MOUNTAIN LEADER
ASSESSMENT
summer mountain leader award assessment course in snowdonia
"There is clearly a reason you’re rated no1 ML trainer in Wales / UK! - you’re a phenomenal teacher and leader: you put everyone at ease around you, explain tricky concepts simply, and hold adult to adult conversations when teaching or assessing. That’s a remarkable skill and not really something that can be easily taught or leant to a high level. I honestly did enjoy every moment of the assessment and have no doubt that it was due to the both of you being such excellent assessors and making the whole thing very relaxed, enjoyable and informative. "
Lucy 2024
HOW WILL I
HELP YOU...
This is the continuation of the ML journey for you, you've gained the experience, attended a training course and now ready for the next chapter. I am genuinely here to help you on that next part, here's some of the ways that I'll do that...​
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Book your Assessment Course & receive your detailed course notes which includes my ML Resources page that has heaps of quality knowledge to help your preparation!
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Receive 3 information emails prior to the course offering pointers in your preparation
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Receive a discount on Mountain Leader Refresher courses
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​ If you need advice on your mountain preparation then get in touch early and I can look at your Logbook and offer any necessary advice
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Attend the Assessment Course
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Beyond all that I will always find the time to call, WhatsApp, Zoom or go old school and meet for a coffee / beer to chat through any questions, concerns, fears you have.
If you don't ask, you won't know...I'm here to help....
WHAT WILL MY
ASSESSMENT LOOK LIKE?
This is a 5 day course spent in the mountains each day, looking at all aspects of the Mountain Training Syllabus including navigation, mountain hazards, how to keep people safe, weather and your general knowledge about the hills. As with all assessments they should be an enjoyable experience set in a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to perform at your best and hopefully learn some new skills too!
This is a mountain leading qualification and we will aim to spend every day in the mountain areas and helpfully summit a few peaks too! Below is a sample programme and is subject to change based on weather.
Day 01 & 02
After discussing the week in detail, we'll spend the 1st two days looking at your navigation skills making journeys through steep mountainous terrain giving you opportunities to display your group management strategies, leadership and the emergency use of the rope. A busy couple of days.
Throughout the 5 days there will also be opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge of the mountains, for example, flora and fauna, how the land is used, geology and myths & legends. Weather interpretation is important as part of your strategy to keep people safe in the mountains so a reasonable amount of time each day will be spent analysing the forecasts.
Day 03-05
Expeditions are a fantastic way to explore the mountains especially areas that may not be visited as frequently and our mini break journeying through the mountains will give us this opportunity. Areas that we’ll focus on are expedition skills, further mountain navigation including “poor” visibility and dealing with incidents in the mountains including water hazards. On return and after a well deserved cuppa there will be an individual feedback session discussing your performance over the past 5 days.
EXPERIENCE
During the period between training and assessment, candidates are expected to gain personal experience in mountain areas. This should preferably include some practise in leading parties in easy hill country. Working under the guidance of a suitably experienced leader in more difficult terrain is also recommended. Every opportunity should be taken to practise the skills learned during training.
Before you book onto a Mountain Leader assessment, make sure you have done the following:
PRE-REQUISITES CHECKLIST
Before you arrive please ensure you have done the following...
You must have attended a Mountain Leader training course (or have been granted exemption)
You must be familiar with the syllabus
You must have logged a minimum of 40 Quality Mountain Days in THREE different regions of the UK and Ireland
You must hold a current first aid certificate, minimum 16 hours and relevant to your work as a Mountain Leader
You must have logged at least 8 nights camping, including at least 4 nights wild camping
LOGBOOK
Please remember to update your digital logbook prior to the start of the course
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
WHO WILL RUN MY COURSE?
I am normally part of most courses, however there are a number of courses every year that I am unable to be part of. A very small team of close friends work for me throughout the year and between us we have delivered over 600 ML courses, so we are an exceptionally experienced team.
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We hold a range of awards including the IML, WML, MCI, WMCI, have extensive experience working as Mountain Leaders and are very passionate about the mountains, it's important to point out that we all still work as Mountain Leaders, we don't just deliver these courses!
Whilst qualifications are essential, for me the ability to teach, coach and support in a relaxed safe manner are equally as important.
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DO I NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
To undertake the Mountain Leader Assessment course you will need to fulfill the following
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You must have attended a Mountain Leader Training course (or have been granted exemption)
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You must be familiar with the syllabus
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You must have logged a minimum of 40 Quality Mountain Days in three different regions of the UK and Ireland (ideally identified on the Digital Logbook)
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You must hold a current first aid certificate, minimum 16 hours and relevant to your work as a Mountain Leader
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You must have logged at least 8 nights camping, including at least 4 nights wild camping
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WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
You should ensure you are appropriately equipped to spend a week in the mountains. You will receive your detailed courses notes when you book your place.
WHERE DO WE MEET?
We will normally meet you in Capel Curig at 0900, I will confirm the time and place when you reserve your place.​
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WHAT'S INCLUDED?
All instruction by an approved Mountain Training provider and specialist equipment like ropes and helmets if required.
WHAT"S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Food
Personal Insurance
Personal equipment
BOOKING
You will need to complete a booking form and pay a deposit of £160 at the time of booking. Full payment will need to be made 56 days before the start of the course.
WHERE CAN I STAY?
There is a full range of accommodation options in Snowdonia to suit every budget and taste. The ones suggested in FAQ operate independently from Paul Poole Mountaineering.
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OTHER QUESTIONS
If you have other questions that you haven’t been able to find the answer to on my website, then just drop me a line at ppmountaineering@me.com
WHERE NEXT?
ROCK CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR
Rock Climbing Instructor Training in North Wales
REFRESHER DAYS
Mountain Leader Refresher Days based in North Wales
SCOTTISH WINTER
Winter walking course based in Cairngorm National Park