British Cycling MTB Level 2 Leadership Award

This qualification is designed for experienced mountain bikers who want to lead and guide others on off-road trails safely. It’s an industry-recognised certification that equips you with the skills and knowledge to plan, lead, and manage group rides on a variety of terrains.

With the British Cycling Level 2 Mountain Bike Leadership qualification, you can:

• Lead guided mountain bike rides for groups on off-road trails
• Work in the outdoor sector as a certified MTB leader
• Volunteer at cycling clubs and community groups
• Start your own mountain biking business, offering guided tours and skills sessions
• Enhance your personal skill set, allowing you to plan and lead rides with confidence

To attend the course, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have substantial mountain biking experience on various terrains and in different weather conditions
• Possess a suitable level of physical fitness for a day’s riding on red-graded trails
• Provide evidence of recent riding experience (minimum of 15 quality rides, with at least four rides lasting 4 hours or more)
• Complete a two-day outdoor First Aid course before your assessment (a Mountain Bike-specific First Aid Course is also available)

The course consists of two main components:

Training:

The initial training phase is a two-day course where you’ll cover essential skills such as ride planning, group management, navigation, and technical riding. Each day typically starts at 9:00 AM, with riding beginning around 9:30 AM, and lasts for approximately 6-8 hours.

Assessment:

The assessment is a one-day session that you can book once you feel confident in the skills you’ve developed during training. The assessment includes a written paper to be completed and submitted beforehand. On the day of the assessment, you’ll lead a full-day mountain bike journey (usually 5-6 hours) to demonstrate your leadership, navigation, and group management skills. You have up to 18 months after your training to complete the assessment.

The course is typically held in the beautiful surroundings of Fort William, Scotland, and nearby trail centres such as Nevis Range. These locations provide a variety of terrains ideal for developing and demonstrating your leadership skills. We can also travel to other locations based on the needs of our participants.

Your instructor will give you more detailed information in advance of your course. However, here is some guidance:

• A mountain bike in good working order suitable for technical trails (bike hire is available if needed)
• A helmet (mandatory) and any other protective gear you prefer
• Enough food and water for each day to keep you energised and hydrated
• Weather-appropriate clothing, including warm, waterproof, and breathable layers
• A small backpack for carrying personal items, snacks, and water
• A basic bike repair kit, including an inner tube, multi-tool, specific bike parts (e.g., hanger, brake pads), and a pump
• Your logbook or evidence of recent rides to present during the course

The course fee includes:

• Registration with British Cycling
• Two days of comprehensive training, covering all aspects of mountain bike leadership
• A one-day practical assessment - only if you select this package option
• Detailed instruction on planning, leading, and navigating group rides
• Hands-on practice with equipment set-up and trailside repairs
• Guidance on managing accidents and emergencies
• Core mountain biking technique development
• Access to our knowledgeable and supportive instructors

The course fee does not include:

• Mountain bike and equipment (available for hire upon request)
• Helmet and protective gear (mandatory for all participants)
• Food and water for each day
• Accommodation (we can recommend local options if needed)
• First Aid course (required for assessment)
• Assessment - however, you can book your assessment as part of a package if you wish, which is priced at £150 per person

The Scottish Highlands are known for unpredictable weather. It’s essential to come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for rain, wind, and cooler temperatures. The course will proceed in most weather conditions, but in the case of extreme weather that could compromise safety, we may need to reschedule. We’ll keep you informed and work with you to find the best solution.