Lowland Leader Award - Training

The Lowland Leader Award is ideal for teachers, community workers, those involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, in fact anyone who wants to lead summer walking groups in lowland countryside and woodland. As with all Mountain Training Schemes, there is no altitude limit to the remit of the award.  "Lowland" refers to the sort of landscape you will be operating in, i.e. fields and woodlands where there are clear paths on the map and on the ground.

The training course looks at route-finding skills, an understanding of hazards and risk management, leadership techniques and an appreciation of equipment needs and the impact of the weather.  There is an optional Expedition Skills module available for candidates who wish to move on to leading camping trips and supervising groups on backpacking expeditions.  

Like other National Governing Body Awards, the pathway to certification involves getting some personal experience, attending a training course, consolidating your learning, completing an assessment and then continuing to develop these skills as a Lowland Leader.  The length of time it takes to become a Lowland Leader depends on how much experience you already have.  We recommend at least three months between training and assessment, and if it takes you a few years to feel ready, that's fine too.

The Lowland Leader Award can be used anywhere in the UK when you are in appropriate terrain.  For more information about the award, please visit Mountain Training Scotland.  Candidates must register direct with Mountain Training prior to training - Fee £45.