Mountain Leader Training

The Mountain Leader is a nationally accredited scheme from Mountain Training designed to train and assess those who want to lead groups on mountains throughout Britain in summer conditions. The scheme has two parts: training and assessment, with a consolidation period between the two. 

Here at Graham Uney Mountaineering we are one of the most prolific providers of ML qualification courses in the UK.

Prerequisites

To get started on the Mountain Leader qualification you need to meet the following prerequisites:

• You must be at least 18 years old

• You should have at least a year’s worth of experience of mountain walking

• You should have an interest in leading groups in the mountains

• You must be a member of a mountaineering council: BMC, Mountaineering Scotland or Mountaineering Ireland (you can join one when you register if you're not already a member)

 And to book onto the training course your need to:

• You must be registered on the Mountain Leader scheme (see above)

• You must have recorded a minimum of 20 quality mountain days* (ideally these will be recorded on DLOG**) which can have taken place at any point pre- or post-registration

The Syllabus

The Mountain Leader covers the following subjects:

• Leader responsibilities

• Leadership and decision making

• Planning and weather

• Hazards and emergency procedures

• Equipment

• Walking skills

• Navigation

• Expedition

• Teaching and learning skills

• Access, conservation and the environment

• Background knowledge

The full syllabus and Scheme Handbook can be viewed on the Mountain Training website here

Training courses take place over 6 days, and offer candidates suitable terrain within the scope of the scheme, with plenty of learning opportunities along the way. 

How do I join?

First of all, you must be a member of a mountaineering council to enter the Mountain Leader scheme, so that will be either the BMC, Mountaineering Scotland, or Mountaineering Ireland. You can join one of these during the registration process with Mountain Training.

You must then register for this award with Mountain Training before you can take part in the training course. Registration costs £65 – payable to Mountain Training upon registering. This gives you access to the superb DLOG online logbook, and a copy of the British Mountaineering Council’s ‘Safety on Mountains’ booklet. You must then personally undertake and log an absolute minimum of 20 varied walks in mountain terrain, which you'll soon get to know as 'Quality Mountain Days'. You will then be eligible to attend the Mountain Leader training course.

Mountain Leader training course dates 2025

Our Mountain Leader courses are run mainly in the Mardale area of the Lake District, but we do also offer occasional courses in the Southern Highlands of Scotland.

Places in Green mean the course is guaranteed to run, and have limited availability.

Places in Red mean the course needs more bookings to guarantee that it will run.

15-20 March in Mardale (Lake District). 6 places available.

26 April 26 - 1 May in Mardale (Lake District). 6 places available.

4-6 & 11-13 July in Mardale (Lake District). Split weekend. 4 places available.

21 - 26 September in Mardale (Lake District). 12 places available.

8 - 13 November in Mardale (Lake District). Over 40s Course!  11 places available.

Course Fees

For 2025 our Training courses are £450

These courses are not residential, but we send out details of accommodation in each area with your booking confirmation.