Mountain Leader
"The mountains of the UK are remote, technical and exposed to harsh and unpredictable weather. This makes them a hazardous place for a group of novice mountain walkers unless they have the benefit of supervision by a well trained and experienced leader." MLTE
Mountain Leader as a term covers both a role and a qualification. Mark is both a Mountain Leader, somebody who takes people into the Mountains, and a
Mountain Leader Award holder
Mountain Leader Award
The Mountain Leader Training Board UK defines the ML as "The Mountain Leader Award (ML) was established to promote the safe enjoyment of the hills and mountains. The scheme provides training and assessment in the technical and group management skills required by those who wish to lead groups in the mountains, hills and moorlands of the United Kingdom and Ireland, other than in winter conditions. It integrates experience, training, and assessment in a variety of testing conditions in mountainous country."
The qualification was introduced following a number of safety related incidents within the mountains in the UK, most noticeably in 1965 with an incident that led to the death of a number of Pupils and a Teacher in the Cairngorms, and safety remains at the heart of the award
Do you need a Mountain Leader?
The short answer is "No... if you're careful". There is no legal requirement to have a Mountain Leader anywhere in the UK & Ireland. Yet Mountain Rescue teams are called out daily to rescue inexperienced & ill prepared people from our mountains
However a Mountain Leader brings experience, training and knowledge of the mountains, (& often local knowledge too!). This adds to the overall safety & enjoyment of the group. Additionally if things take a turn for the worse, with our rapidly changing weather conditions or something else you can be assured that the Mountain Leader will be able to bring the experience & training to bear to reduce the effects of the problem.
You would be advised to take note of the British Mountaineering Council(BMC)'s Statement of Participation, reproduced below.
Left is a the top of Scafell Pike on an inclement day - can you cope with these conditions?
Golden Rule
"Don't be afraid to retreat. The mountains will be there another day - the trick is to make sure you are" Mal Creasey, Mountain Guide
What is MLTA?
The Mountain Leader Training Association is part of MLT, the co-ordinating body for all mountain training schemes in the UK.
It was formed in 2005 to provide ongoing support and development opportunities for climbing, walking and mountain leaders who hold or are working towards a national award.
MLTA exists to develop and support leaders throughout their careers and involvement with the outdoors.
Full members hold a National Governing Body Award, such as "Mountain Leader", and can use MLTA logos in their advertising.