The Lowland Leader is designed for people who wish to lead groups on day walks in lowland countryside and woodland in summer conditions.
Course Director
All courses must be delivered by an approved course director. For course director responsibilities please see the Leadership Awards Quality Manual.
Scope of the award
The Lowland Leader scheme trains and assesses candidates in the skills required to lead others on walks in lowland countryside and woodland that fit ALL of the following criteria:
- Walks must not cross any hazardous terrain (e.g. cliffs, very steep slopes, water hazards etc.).
- Throughout the walk the group should never generally be more than 3km away from a key access point such as a car park, lay-by or populated area. Any potential escape routes should also lie within the scope of the defined terrain for the Lowland Leader.
- Walks will require the ability to plan routes, use simple navigation skills using a map and compass and be self-sufficient.
- Walks must follow paths or tracks that are both marked on a map and clearly visible on the ground and that do not require navigation across untracked areas.
- Walks must use bridges or other recognised water crossing points.
- Walks must only take place in summer conditions (i.e. when there is no unavoidable snow or ice on any part of the route).
Candidate Registration
To register on the Lowland Leader qualification candidates need to meet the following prerequisites:
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Have an interest in leading groups in lowland countryside.
TRAINING COURSE
Candidate Requirements
- Registered on the scheme.
- Have recorded a minimum of 10 varied walks in Lowland terrain where the use of a map is required OR Have attended a walking and navigation personal skills training course recognised by Mountain Training.
Minimum Course Duration
- 16 hours.
- Delivered in a 2 day programme.
- Programme can be split into 2 x 1 day events.
Group Size
- 2 candidates minimum (temporary change).
- 12 candidates maximum.
Staffing Ratio
- 1 staff : 6 candidates
Additional Course Staff Award
Hill and Moorland Leader or higher. Please see course staff requirements in the Leadership Awards Quality Manual for further guidance.
ASSESSMENT COURSE
Candidate Requirements
- Attended a Lowland Leader training course (or have been granted exemption)
- Be familiar with the syllabus
- Have logged a minimum of 20 walks in lowland countryside in different types of terrain (woodland, coastal, farmland etc)
- Hold a current first aid certificate, minimum 16 hours and relevant to the work of a Lowland Leader
- It is not essential for candidates to hold a reference to complete the assessment
Minimum Course Duration
- 16 hours
- Delivered in a 2 day programme
- Programme can be split into 2 x 1 day events
Group Size
- 2 candidates minimum (temporary change)
- 12 candidates maximum
Staffing Ratio
- 1 staff : 4 candidates
Additional Course Staff Award
Hill and Moorland Leader or higher. Please see course staff requirements in the Leadership Awards Quality Manual for further guidance.
