Walking Group Leader Award

The Walking Group Leader Award in Brief For those who wish to lead a group of hill walkers in non- mountainous hilly terrain in the UK. You will learn such skills as group management, navigation, emergency procedures, access and conservation and remote supervision. 

WGL training and assessment courses are run over three consecutive days or two weekends.

Before you register make sure you can answer yes to the following questions:

• Are you at least 18 years old?
• Do you have a genuine interest in leading groups?
• Do you have at least 12 months hill walking experience?

Not sure whether to choose ML or WGL?

Think of WGL as ML without the wild camping, the movement on steep ground or the ropework. The standard of navigation is the same but does not involve steep or rocky terrain. You are expected to navigate with the same accuracy as for ML but over terrain known variously as moorland, hill, fell, bog or down. The terrain is well defined by obvious boundaries, such as roads and coastlines.  

Walking Group Leader Award - further information

This award is for leaders of walking groups in non-mountainous hilly terrain, known variously as upland, moor, bog, hill, fell or down. Such areas are often subject to extreme weather conditions and require an element of self-sufficiency. The scheme seeks to develop the skills necessary to lead walking groups in these areas. 

Leaders seeking to take groups into mountain terrain should register for the ML Award, although the WGL Award can be a valuable stepping stone for those wishing to progress to the ML scheme. 

Before undertaking the WGL you should have a minimum of one year's hillwalking experience and an interest in leading groups. To get the most out of your training course you should have logged at least 20 day hillwalks.  

Registration

You must be 18 years of age and a member of a Mountaineering Council with at least 12 months experience of hillwalking and an interest in leading groups. When you register you will receive your log book in which to record your hillwalking experience.

Training

In order to attend a training course candidates must be registered and have logged a least 20 days hillwalking. There will be a flexible structure to training course delivery based around a minimum of 30 hours contact time.

Exemption from WGL Training

After registration for the WGL scheme, candidates who have substantial personal and leadership experience in hillwalking areas, or believe they have sufficient experience and have attended equivalent training, may apply for exemption from training. This will apply to candidates who have completed a Mountain Leader training and who wish to take WGL assessment as a stepping stone to ML assessment. Such ML candidates will need to register with the WGL scheme, but do not need to apply for exemption before attending for assessment.

Consolidation

This period will be different for each candidate depending on their personal hillwalking and group management experience. At the end of your training course your Course Director will agree a personal action plan with you that will guide you through this phase of the scheme.

Assessment

Assessment courses have at least 30 hours of contact time between candidates and assessors. Prior to attending an assessment, candidates must have completed an absolute minimum of 40 hillwalking days and hold a valid First Aid qualification. You must also have completed a WGL training course, or successfully gained exemption from training. Candidates who have completed their ML training may also take their WGL assessment as a stepping stone to their ML assessment. There is no exemption from assessment.

MLTE Walking Group Leader Award and Summer Mountain Leader Award courses are run inconjunction with Bolton Council Youth Service Outdoor Education Team. 

Cick here to visit the registration page at MLTE for the Walking Group Leader Award Scheme