Lowland Leader Assessment
The Lowland Leader scheme is a nationally recognised qualification that is administered by Mountain Training and allows you to lead groups on day walks in Lowland terrain.
The two day assessment in the delightful Peak District is run in a very supportive manner. We passionately believe that whilst it is an assessment, it should also be fun and a positive learning experience.
Who is it for ?
The Lowland Leader assessment is for those who have already completed their Lowland Leader training and will complete the logbook requirements prior to assessment. The Lowland Leader scheme is for those who wish to lead groups on day walks in lowland countryside and woodland in summer conditions.
It is favoured by teachers, DofE leaders and voluntary groups who have no need to venture into the more demanding terrain that requires a Hill and Moorland Leader qualification or a Mountain Leader qualification.
Lowland Leader Assessment Course Overview
Over two relatively short days (09:00 to 17:00) we cover most aspects of the award. To help candidates prepare thoroughly we issue a home study paper and comprehensive joining instructions with lots of suggested reading, links to videos and other material to help individuals become thoroughly conversant with all aspects of the syllabus.
We are outside most of the day on both days giving you plenty of opportunity to demonstrate your ability to walk and talk – the fundamental skill of leading groups.
Bespoke Dates & Locations
If there are four or more of you that would like a Lowland Leader training or assessment, and you would like some different dates or a specific location, please contact the office and we will arrange some dates to suit your diary.
Course Format
The Lowland Leader assessment course is largely practical in nature although, in addition to the home research paper, we undertake several theoretical exercises. There is significant emphasis on navigation and party leadership to deliver a safe and enjoyable walking experience.
Day 1 – 09:00 Introductions you, us and the course, followed by a day looking at navigation skills, access and the environment and emergency procedures. We finish at around 17:00.
Day 2 – 09:00 A slightly shorter walk concentrating on leading a flowing walk followed by results and individual debriefs. We aim to have completed all debriefs by 17:00 at the latest.
During the course, whilst outside, you will be asked to deliver a short talk (not more than 5 minutes) on a topic of your choosing, but related to the local environment (ecology, geology, history etc) or covering a relevant skill.
Detailed guidance notes on the syllabus are available in the Lowland Leader Scheme Candidate Handbook.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £180 per person
- Duration: 2 days
- Ratio: 1:4
- Level: Instructor
More Information
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Course Dates
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
If there are two or more of you that want training or assessment, and you would like some different dates or a specific location, please contact the office and we will arrange some dates to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
The course will meet at 0900 in The Sir William hotel in Grindleford in the Hope valley.
This has ample free parking, good bus and train links to Sheffield and a good train link to Manchester.
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Equipment Required
You will need to bring all the clothing and equipment you need to lead a group for two days on the hill. The equipment that you choose to carry is part of the assessment.
A suggested kit list is contained in the joining instructions.
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Recommended Reading
We give some suggestions below, but more detailed suggestions together with a host of helpful links and videos are contained in our Lowland Leader Assessment Joining Instructions.
- The Lowland Leader Award Candidate Handbook contains all the details of the syllabus, the remit of the award and a skills check list. The official handbook of Mountain Training’s walking schemes is: Mountain Training handbook – Volume 1. Hillwalking. Steve Long. Mountain Training
- The BMC have a range of useful articles and a dedicated YouTube channel BMC TV covering a range of walking issues.
- Mountain Training also have a YouTube channel, which can be found here.
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Fitness Level
You require sufficient fitness to be able to spend 2 days walking and have some spare to cope with any emergencies within the group.
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Eligibility
In order to attend a Lowland Leader assessment course you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Completed a training course or been granted exemption by Mountain Training.
- Have logged a minimum of 20 walks in lowland countryside in different types of terrain. Some answers to frequently asked DLOG questions can be found on the Mountain Training website here.
- Ideally you will have physically attended and completed (i.e.not online) a first aid course which involved at least two full days or sixteen hours of instruction and included an element of assessment. You can attend without a first aid certificate, but the award will be held until you present a valid certificate.
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Accommodation Options
This Beyond the Edge course is non-residential to allow you to select between a thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There is lots of accommodation in the Hope Valley and we recommend The Sir William which offers BtE clients a discount and this course runs from here.
Further details and other options are listed on our Accommodation page.
If you are struggling to find something or want something special, contact the office and we will endeavour to assist.
FAQs
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How do I book ?
The best way is via this webpage. Choose the date from the options on the above and then submit your booking and request an invoice or pay. If your course is under six weeks away you must pay the full amount.
For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
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Does the course include accommodation ?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
In the Peak District we work out of the The Sir William hotel. This is a comfortable Inn with stunning views over the Hope valley and it also serves great food. We recommend that you stay here as they are well versed in looking after walkers and climbers, offer a discount to BtE clients and it’s a 30 second commute from the breakfast table to our meeting room! Further details are on our accommodation page.
If this doesn’t suit you for whatever reason, further accommodation options can be found on our accommodation page.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
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Children, Parking, Dogs, COVID and everything else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage
