in winter conditions. It integrates experience, training and assessment in a variety of testing conditions in hill country.

Course content

Both the training and assessment courses cover the following areas:

Group management and leader responsibilities:

• Operational responsibilities

  

• Personal and leadership skills
• Group management

Technical Competence:

• Navigation
• Hazard awareness
• Emergency procedures
• Expedition work
• Weather
• Equipment

The Environment:

• Access
• Conservation
• Structure of the activity
• Current legislation
• Environmental awareness

The training course in particular aims to provide the candidate with a basis of training from which they can then consolidate their experience. This will be done by completing a log-book of personal hill walking and also assisting with the supervision of novice groups in the hills and moorlands. By training with others of a similar standard, but from a variety of backgrounds, the course provides a varied and stimulating environment in which to learn both from others on the course and through expert guidance.

Entry requirements

Training

In order to attend a training course you must first be registered with MLTE walking group leader scheme and you should have logged at least 20 day hill walks. To register you will need to apply to the MLTE (Tel: 01690 720314 or e-mail via www.mlte.org) and obtain a log book in which to record your experience.

The training course is for potential leaders and assumes basic competence as a hillwalker. At the end of the course the director of training will complete the training page in the logbook and will attach a numbered sticker to the title page. The training course does not include assessment. Assessment takes place after a period of consolidation, which will be guided by your performance on the training course. The end of course action plan will advise candidates appropriately as to their suitability for assessment and any advisory timescales.

Further information

WGL courses (training & assessment) are run over three day blocks usually over a long weekend (3 days), however three day blocks can be arranged at any time. They are residential based and could include an overnight under canvas or in a bunk house.

This year we have not advertised any courses but they are available on request. A group of 4 - 6 are needed for training courses and four (4) for assessment courses. If you would like further information or you would like to speak with a course director please contact: