Mountain Leader Taster Weekend

Course Info

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work in the mountains? Have you ever considered becoming a mountain leader? Why not join our Mountain Leader Taster weekend and discover what you need to lead groups in the mountains.

 

calendar Dates April - September
Duration Duration 2 Days
Start Location Start Location North Wales
Instructor Ratio Instructor Ratio 1:6
Skill Level Skill Level H2
Book Today Book Today £150 P/Person

Our Mountain Leader Taster Course is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts eager to experience the thrill and responsibility of leading in mountainous terrain. Over the two days, participants will learn the essentials of safe navigation, group management, and environmental awareness in real mountain conditions. Led by experienced instructors, this introduction course combines hands-on training with practical insights, making it ideal for those considering the Mountain Leader Qualification or simply looking to build confidence in hill and mountain settings. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to learn and explore.

This taster course covers fundamental skills such as map reading, route planning, and understanding how weather impacts us and our groups. Participants will also practice techniques for safe decision-making in varied terrains, building a strong foundation for future adventures. By the end of the course, you'll walk away with valuable skills, increased confidence, and a clearer idea of whether the Mountain Leader pathway is right for you.

This is a taster course NOT an accredited Mountain Leader training or assessment course For more details on training or assessment please email us.

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1 - Mountain Fundamentals

  • Meet your course instructors. 
  • Learn about what you need to become a Mountain Leader and the type of work available.
  • Mountain Fundamentals looking at planning for a walk with a group.
  • Weather and its impacts on our clients
  • Navigation masterclass (Outdoors)

 

Day 2 - Group management and scrambling

  • Scope of the Mountain Leader award
  • Can you use your Mountain Leader for scrambling
  • What is a QMD
  • Managing people in scrambling terrain (Outdoors)

Ability Level

To join this course you will need a good fitness level so you can walk in the mountains on two consecutive days. Ideally, you will have aspirations to become a Mountain Leader in the future, this course is also ideal for those looking to build a higher level of skill in the mountains. 

H2 Skill Level
Walking and Scrambling Skills

Some previous hill walking experience required.

SKILL LEVEL KEY - Click here

ACCOMMODATION

Accomodation is not included in the price of this course. 

Course Dates
  • COURSE DATE 26-04-2025 DAYS2 COST£150.00 LOCATIONEryri - Snowdonia PLACES4 BOOKING book now
PRIVATE BOOKINGS

Hiring one of our instructors privately is the perfect choice when you’ve got a specific aim in mind, whether it’s to improve your personal skills, have an unforgettable guided experience with a group of friends or tick off an objective you’ve had in your sights for a while.

Click on the link for more details

Click Here

WHY CHOOSE US?

All of our instructors are highly qualified Mountaineering Instructors or Mountain Leaders who take pride in offering engaging - fun courses that will give you the very best chance of achieving your goals. We are also members of Mountain Training, the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) and the British Mountaineering Council. Why not check out our google reviews and see what our clients think about us. 

Google Review
Mountain Training
AMI

Your Instructors

Matt Cooper
Matt Cooper
 Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) Find Out More

Testimonials

I've now been on two courses with The Mountaineering company. Both courses were great, learnt loads and Matt/Sam were brilliant instructors. I would definitely recommend to anyone getting into mountaineering to book onto intro and development courses. I'm looking forward to doing more courses with them in the future. (Google Review)

Alex Heaps

My partner and I booked Matt for two days mountaineering instruction so we could learn how to use ropes on climbs that were out of our comfort zone. We had a fantastic two days and Matts structured approach allowed us to take it all in and practice all the techniques over and over again. We both now feel more confident to take on more adventurous scrambles. Thanks Matt

Andy and karren

Fantastic day on the Back to Basics Navigation course with Matt. Very well organised and learnt a lot. Matt was very professional and great at teaching the skills with lots of patience and encouragement. Really enjoyed it and will definitely be signing up to other courses in future. Highly recommended.

Chontelle Wright

A great day out learning how to use a map and compass with Matt. His teaching style gave us just the right amount of information without feeling overloaded. I would highly recommend Matt !

Chris

Just got back from a fantastic weekend with Matt on the Welsh 3k and couldn't have asked for a better time. We had blue skies and cool air so it wasn't too hot and the views were simply incredible. Matt set a great pace allowing us to push our limits but never going beyond what we were capable of and we finished in 18 hours 32 mins. Hes a top bloke and I would certainly recommend him and The Mountaineering Company to anybody. Thanks again Matt. You will certainly see us again next year no doubt!

Chris Mansell

We attended a navigation course today with Matt. He was fantastic, can’t rate him highly enough! We had no knowledge at all, but have come home feeling confident and ready to tackle our adventure! Thank you Matt for a fabulous, fun day

Claire Black

I thoroughly recommend Matt as a leader & guide. I experienced an exhilarating & fun day with a super group doing Matt's Ogwen Classics day. Matt managed our mixed levels of ability & confidence with a calm, encouraging, alert & purposeful manner. He inspired confidence through recognition of our efforts & shared his knowledge & experience to support our skill development. The day passed all too quickly!

Ferne Davies

Awesome day with Matt teaching my 11yr old son and I the basics of climbing. Very patient and approachable would highly recommend Matt to anyone with an interest in rock climbing. Really fun day enjoyed by all!

Ian Roberts

Wow ! Where do I start, the best walking/climbing day of my life. Matt you were fantastic with all the members of our group. (Google Review)

Johnny Jones

All I can say is amazing!! Never scrambled before Matt looked after us supported us though the scary bits and made the whole day brilliant.

Karen Williams

Had a fantastic weekend with Matt on the mountain skills course - he is really friendly + approachable, and tailored the two days to what we enjoyed + wanted to learn. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to build their confidence with mountain hiking + navigation!

Kirsty

Well. What can I say - one of the best adventure weekends my friend and I have ever had and absolutely 10/10 instruction from Matt training us for our first OMM (Google Review)

Luke Whipps

Recently attended an intermediate rock skills course in the Peak District. Really great weekend and excellent fun. Matt is a top bloke; very knowledgeable and just the right amount of laid back. Allows all the information to really sink in - effective teaching!

Matt Pomfrett

Excellent day out with Matt on my first ever Scramble. I found it pretty tough in places but Matt was always there to put me at ease, offer instruction and with his support I made it to the top. Would highly recommend to others.

Polly Hornby

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