mountain leader courses
training
for Women & under-represented folk
Lake District Mountaineering and Navigation with Harriet have partnered to deliver Mountain Leader training courses that provide a supportive, inclusive environment for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups in the outdoors. These courses are designed to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and prepare candidates for leading others in the UK mountains.
Accreditation
The Mountain Leader Training course is a Mountain Training qualification.
You must meet the pre-requisites and be registered on the scheme to book.
TRAINING: 6 DAY COURSE
PRICES: £480pp
50% deposit secures your booking
(non-residential)
COURSE OVERVIEW
This Mountain Leader training course involves a minimum of 60 hours training over a 6 day period with mountain professionals. This course trains candidates to undertake the assessment stage of the Mountain Leader scheme.
Once qualified, candidates can lead groups in mountain, hill and moorland environments. They are able to manage walking groups safely in summer conditions.
On completion of the training, you will need to undertake assessment to gain qualification.
The Mountain Leader training lasts for six days, including a two day expedition with an overnight camp, and will cover:
The Mountain Leader syllabus
What to expect at assessment
Feedback and areas to focus on prior to assessment.
MOUNTAIN LEADER TRAINING
Based from the Buttermere YHA, this week-long training course will guide and instruct you through the following syllabus:
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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.
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Leadership and decision making
Vision - Support - Challenge
INSPIRE leadership models
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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.
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Hazards and emergency procedures
Party management in steep ground
Emergency rope work
First aid, emergency carries and calling MRT
Water hazards on the hill
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Equipment
Understand personal and group kit
Additional leader equipment
Group needs, water, food and overall nutrition
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Walking skills
Pace, rhythm, foot placement, conservation of energy, balance, and coordination.
Individual movement, demonstration and coaching skills
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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.
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Expedition
Undertake a two day, one night overnight camp.
Learn how to become an effective and responsible camper and supervise mountain camps.
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Teaching and learning skills
Teach and promote learning to ensure safe and enjoyable hill walking.
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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.
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Background knowledge
An awareness of the history, traditions and ethics of recreational mountain walking in the UK and Ireland.
WHY IS THIS COURSE IMPORTANT?
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:
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Address unique challenges, such as menstrual health, physiology, and confidence-building strategies.
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Encourage open conversations and create a safe space for learning.
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Develop leadership skills that feel authentic to you.
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Build lasting confidence through mindset coaching, progressive learning, and inclusive practices.
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Highlight the importance of allyship and support networks.
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Provide a supportive environment for those who may not have previously seen themselves as Mountain Leaders.
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Foster connections with others in similar positions.
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Inspire change and encourage more inclusion in outdoor spaces.
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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.
A FLEXIBLE, EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Our courses are for all ages and focus on meeting your needs. We understand that everyone learns differently, so our instructors adapt their teaching styles to suit you. This isn’t a race or a competition; it’s about all of us learning together in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Expect a course that’s rooted in empathy, emotional intelligence, and progressive teaching methods. We’re here to ensure you leave with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take on the mountains as a capable and inspiring leader.
INCLUSION IN THE OUTDOORS: THE BIGGER PICTURE
Did you know that only 34% of Mountain Leader (summer) award holders are women? By joining these courses, you’re not just taking a step for yourself—you’re contributing to a broader movement toward inclusivity in the outdoors. Together, we can create a ripple effect that inspires others and helps diversify the world of mountain leadership.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
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Women, including trans women, non-binary individuals, and others from under-represented groups in the outdoors
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Women seeking a supportive environment to build confidence and skills in mountain leadership
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Outdoor enthusiasts eager to develop their navigation, safety, and leadership abilities
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Those who want to lead groups safely while feeling empowered and respected
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Women looking for community, encouragement, and mentorship throughout their learning journey
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Women aspiring to become role models and community figures, inspiring others from under-represented backgrounds to engage with the outdoors
REGISTRATION:
BEFORE YOU BOOK A TRAINING COURSE, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED ON THE SCHEME:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Have a genuine interest in leading groups in the mountains
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Be a current member of a mountaineering council, such as:
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British Mountaineering Council (BMC)
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Mountaineering Ireland
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Mountaineering Scotland
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Create an account and register for the Mountain Leader scheme via the Mountain Training Candidate Management System (CMS)
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Have 20 QMD's in your DLOG
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(Registration fee: £65
your trainers
Sam
Marsland
he/him
Sam is the owner of Lake District Mountaineering and serves as a Mountain Leader course director, delivering training and assessments for Mountain Training.
Sam's experience and qualifications ensure participants receive the highest quality training. As a Mountain Leader course director, he mentors aspiring leaders with an inclusive, empowering approach, making him relatable to individuals of all backgrounds. His passion for education and outdoor learning for all folks makes Sam an inspiring role model in the outdoor community.
"As a Mountain Training Course Director, I have the privilege of providing opportunities for under-represented individuals with the skills and confidence to lead in the outdoors; it's about creating opportunities for folk to step into a space where they can thrive, and share their unique perspectives"
Harriet Macmillan
she/her
Harriet - of Navigation with Harriet - is the main trainer on these courses and her focus is on creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for women, non-binary, and other underrepresented groups in the outdoors.
Harriet’s teaching focuses on empowering participants to feel confident and capable in outdoor environments, addressing any fears or barriers they may face.
Harriet’s unique combination of expertise, empathy, and advocacy for diversity sets her apart. She holds a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups, ensuring everyone leaves feeling seen & heard and ready to consolidate with confidence.
our partnership
How Our Roles Work Together:
1. Harriet’s Expertise in Training:
Harriet delivers the day-to-day instruction, sharing her extensive experience in navigation and mountain skills. Her role is essential in helping participants develop practical skills, confidence, and a connection to the outdoors, particularly for women and underrepresented folk.
Harriet's ethos revolves around inclusivity, empowerment, and building confidence
2. Sam’s Role as Course Director:
Sam oversees the accreditation, structure, and moderation of the courses. As the person recognised by Mountain Training, his role ensures that the courses are certified and meet the national guidelines required for Mountain Leader training and assessment.
Sam’s inclusive teaching style, combined with his passion for sharing knowledge, makes him approachable and encouraging
3. Why This Partnership is Crucial:
Mountain Leader courses can only be run by an accredited course director. Without Sam’s qualifications and approval as course director, the courses could not operate under the Mountain Training scheme.
Harriet’s skills as a trainer bring the course to life. Harriet’s teaching focuses on empowering participants to feel confident and capable in outdoor environments, addressing any fears or barriers they may face.
This collaboration allows Harriet to focus on delivering a high-quality, inclusive learning experience, while Sam ensures the courses are officially recognised and compliant, making their partnership both practical and inspiring. Together, they combine passion, expertise, and professionalism to deliver an exceptional training experience.
dates
COURSE RATIOS
Training ratio: 1:6
Group size: min 2 | max 12
Experienced ML course staff mean you get great training input from instructors that are current and passionate.
You'll work with multiple experienced trainers, including Sam and Harriet, who bring current, passionate input throughout the course.
PRE-REQUISITES
18+ years old
At least 1 year of mountain walking experience
Genuine interest in leading groups in mountain terrain
Member of a mountaineering council
Registered on the Mountain Leader scheme – [Register here]
Up-to-date logbook (preferably DLOG) with 20+ varied Quality Mountain Days
What is a Quality Mountain Day? [Link or explanation]
EQUIPMENT
A full kit list is provided at booking
Bring warm, waterproof clothing
and mountain boots
Tents:
Bring your own or hire one
(£25/night); sharing may be possible if you arrange pre-course
Sleeping gear must be your own
We're happy to advise on your camping setup
VENUE
The course is based at Buttermere YHA
YHA accommodation is recommended, but other local options are available
(we can advise)
Some days may start on location to save time on the course; intros and evening sessions are at the YHA
Lift shares may be arranged if transport is needed
The hostel is accessible via bus routes (from Keswick and Cockermouth)
this course is accredited to mountain training
Mountain Training is the collection of awarding bodies for skills courses and qualifications in walking, climbing and mountaineering that operates across the UK and The Republic Of Ireland.
Our qualifications train and assess people to look after other people in these environments, whether that's leading a walk in the mountains, coaching in a climbing wall or teaching multi pitch rock climbing. People who hold our qualifications have been assessed at a nationally agreed standard.
Our Vision
A diverse and active outdoor society, supported by inspirational leaders, instructors and coaches.
Our Mission
To inspire, enable and develop people in walking, climbing and mountaineering through the provision of nationally and internationally recognised skills training and leadership qualifications.
Support for people
Mountain Training is committed to ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity to attend our courses. We work in close partnership with the mountaineering councils and a key strand of their work is to ensure that participation is open to all. The BMC Equity Steering Group and initiatives like Adventure for All have been central to this and are an excellent source of information.
CONTACT
We look forward to hearing from you and working towards your mountaineering ambitions and helping to achieve your goals.
Phone or WhatsApp:
07458353048
If calls are missed we will respond when possible, please leave a WhatsApp or text message so we can respond to your enquiry.
Thank you