Becoming a Summer Mountain Leader
If you enjoy spending time in the mountains and want to inspire others to do the same, becoming a summer mountain leader could be a great path for you. This is how I felt during my mountain leader process. I now work full-time as an instructor, holding various awards that allow me to operate year-round. Although it gets quieter in the winter, this is my journey.
How it Started
Coming from a low-income family in Warrington, I only ever saw mountains on TV. At 21, I joined the army, got exposed to mountains, and fell in love with them. Don't let the fact that I was in the army put you off; you don't need to be super fit to enjoy the mountains. I strongly believe that the mountains are for everyone, regardless of pace. I often slow down to take in my surroundings and simply enjoy being outside.
After leaving the army, I met Rachel, and we were both very enthusiastic about the mountains. We decided we wanted to encourage others to get outside and be inspired by what we have. Rachel suggested I become a mountain leader, which got me thinking. After a bit of research, I found myself on the Mountain Training website and thought, "Why not?" Having already climbed quite a few mountains, I didn't need many more before I could attend a training course.
Before Training
There are specific requirements you need to meet before you can attend the training course, which can be found on the Mountain Training website. As I went through the guidelines, I wondered if I was ready and if this was for me since I didn't know anyone in the industry or with the qualification. Rachel and I decided to register and start filling out our DLog (it was a bit confusing at first, but we soon got the hang of it). Within a few months, I completed my Quality Mountain Days (QMDs) while working full-time and then booked my training.
Training
Driving to the training course, I felt nervous and questioned if I was ready or good enough. Thankfully, everyone was nice and welcoming, which is usually the case on these courses. The course started with the basics and progressed throughout the week, covering the entire syllabus and offering valuable tips and tricks for my own learning. Self-reflection is crucial after learning something new; knowing your strengths and weaknesses helps you assess your readiness. The Mountain Training website offers a skills checklist to help with this.
Consolidation
After training, it's time to put your skills into practice. This was challenging for me due to working full-time and living in Worcester, far from the mountains. My plan was to take holidays from work, pack my tent, and make the most of my time in the mountains, practicing different skills and ensuring I met the QMD requirements. I enjoyed getting purposely lost and finding my way back, which helped a lot with navigation. The more time you spend with a map, the more sense it makes. Some skills, like rope work, can be practiced at home to make you more efficient on the hill. Getting out in all conditions is important to be best prepared for the assessment. Sometimes, getting QMDs felt like a chore, but looking back, it was definitely worth it. If you plan to use the qualification, you need to enjoy bad weather, as you’ll spend a lot of time in it.
Assessment
Ensure you are ready for the assessment. My assessment didn't start well; it was cancelled due to storms in the Lake District the day before my assessment. I quickly found another starting the next day in Eryri and booked onto it. Despite the initial nerves and doubts, the assessor made it a relaxed experience. Even though it’s an assessment, it's also a learning opportunity. I made a few navigation mistakes but corrected them during the week. I thought I had failed but kept going and passed. It's okay not to be perfect; just don’t be too hard on yourself.
Top Tips:
- Enjoy your time in the mountains
- Don’t be too hard on yourself
- Reflect on each QMD
- Practice all areas of the syllabus
- Update your DLog after each QMD
Useful Links
- Mountain Training(https://www.mountain-training.org/qualifications/walking/mountain-leader)
- Navigation Blog (https://www.rhbadventures.com/advice-blogs/basic-navigation)
-We offer bespoke navigation navigation and steep ground days (https://www.rhbadventures.com/book-us)
Becoming a summer mountain leader is a fulfilling journey that requires dedication and a passion for the outdoors. If you're ready to inspire others and share your love for the mountains, start your journey today.
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