Mountain Leader Training (Summer)

The ML training offered by HSMT is now run over two long weekends, not three weekends as stated below, see course dates for ML training. However the basic information below gives a good outline of the areas covered over the two weekends, along with requirements for the course. This page is currently under review and will be amended in due course.

This ~~three weekend~~ course is intended for experienced hillwalkers who wish to become leaders in the British mountains. Its aim is to address the technical skills, judgement and areas of knowledge which will make you a safe leader, and which you will need to practice before returning for assessment.

Please do not send your Log Book in the post to us before the course.

Pre-requisites

Mountain Leader Training England strictly requires that all students are registered prior to commencing the course. The Board will not recognise completion of the course by non-registered participants. Copies of the guidance notes are available from the MLTE website. Bring your logbook to the course fully completed with your experience. You will benefit most from the course if you are fit and have experience of using a map and compass in the mountain environment.

Contacted details for registration and syllabus enquiries can be found at www.mlte.org

Course content

The MLTE syllabus for the course is closely followed. In particular we will look at the practical skills and techniques required when leading groups walking and camping in the British Mountains. The programme may be revised at short notice to take account of weather and other considerations, in such a way as to satisfy the spirit and detail of the Mountain Leader syllabus. The three weekends are generally split into the following areas:

South Wales - Weekend 1

An introductory day looking at key skills of mountain navigation
Equipment - the leader's rucksack
Interpretation of the environment
Introduction to; Emergency use of rope on the hills
Mountain rescue and incident management
River crossing

North Wales- Weekend 2

More mountain navigation
Different types of terrain
Risk assessment
Mountain hazards
Confidence roping
Anchor selection and use
Short pitches in ascent and descent
Lowering and classic abseil

South Wales-Weekend 3

A two day, tent based mountain expedition
More time spent on topics already covered
Night navigation
Campcraft

In addition, there will be evening classroom or centre based sessions, covering some of the more theoretical aspects of the syllabus. We intend to look at the following areas:

Weather forecasting
Legal responsibilities of Mountain Leaders
Planning a mountain journey
Access and conservation

All of our members are dedicated mountaineers and hillwalkers with a great depth of knowledge of the area, and will be keen to pass on their knowledge to you.

The day begins with breakfast and collection of packed lunches at 7:30am. After an 8:30am briefing we commence the day about 9:00am returning from a full day of activity for tea and cakes by 5pm. Some evenings there will be a further session, usually classroom based, at 5.30pm. Dinner is normally at about 7pm, and on some nights there will be a further talks at pm.

The Venue

The venues used in South Wales are normally either one of the Scout Association Centres or one of the Hampshire County Council Centres . These centres are all within or on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The venues used in North Wales are normally Scout Association Centres.

The mountainous areas of Wales provide ideal ground for this award.

The Accommodation

Accommodation varies between the centres but all the centres provide, multiple toilets and shower rooms, a large kitchen that conforms to food safety standards and a dining room. In addition some centres have a further lounge, ideal for lectures or socialising.

Catering

Breakfast and dinner are served each day in the centre, except for the expedition. Each night there is a main course and dessert (including vegetarian option-if pre booked). Each morning bread, fruit, cake and biscuits etc. will be laid out, for you to make up a packed lunch. Food will not be provided for the expedition. This will be discussed on the 2^nd weekend.

Equipment

At this level we expect students to have most of their own equipment. However, it is possible to borrow technical gear, outer clothing and rucksacks from our stores if necessary. As me may visit any of a number of different venues, we do not expect you to buy maps, and will provide them. The following list is a suggestion of what you should bring:

Personal mountain clothing: Small amount of cash
Waterproof top and bottoms: Head torch and batteries
Hat and Gloves: Compass
Day rucksack with liner: 1:25000 maps of Snowdon and the Glyders
Small first aid kit: Old trainers and clothes for river crossing
Water bottle: ML Logbook, up to date
Vacuum flask: The ML Award Handbook
Walking boots: Tent
Gaiters: Karrimat or thermarest
Personal toiletries and medication: Sleeping bag
Informal clothing for leisure wear: Stove, fuel and matches
Notebook and pens: Pans, KFS

Useful Books

It is highly recommended that you should read through the relevant chapters in " Hillwalking" by Steve Long in preparation for the more theoretical aspects of the course.

Hillwalking: by Steve Long (UKMTB official pub.)
Looking at Weather: by Ingrid Holfard
Mountain Navigation: by Peter Cliff
Mountain Weather: by Pedgley
Weather for Hillwalkers & Climbers: by M Thomas
Website of the MLTE: www.mlte.org

Reading relevant magazines is also a good way to keep abreast of current issues.