Quality day definitions update

New definitions for all quality days will come into effect on 2nd January.

We’re tweaking our quality walking day definitions for all three entry level schemes to help candidates better understand what’s required. We’re not expecting the changes to fundamentally alter what a quality day is, or change the status of any existing quality days, we’re just trying to remove the ambiguity that currently exists.

At present, the introductory line says, ‘Usually some or all of these criteria would be fulfilled’ – this is too ambiguous and typically a quality day will include all the criteria. The new intro will say, ‘All the following criteria should be fulfilled’. The word ‘should’ still allows for a little flexibility but also suggests the expectation that all criteria are met.

We’re absorbing the ‘Adverse conditions’ bullet into the surrounding text and removing the ‘Attention is paid to safety’ bullet, because this is covered by the reference to judgement and decision making. The Lowland and Mountain day definitions currently include reference to the type of terrain in which navigation should be practised (‘complex footpath networks’, ‘away from marked paths’) – this is unnecessary as each scheme has terrain and scope definitions and a clearly described syllabus section for navigation.

The current and new definitions are below. Please note: the definition includes all of the text in the box, not just the bullet point list.

Candidates are welcome to start using the new definitions sooner than 2nd January if it helps to classify your experience or plan new days out. Providers will not start using the new definitions until 2nd January, which is also when the website and scheme handbooks will be updated.

We have created a set of frequently asked questions which may also be helpful.

Quality Lowland Day - current definition

In terms of experience, the quality of a low-level walking day lies in such things as the conditions experience both overhead and underfoot, the exploration of new areas and the journey undertaken.

Usually some or all of the following criteria would be fulfilled:

the individual takes part in the planning and leadership.
navigation skills are required to navigate through complex footpath networks.
experience must be in terrain and weather comparable to that found in UK and Ireland.
knowledge is increased and skills practised.
attention is paid to safety.
the journey is four hours or more.

These criteria mean that days as a course member under instruction, a member of a group practising skills, or days spent repeating familiar routes are very unlikely to meet the requirements of a Quality Day. However, these can be recorded in the appropriate place in your logbook even though they are not suitable for use in meeting the minimum requirements for attending assessment.

Quality Lowland Day - new definition

A ‘Quality Lowland Day’ for the Lowland Leader should take place in lowland terrain in the UK or Ireland.

The quality element lies in such things as the conditions experienced both overhead and underfoot, the exploration of new areas, the terrain covered, the skills deployed and the physical and mental challenge. The experience of a quality day should contribute to knowledge, personal development and associated skill acquisition.

All the following criteria should be fulfilled:

The individual takes part in the planning and leadership.
An unfamiliar locality is explored.
Navigation skills are required.
Knowledge is increased and relevant skills practised.
Judgement and decision making is required.
Four hours or more journey time.

These criteria mean that days as a course member under instruction, a member of a group practising skills, or days spent repeating familiar routes are very unlikely to meet the requirements of a quality day.

Quality Hill Day - current definition

‘Quality days’ for the Hill and Moorland Leader should require elements of planning, exploration of an unfamiliar locality, and taking a substantial part in the map reading/navigation and decision making. They will normally require four hours or more travel time to accomplish. The primary function of the quality day is to enable the prospective leader to learn something new about the environment, to explore new areas or to practice and hone skills.

The experience of a quality day should lead to feelings of accomplishment, improvement and satisfaction.

A Quality Hill Day will involve most, if not all, of the factors below:

The individual takes part in the planning and leadership.
Navigation skills are required.
Knowledge is increased and skills practised.
Attention is paid to safety.
Adverse weather and poor underfoot conditions may be encountered.
Four hours or more journey time.

These criteria mean that days as a course member under instruction, a member of a group practising skills, or days spent repeating familiar routes are very unlikely to meet the requirements of a Quality Day. However, these can be recorded in the appropriate place in your logbook even though they are not suitable for use in meeting the minimum requirements for attending assessment.

Quality Hill Day - new definition

A ‘Quality Hill Day’ for the Hill and Moorland Leader should take place in hill and moorland terrain in the UK or Ireland.

The quality element lies in such things as the conditions experienced both overhead and underfoot, the exploration of new areas, the terrain covered, the skills deployed and the physical and mental challenge. The experience of a quality day should contribute to knowledge, personal development and associated skill acquisition.

All the following criteria should be fulfilled:

The individual takes part in the planning and leadership.
An unfamiliar locality is explored.
Navigation skills are required.
Knowledge is increased and relevant skills practised.
Judgement and decision making is required.
Four hours or more journey time.

These criteria mean that days as a course member under instruction, a member of a group practising skills, or days spent repeating familiar routes are very unlikely to meet the requirements of a quality day.

Quality Mountain Day - current definition

In terms of experience, the quality of a mountain day lies in such things as the conditions experience both overhead and underfoot, the exploration of new areas, the terrain covered and the physical and mental challenge. Such days make a positive contribution towards a person's development and maturity as an all-round mountaineer.

Usually some or all of the following criteria would be fulfilled:

the individual takes part in the planning and leadership.
navigation skills are required away from marked paths.
experience must be in terrain and weather comparable to that found in UK and Irish hills.
knowledge is increased and skills practised.
attention is paid to safety.
the journey is five hours or more.
adverse conditions may be encountered.
ascent of a substantial peak would normally be included in the day

Quality Mountain Day - new definition

A ‘Quality Mountain Day’ for the Mountain Leader should take place in mountainous terrain in the UK or Ireland.

The quality element lies in such things as the conditions experienced both overhead and underfoot, the exploration of new areas, the terrain covered, the skills deployed and the physical and mental challenge. The experience of a quality day should contribute to knowledge, personal development and associated skill acquisition.

All the following criteria should be fulfilled:

The individual takes part in the planning and leadership.
An unfamiliar locality is explored.
A mountain is ascended.
Navigation skills are required.
Knowledge is increased and relevant skills practised.
Judgement and decision making is required.
Five hours or more journey time.

These criteria mean that days as a course member under instruction, a member of a group practising skills, or days spent repeating familiar routes are very unlikely to meet the requirements of a quality day.