Why employ a Mountain Leader?
- Nick Stone: Hill Skills
- Dec 8, 2021
- 4 min read
Well, that is a complicated question, and one without a straight answer! It's perhaps not something that some people will ever consider, but I suggest a Mountain Leader can add value, interest, and security to any day on the hill.
Lets start at the beginning, what is a Mountain Leader?
First and foremost ML's are folk who love the hills. Furthermore, in my experience we have a specific and unwavering adoration for the hills here in Britain. At some point in our hillwalking or climbing lives, we have decided to take this passion and run with it, to make our hobby something more, to make it official!
In order to become an ML, candidates must attend a 6 day training course, delivered by highly experienced and qualified trainers. Before this though, they need to log a certain amount of varied experience in the British mountains.
During the course a very wide and varied syllabus is delivered. This covers everything from navigation, group management, access and rights of way laws, flora & fauna, mountain weather systems, emergency ropework, incident management, cultural issues and human impact on the landscape, mountain geology, river crossings, route planning, wild camping techniques, and much more besides. There is also an overarching emphasis on leadership, which incapsulates lots of soft skills and use of personal judgement.
Candidates then go off and consolidate everything they have learnt, and research further into all the topics mentioned. It's usual for candidates to take a number of years to consolidate their knowledge and bring everything up to a level where they feel they are ready to be assessed. At this point an assessment can be booked.
Assessment is a grueling 5 days on the hill under constant scrutiny. Literally a 5 day practical examination of your mountain knowledge (the 'M') and your leadership skills (the 'L')!
Navigation is a big part of it, and candidates are tested on this from start to finish, even at night. The other areas of knowledge are drip fed into the assessment, skilfully tested and probed by the assessors throughout. Emergency situations crop up, environmental lectures are delivered, rucksacks are pulled apart and personal equipment questioned and analysed. It's a very thorough examination, and anyone who has the ML award has truly earnt it!
When all that is done, a Mountain Leader is qualified to lead others in the mountains during summer conditions. "Summer conditions" often start in early spring and can extend into the autumn, but if the hills are covered in snow and ice, then an ML is not within the scope of their award.
For anyone interested in starting on this amazing journey, here is a link to the Mountain Training website; Mountain Leader Award Info (mountain-training.org)
So, lets agree that an ML knows a thing or two about making a mountain journey, what can they bring to a day out with a client? Well it depends on the client, but here are some examples;
The Newbie
Compared to the great mountain ranges of the world, our hills are frankly tiny! However, don't be fooled - what they lack in altitude, they more than make up for in attitude!
The pointy bits of Britain are very complex, often steep and unwelcoming, and should be treated with the greatest respect if bad situations are to be avoided - you only have to follow mountain rescue teams on social media to see this played out almost daily.
The weather in the mountains can be completely wild, and conditions will often change fast. For the uninitiated then, someone to pick an appropriate objective for a fun and challenging experience has to be a no-brainer! Whilst they're at it, a good ML can also pass on some nuggets of information, meaning the client can start to plan their own trips if they so wish - winner winner.
The Improver
For the occasional visitor to the mountains, a more challenging or hazardous objective might be the order of the day? A much coveted distant highland peak, or an unnerving rocky scramble? Prizes perhaps just out of reach alone.
The confidence and reassurance offered by having a pro along for the day will make all the difference. Skills can be passed on that will expand a client's hill potential,
Next level adventures - here we come!
Groups
A vague heading, yes - but the mountain leader is trained to engage with a huge range of groups, opening up the mountain environment, and educating people from a very diverse cross-section of society.
Think of the contribution a knowledgeable ML could make to planning a big charity event, or a team building day, or a walking society's monthly meet-up.
Groups of mates or families on holiday can save time planning a big hike and put themselves in the care of someone who knows what they're doing.
What about groups of kids who have never left the city, or young people on DofE expeditions? These all benefit hugely from the expertise of the Mountain Leader.
Many guiding companies also run open events, where a person can sign up for the challenge that takes their fancy, and spend the day with other like minded people in a social setting. Here again the ML provides a means for people to get out there and experience something extraordinary.
A Mountain Leader holds the key to a door. A door through which a whole new world can be entered. A world of adventure, of fun, of new perspectives.
So whether you're completely new to the hills, or an experienced walker, I put it to you that a Mountain Leader can help make the most of your day, they can;
Plan a route that fits a client's brief and is suitable for the current weather conditions.
Ensure the right decisions are made throughout the day in terms of group safety and comfort.
Use their knowledge of the mountain environment to add interest to a walk.
Make sure no-one gets lost!
Give encouragement and support where appropriate.
Pass on skills to further a client's mountain independence.
Comments