While I love heading off for weekends of adventure in the mountains, I’ve always been a bit daunted about route choice and being able to get myself to safety in case of an incident. So, I looked at training courses to help educate me, build my confidence and teach me the best way to ensure I not only maximise my experience in the mountains, but do so in a safe way. The Mountain Leader training scheme was a natural choice, as it is not just for those looking to make a career out of leading groups in the mountains but is ideal for those wanting to build confidence too.
This qualification will give you the independence and expertise to embark on any outdoor adventure. The course introduces you to essential map-reading and navigation skills. You’ll also learn how to navigate out of bad weather or poor visibility.
Beyond navigation, the training covers the mountain environment and the history of the places you visit. Depending on where your course is held, you will learn about the unique plants and animals native to the region, some local folklore, and mountaineering history. How many times have you analysed the different types of moss on your way or actually checked the traces carved into rocks by the passage of ice ages? Literally stopping to smell the roses, or more like heather on British mountains, on your hike will make you feel more connected to your environment and add to the stories you tell back home!
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Mountain Leader training is a great way to take your expeditions off the beaten track, either on your own or in small groups. You’ll learn to wild camp, and also some emergency ropework skills to help you and a group climb or descend a tricky passage. The basic ropework included in the course targets novices and hikers who want to add another skill to their repertoire, and will allow you to try more adventurous routes involving scrambling.
This story is from the January 2020 edition of Outdoor Fitness Adventure.
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This story is from the January 2020 edition of Outdoor Fitness Adventure.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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Get Confident In The Mountains
Taking a Mountain Leader course isn’t just for those who want to do it for a living – if you enjoy exploring the mountains, you’ll feel more confident and safer if you undertake this training.
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