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Why Take a Mountain Leader Preparation Course – And When is the Best Time?

If you're aiming to become a qualified Mountain Leader (ML), preparation is key! A Mountain Leader prep course is a great way to sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and get you assessment-ready. A structured course can make all the difference, allowing to you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and tailor your consolidation more effectively.


Leading a group in the Lake District Mountains
Leading a group in the Lake District Mountains

Why Do a Mountain Leader Preparation Course?

  1. Refine Key Skills – Navigation, group management, leadership and decision making – an ML preparation course gives you hands-on experience in all these essential skills you'll need to demonstrate on your assessment.

  2. Preparedness - It's a further chance to refine decision-making, learn to cope with unpredictable weather, and practice night navigation and wild camping, all whilst aiming for the ML standard that is expected for your assessment.

  3. Boost Confidence – The more experience you gain, the more assured you’ll feel when leading a group in the hills. A preparation course helps fill any knowledge gaps, lets you answer further questions you didn't get to ask on training and lets you practice in a supportive environment with ML course directors and experienced trainers.

  4. Get Assessment-Ready – If you’re planning to take your ML assessment, a refresher course is the perfect way to make sure you're fully prepared. It’s a chance to iron out any weaknesses and get feedback before the big test.

  5. Meet Like-Minded People – Training alongside other ML candidates means you’ll swap tips, share experiences, and build a solid network of fellow Mountain Leaders.


Navigation training above Honister in the North West Lake District
Navigation training above Honister in the North West Lake District

When’s the Best Time to Do a Mountain Leader Preparation Course?

Timing your ML prep course right is just as important as taking one. Here are a few key things to consider:

  • Getting the Timing Right – The ideal time for a prep course is about 4–6 weeks before your assessment. This gives you enough time to work on any weaknesses highlighted during the course, set goals, and practice key skills without leaving it too late.

  • If you do it too close to your assessment, it could knock your confidence if you discover areas that need improvement. But leaving too much time could mean losing momentum.


At camp on a 2 day ML refresher course
At camp on a 2 day ML refresher course

Final Thoughts

A Mountain Leader preparation course is an opportunity to fine-tunes your skills, builds your confidence, and ensures you're assessment-ready. Plan wisely, take the time to prepare well and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a certified Mountain Leader!


Follow these links if you are looking for a Mountain Leader Refresher or Preparation course:



 
 
 

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