Mountain training lowland leader assessment
The Lowland Leader trains and assesses candidates in the skills required to lead others on walks in lowland countryside and woodland. These must fit the following criteria:
- walks must not cross any hazardous terrain (for example, cliffs, very steep slopes, water hazards).
- throughout the walk, the group should never generally be more than 3 kilometers away from a key access point such as a car park, lay-by or populated area. Any potential escape routes should also lie within the scope of the defined terrain for the Lowland Leader award.
- walks will require the ability to plan routes, use simple navigation skills using a map and compass and be self-sufficient.
- walks must follow paths or tracks that are both marked on a map and clearly visible on the ground and that do not require navigation across untracked areas.
- walks must use bridges or other recognised water crossing points.
- walks must only take place in summer conditions (for example, when there is no unavoidable snow or ice on any part of the route).
Course requirements
Before you book onto a Lowland Leader Award assessment, make sure you have:
- attended a Lowland Leader training course (or have been granted exemption)
- be familiar with the syllabus
- logged a minimum of 20 walks in lowland countryside in different types of terrain (woodland, coastal, farmland etc)
- a current First Aid Certificate, minimum 16 hours and relevant to your work as a Lowland Leader.
The Lowland Leader Award assessment is 2 days long (minimum of 16 hours contact time).
After you have passed your assessment
If you are interested in taking groups on multi-day walks, book a place on Camping Leader.
For more information about the Lowland Leader Award visit the Mountain Training website.
You can view the Qualification Pathway and Walking Awards infographics from the Mountain Training website.
For further information please visit the National Governing Body Mountain Training.