Mountain Training Lowland Leader qualification
Take a look at the Lowland Leader scheme, so you can decide whether it’s the right qualification for you.
This article takes a more detailed look at the Lowland Leader qualification, so you can decide whether it’s the right qualification for you.
Who is it for?
The Lowland Leader qualification is ideal for teachers, community workers, those involved with DofE, or anyone who wants to lead summer walking groups in lowland countryside and woodland. ‘Lowlands’ means you will be operating in a landscape of fields and woodland, where there are clear paths on the map and on the ground. This would include spectacular landscapes across the UK, from the South West Coast Path to the Great Glen Way.
The Lowland Leader Qualification is nationally recognised as a robust, quality assured measure of your competence and will be accepted as such by most employers and authorities. It can be used anywhere in the UK when you are in appropriate terrain and not straying into moorland and mountain areas where more advanced skills might be needed. The Lowland Leader qualification is not a recognised leadership qualification outside the UK.
What does it cover?
The course looks at route-finding skills, an understanding of hazards and risk management, leadership techniques and an appreciation of equipment needs and the impact of weather. There is an optional Expedition Skills module available for candidates who wish to move on to leading camping trips and supervising groups on backpacking expeditions.
How does it work?
Get some personal experience, do a training course, consolidate your learning, go for assessment and then continue developing as a Lowland Leader. The length of time it takes to become a Lowland Leader depends on how much experience you already have. Mountain Training recommend at least three months between training and assessment, and if it takes you a few years to feel ready, that’s fine too.
The training and assessment courses are two days each, which means they can take place over a weekend so there’s no need to take time off work. Before attending a training course you should have a minimum of 10 varied walks in lowland terrain, where the use of a map is required, or, have attended a walking and navigation personal skills training course recognised by Mountain Training (such as Hill Skills). Building up a logbook of walks will be straightforward for many people as they regularly go hill walking in non-mountainous terrain because it’s close to home and easy to organise.
There are providers the length and breadth of the UK who have been approved to deliver the Lowland Leader qualification so most people should be able to do a training and assessment course close to home.
"I currently work as a Programme Officer for an International NGO in London. My background is in humanitarian aid – I’ve worked in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mali and most recently the Turkey/Syria border.
Until 5/6 years ago I was not active at all. Growing up in the heart of London and on a council estate I spent most of my time at home or in the local park. I never left my postcode, let alone London. It was only after doing some volunteering work aboard in Tanzania that my appetite for the outdoors really grew, and since then, I haven’t looked back.
My favourite places to walk are Epping Forest – it’s just so easily accessible. 30 minutes on the Central line and I’m walking in forestry, and South Downs Way/Seven Sister. The terrain, the English Channel, the cliffs, it’s so different from the usual walks I do.
I genuinely believe in life you should do what makes you happy. Walking and exploring is my passion, and it’s what I want to do. I would love to be a full-on, full-time Mountain Leader. And so the Lowland Leader scheme is the first step on this path."
READ MORE
Related Content
Hill Walking Events
BMC members are invited to join a Social Hike in the High Peak delivered by Members of the Rucksack Club on Saturday 30th November 2024
Dringo Dan Do Dysgwch Sgiliau
All the tips on how to move from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing
Mynydda Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here’s your heads-up to some of the most common winter walking mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A series of guides to some of the most popular scrambles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here's what you need to think about when moving together for scrambling and climbing
Rock Climbing Articles
The BMC Incident and Near Miss reporting system helps to promote reflection and effect behavioural change to reduce the potential for future incidents.
Hillwalking Destinations
It's no easy feat, but with a little advice, organisation, knowledge and determination, climbing the Wainwrights is doable for almost anyone. This beginner-friendly guide aims to teach you about the fells and how to plan for and complete them.
Hill Walking Articles
Chris Townsend's top tips on getting the most out of a long-distance adventure, plus three week-long route ideas for beginners, offering a mix of nature, history, solitude and challenge.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here's a run down of the essentials of using micro gear when climbing
Hill Walking Articles
Snowdonia-based fell running guides Sarah and Ian Ridgway share their top 10 tips for beginner fell runners.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Are you a hill walker wanting to tackle steeper terrain, but nervous about heights? Don’t panic – there are steps you can take to fight the fear.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
How to choose an ice axe for your next winter adventure
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
In this guide, we share tips to help you navigate your way back to safety in the event of a whiteout.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A common and false perception of abseiling is that it is an adventure activity that is completely safe. But accidents do occur even in controlled circumstances.
Hill Walking Articles
The health and well being benefits of physical activity are numerous. Apart from the obvious physical benefits, there are many mental health and social perks to hillwalking and climbing too.
Mynydda Dysgwch Sgiliau
Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Rob Johnson explains the essentials of choosing and using your first ice axe and crampons for winter mountaineering.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The know-how, top tips and gear you'll need for scrambling safely.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
The mountains at night can be hazardous, but also wonderful. Here are a handful of helpful tips for exploring the dark side.
Hill Walking Articles
The best way to prepare yourself for the hills is to get out in the hills. But what if you can only get out once a month? Running guide Sarah Ridgway reveals her secrets to staying fast.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
When should you use crampons? Our guide explains the 'when', 'where' and 'how' of deploying your spiky winter gear.
Article
Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.
Hillwalking Destinations
Sarah Stirling lists five of the easiest Munros for beginner hikers to bag!
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Friction blisters on the feet are a common and potentially serious complication of hiking or hillwalking and other outdoor activities. This guide explains how to prevent and treat blisters accordingly.
Article
We've totted up a few fun facts and some trail trivia about this iconic route, including some surprising statistics that are guaranteed to earn you points at the next pub quiz. Read on for everything you need to know about this pioneering path...
Hill Walking Articles
Having a duvet day or a quiet night in? We've got you covered. There's nothing better than a day in the hills - but we think planning a day in the hills comes in pretty close second. If you're looking for inspiration for your next on-foot adventure, check out our lineup of ten of the best mountaineering, hiking and hillwalking films from the BMC TV YouTube channel.
Cerdded Bryniau
Forget ghost stories and horror movies - a simple walk in the story-stuffed British wilds is the best way to get your skin crawling.
Mynydda Dysgwch Gêr
Do you carry a first aid kit in the mountains? We take a look at the essentials for any mountaineering first aid kit and how to use them.
Mountaineering Destinations
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Climb grade 5 outdoor sport routes, but want to progress? How do you start pushing your comfort zone, and what should you focus on?
Cerdded Bryniau Newyddion
Many people will have visited the summit of Great Gable in the Lake District and looked at the bronze plaque close to the summit commemorating FRCC members killed in World War One. This plaque was unveiled 100 years ago this year, on 8 June 1924, so this year, the FRCC held a commemorative meet with members staying at their huts in Wasdale, Borrowdale and Buttermere. This was attended by the BMC’s Hill Walking Rep Steve Charles and Lakes Area Rep Ron Kenyon, who sent this fascinating report of the day’s events and the history of the plaque.
Cerdded Bryniau
It helps you cope at work, 'heals' your brain, makes you more creative and it could even be better for you than running. Here are six ways walking could be more powerful than you realise.
Hill Walking Articles
Diversity conversations in the outdoors can’t leave anyone out. At ESEA Outdoors UK we’re celebrating the fact that East and Southeast Asian people go outdoors too, in spite of historical erasure and lack of representation in outdoors media. Here’s what you need to know:
Hillwalking Destinations
Watch five great walks in the Lake District, including family inspiration, lesser-known routes to popular summits and dog-friendly fell walking.
Hill Walking Articles
Planning outdoor adventures comes with lots of preparation and adding a period into the mix can be one more thing to think about. While not everyone will be up for a hike or a climb on their period, if you are preparing for your next trip in the good company of menstrual blood, here’s what to do.
Hill Walking Articles
When out for the day it is likely you will need to go to the toilet at some point. Whether it be for ones and twos or refreshing period products, we’ve got you covered with all you need to know to be prepared. Things can get tricky out there so we will run through the ideal options through to the less ideal, but sometimes necessary, options when it comes to toileting. Wherever you can try to focus on what will have the least impact and do as much as possible to leave no trace.
Hill Walking Articles
Menopause is a significant and transformative phase of life. It is a natural biological process during which ovulation stops and periods end. The experience of menopause can be different for each individual and often comes with a wave of physical and emotional changes. In this guide, we will explore the different phases of menopause, common symptoms, and the power of regular movement and exercise to manage symptoms and support good health.
Hill Walking Articles
Christine Cornock shares how she managed her period along the South West Coastal Path multi-day hike.
Hill Walking Articles
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Hill walking in winter covers a spectrum of difficulty and technicality, take a look at winter walking options, and what you’ll need to consider when choosing a route.
Hillwalking Qualification Training
Whether you want a career in the outdoors, or to improve your own personal skills, there are a number of training providers offering courses and instruction.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
This article helps you decide what sort of crampons are suitable for your winter walk, or whether micro-spikes could be an option, as well as discussing the compatibility of crampons to walking boots.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
A look at some of the benefits of poles and how to use them for hill walking.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Walking boots can be expensive and should last a long time, so this article looks at factors to consider before you buy.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Points to consider if you're wondering ‘Do I need crampons for walking in winter?’
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Being able to read a map and find your way around the hills is an essential skill for all hill walkers, and practice is the real key.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
A look at types of small, lightweight stoves suitable for hill walking and backpacking trips.
Article
What should you look for when choosing down products? Some factors to consider when investing in new down gear.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Sgiliau
If you’ve enjoyed walking in summer and want to continue through the winter, here are ten things you need to know before you go.
Hill Walking Articles
Clean out your kit cupboard and put a spring in your step knowing that you’re making greener choices throughout the lifecycle of your outdoor products.
Cerdded Bryniau Dysgwch Ger
Hill walking doesn’t require as much specialist equipment as many other outdoor activities, but is important to have the appropriate equipment for the route and activity you have chosen and the weather forecasted. In this article we outline the basic equipment every hill walker needs: