Mountain Training Hill and Moorland Leader Award Training

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Hill and Moorland Leader Award (HML) Training in the Peak District

Become a Qualified Hill and Moorland Walking Group Leader
Gain the confidence and skills to lead walking groups in upland terrain across the UK. The Hill and Moorland Leader Award is a nationally recognised qualification from Mountain Training, designed for those who want to lead groups in non-mountainous areas such as the Peak District, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Yorkshire Dales, and Cheviots.

Previously this award has been known as the Walking Group Leader Award and no longer includes the ‘overnight experience’. A separate Camping Leader Award can be ‘bolted on’ to certain walking awards if you want to increase the scope of your award to include multi-day expeditions.

3 Day Course – What You’ll Learn

This 3-day training course covers essential outdoor leadership skills:

Navigation and route finding
Group management and leadership techniques
Hazard awareness and emergency procedures
Access and environmental responsibility
Weather interpretation and planning

Evening sessions and night navigation practice are included to ensure comprehensive preparation. For full details, visit the Mountain Training website to download the official Hill and Moorland Award syllabus.

Pre-Course Requirements – Set by Mountain Training

To register for the Hill and Moorland Leader Award, you must:

Be 18 years or older
Have at least one year of hillwalking experience
Have logged 20 Quality Hillwalking Days
Be a member of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC)
Be registered with Mountain Training for the Hill and Moorland Leader Award

Who Is This Course For?

This award is ideal for:

Outdoor educators
Youth leaders
Duke of Edinburgh supervisors
Anyone passionate about leading safe and enjoyable hill walks

Accommodation & Catering

This is a non-residential course. However, on-site accommodation may be available at an additional cost – please contact us to enquire. If we’re fully booked, we’ll be happy to recommend local alternatives.

Hot drinks and refreshments are provided
Meals are not included – please bring a packed lunch each day

Location & Directions

The course takes place at Thornbridge Outdoors, located in the heart of the Peak District.

Grid Reference: SK196 710
Latitude/Longitude: 53.235849, -1.7080847
For directions, visit our Find Us page

Further Information

Course timings are flexible depending on the time of year and conditions
A full course programme, home paper, and kit list will be emailed to participants before the course
For information about assessment courses
Be sure to read our course booking terms and conditions

Expand Your Qualification

Want to lead multi-day expeditions? Add the Camping Leader Award to broaden your scope and lead overnight trips.