Hill and Moorland Leader Training in Lancashire

The main focus of the course is to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively lead groups in hill and moorland environments. This includes training in navigation, route finding, hazard identification, emergency procedures, equipment use, leadership responsibilities, group management, and understanding environmental impacts and weather conditions.

Eligibility criteria include being at least 18 years old, having a year’s worth of experience in hill walking, an interest in leading groups in the hills, and being a member of a mountaineering council (BMC, Mountaineering Scotland, or Mountaineering Ireland). Additionally, candidates must have registered on the Hill and Moorland Leader scheme and recorded a minimum of 20 Quality Hillwalking Days.

Upon completing the training, participants are eligible to book onto the Hill and Moorland Leader assessment. Once assessed successfully, the qualification allows individuals to lead groups in hill and moorland areas of the UK and Ireland. This qualification is ideal for those interested in outdoor leadership in less rugged upland terrain compared to that covered by Mountain Leaders. We offer the assessment at our centre. Check it out at the bottom of this page.

A ‘Quality Hillwalking Day’ is a term used in outdoor leadership qualifications, particularly in the UK and Ireland, to define a certain standard of experience gained during a day of hillwalking. The criteria for what constitutes a Quality Hillwalking Day generally includes the following elements:

• Varied Terrain: The walk should cover a variety of terrains, including some more challenging or complex ground that requires careful navigation and route planning.
• Significant Distance and Ascent: The walk should be of a sufficient distance and involve a reasonable amount of ascent (elevation gain), to demonstrate endurance and fitness.
• Navigation Skills: The day should involve the use of map and compass skills under varying conditions. This could include navigating in poor visibility, such as mist or fog, or off-path navigation.
• Decision Making: The walker should be involved in the decision-making process, such as route planning, assessing conditions, and making navigational choices.
• Leadership Experience: For those training to be leaders, the day may also involve taking responsibility for a group, making it a more valuable experience in terms of leadership development.
• Weather Conditions: Walking in different weather conditions can contribute to the quality of the day, as dealing with adverse weather requires additional skills and judgment.
• Duration: The walk should typically last most of the day. It’s not just about distance covered or time spent, but the overall experience and learning gained from the day.

Quality Hillwalking Days are logged as part of the experience required for qualifications including the Hill and Moorland Leader Award. These logged days are a way for individuals to demonstrate they have substantial and varied experience in hillwalking, which prepares them for leading groups in similar environments.

Accommodation is not included in this course. However, it can be arranged upon request and subject to availablity. The majority of our bedrooms sleep between 3 to 4 in bunk beds in each room. Sheets, duvets and pillows are provided. All rooms are en-suite.