MOUNTAIN LEADER

TRAINING

summer mountain leader award training course in snowdonia

"It's a rare skill to create a learning environment which challenged and pushed me to new levels of competence but at the same time was enjoyable. There was an intense focus on my development and I learnt so much over the week."

Claire 2022

THE

DETAILS

COURSE DATES

2024

6-11 April

27 July - 1Aug

Split Courses

16-18 Feb & 15-17 March

3-5 & 17-19 May

6-8 & 20-22 Sept

18-20 Oct & 22-24 Nov

2025

5-10 April

I can arrange bespoke dates if you are a group of min 4 wishing to do a training course.

COST

2025 -£400 per person

2026 -£425 per person

(this is a non-residential course)

6 days

Ratio 1:6

HOW TO BOOK

It's simple!

Complete the online booking form and pay a deposit

Make sure you check out the terms and conditions on the Booking Page

Full payment details are on the booking form and you will receive confirmation of your booking, payment received in an auto reply and I will contact you shortly before the course with the final details

HOW WILL I
HELP YOU...

This is the start of of your ML journey, one that we will go on together to support you throughout to gain the Award, I am genuinely here to help you become a Mountain Leader. Here's some of the ways that I'll do that...

Book your Training Course & receive your detailed course notes
Receive 2 information emails prior to the course expanding your Mountain Leader knowledge in prep for the course
Attend the Training Course
Have an individual Action Plan created for you at the end of the course
Receive your Post Course Notes which are web based and constantly updated
Receive a discount on future Mountain Leader Refresher courses after your training
Have access to me via email & phone to answer questions / offer guidance on your journey towards gaining the Award

When you book an assessment with me, the support continues

Book your Assessment Course & receive your detailed course notes
Receive 3 information emails prior to the course offering pointers in your preparation
Offer of Phone / email / WhatsApp / Zoom / coffee to chat through any aspect of your preparation for the assessment
Attend the Assessment Course

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 will never know...I'm here to help....

ppmountaineering@me.com

HOW DO YOU BECOME A MOUNTAIN LEADER?

Here is a summary of the process from start to finish in gaining the award

The Mountain Leader Award is one of the most highly sought after qualifications to lead people in the outdoors, it is specifically aimed at those who want to lead in the mountains of the UK. All you need is to be a committed mountain walker and have a desire and passion to share the mountains with others, it’s quite simply the best job in the World!

The mountains of the UK are remote, technical and exposed to harsh unpredictable weather. This makes them a hazardous place for novice walkers and the Mountain Leader is designed to help responsible leaders who wish to operate in mountainous terrain in summer conditions. A Mountain Leader course will develop your group management skills, the ability to navigate in all conditions, to deal with mountain hazards including steep ground and increase your awareness of environmental issues. There is an expedition element to the scheme. The Award is overseen by Mountain Training. For full details and how to register click here.

STEP 01

Have a minimum of 12 months experience mountain walking and be at least 18 years old

STEP 01

Have a minimum of 12 months experience mountain walking and be at least 18 years old

STEP 03

You must have recorded a minimum of 20 Quality Mountain Days (ideally on DLOG) which can

have taken place at any point (pre- or post-registration)

STEP 09

Continue to gain and record experience and any relevant additional training

STEP 02

You must be registered for the Mountain Leader Award and have an account on Mountain Training's Candidate Management System

STEP 04

You must be a member of a Mountaineering Council (British Mountaineering Council, Mountaineering Council of Scotland or Mountaineering Ireland)

STEP 06

Have a consolidation period building on the skills learnt at the training course. There will be 2 Zoom catch up events a number of months after which will continue to support you on your journey towards assessment.

STEP 08

Attend a one week Mountain Leader Assessment Course in Snowdonia, North Wales

STEP 05

Attend a Mountain Leader Training Course which lasts 6 days

STEP 07

Acquire a valid and appropriate First Aid qualification

WHAT WILL THE COURSE COVER?

The course will follow the Mountain Leader Syllabus over 6 days practically on the mountain, it will demonstrate how to operate as a competent and safe Mountain Leader, the week is supported by some presentations.

This is a sample programme and is subject to change based on weather

DAY 01

After an introduction to the Award we will head out onto the hills and look at methods to navigate in the mountains, this is a fundamental skill to a Mountain Leader and will continue throughout the 6 days. Back at base we’ll look at analysing weather forecasts in more detail and how it will influence our decisions in the mountains.

DAY 03

The day will start with a discussion on the responsibilities of a Mountain Leader. Managing the group is still the main topic today, but looking at moving through steeper ground and the emergency use of a rope in ascent and descent. Later in the day we will discuss how to deal with incidents in the mountains. There will also be an introduction to Poor Visibility navigation today as well.

DAY 05 & 06

This is a mini overnight break in the mountains! The first thing we’ll do is to consider the weather forecast and plan an appropriate 2 day journey looking at related expedition skills like wild camping. We’ll continue building the navigation skills in the mountains and it will include an opportunity to experience and practise these skills in “poor visibility”.

Towards the end we'll consider how to deal with water hazards, finishing the end of the week with individual feedback and an action plan for the future.

DAY 02

At the start of the day we will continue the theme of analysing the weather forecast and consider our options based on this. The day will look at macro navigation whilst managing a group in a mountain setting, including the additional equipment that a Mountain Leader would carry.

DAY 04

This is a day where we’ll start applying all the skills we’ve looked at this week so far in a mountain journey including aspects of macro navigation, route finding through steeper ground, group management and leadership skills required to do this.

POST TRAINING?

The next stage is now to go and explore new mountains and put all these new skills into practise before you return for your assessment at some point in the future. Mountain Training recommend that it’s no earlier than 3 months, many people use it as an excuse for lots of mountain adventures!

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.

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.

DO I NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?

You should be at least 18 years old

You should have at least a years worth of experience of mountain walking

You should have an interest in leading groups in the mountains

To undertake the Mountain Leader training course you will need to complete the following;

You must be registered on the Mountain Leader Award and have an account on Mountain Training’s Candidate Management System

You must have recorded a minimum of 20 Quality Mountain Days (ideally on DLOG) which can

have taken place at any point (pre- or post-registration)

You must be a member of a Mountaineering Council (the British Mountaineering Council, Mountaineering Council of Scotland or Mountaineering Ireland).

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.

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.