The new courses will equip walkers with the skills to take to the hills
Walkers wanting to improve their outdoor skills will be able to choose from two new courses next year.
Mountain Training, the official body that oversees popular training for qualifications such as Mountain Leader, will introduce the Hill and Mountain Skills schemes in April 2014.
The two-day courses will be open to anyone aged 14 and over and are aimed at giving walkers the ability to navigate and be self-sufficient in either hills and moorland or mountains in the British Isles.
Mountain Training said the courses are not leadership courses but should offer participants a chance to understand enough to get out on their own after the two days.
Hill Skills courses will be delivered by those with a Walking Group Leader Award or above and will be in terrain that includes upland moorland.
Mal Creasey, development officer with Capel Curig-based Mountain Training, said those who undertake a Hill Skills course may then wish to move on to a Mountain Skills course, which will be taught by holders of Mountain Leader Award or above.
He said both courses are skills oriented and have a syllabus that is similar, but teaching will take place in different types of terrain appropriate to the course.
Mr Creasey said: “All course providers and course directors must apply to Mountain Training, gain formal approval and attend an induction session.”
The process will start in the New Year, with the courses launched in April.
Mr Creasey added: “All registrants will have access to the digital log system on the Mountain Training website and will receive a certificate of attendance after their training course.
“These are not designed to compete with National Navigation Award Scheme or Duke of Edinburgh’s Award but will however offer a viable alternative to youngsters who are unable to afford or commit to the Do E scheme.”
Mal Creasey also revealed the Walking Group Leader Award is to be renamed Hill and Moorland Leader as its present name causes confusion about holders’ remit.
The Mountain Training UK board has also approved a Lowland Leader scheme which will be launched in spring next year.
More details are on the Mountain Training website.
