10-16 July 2010 - Mountain Leader Course

£50.00

Mountain Leader

The training course is based around the ML syllabus and the particular needs of candidates. In particular, we will look at the practical skills and techniques required when leading groups hill walking and camping in the mountains of the UK including aspects of navigation, group management, supervision on steep ground, risk assessment and emergency use of the rope. Consideration of the weather, mountain rescue, the environment and other related topics will also be covered. The majority of the course is practically based, however, some is of a theoretical nature. At times you may find yourself outdoors in adverse weather and you should be prepared for this. There will be an overnight camp and night navigation exercise.

The MLTUK 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 six days are generally split into the following areas:

Mountain navigation - An introductory day looking at key skills of mountain navigation

Leadership and group management - Managing groups over different types of terrain

The mountain environment

Route finding

Centre based day - Risk assessment

Mountain hazards - Mountain rescue and incident management, and River crossing

Equipment - the leader’s rucksack

Emergency use of rope on the hill - Confidence roping, Anchor selection and use, Short pitches in ascent and descent, Lowering and abseils

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 staff are dedicated mountaineers and hill walkers with a great depth of knowledge of the area, and will be keen to pass on their knowledge to you.

Equipment

Personal mountain clothing
Waterproof top and bottoms
Hat and gloves
Day rucksack with liner
Expedition rucksack with liner
Small first aid kit
Water bottle
Vacuum flask
Walking boots
Gaiters
Personal toiletries and medication
Informal clothing for leisure wear
Notebook and pens
Small amount of cash
Head torch and batteries
Compass
1:25,000 OS Explorer 17 map – Snowdon + the Conwy Valley
1:50,000 OS Landranger 115 map – Snowdon
Old trainers and clothes for river crossing
ML Logbook, up to date
The ML Award Handbook
Tent, Sleeping mat, Sleeping Bag
Stove + Pans, KFS, Mug

Useful Books

“Hillwalking” by Steve Long in preparation for the more theoretical aspects of the course.

Mountain Navigation by Peter Cliff

Also recommended reading:

Looking at Weather by Ingrid Holfard

Mountain Weather by Pedgley

Weather for Hillwalkers & Climbers by M Thomas

www.mltuk.org - Website of the MLTUK

Pre-Requisites

Mountain Leader Training UK 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 MLTUK.

Bring your logbook to the course fully completed with your experience.

You will benefit most from this course if you are fit and have experience of using a map and compass in the mountain environment.

The MLTUK may be contacted at the following address for registration and syllabus enquiries:

Mountain Leader Training UK
Siabod Cottage
Capel Curig
Conwy
LL24 0ET

Tel: 01690 720272
Web: www.mltuk.org

Training courses are six full days - start Sunday evening and finish late Saturday afternoon (Saturday evening to Friday afternoon for the Bassenfell course).