Mountain Walk Leaders Training Weekend
9 people attending
5 places left
Note: This event is for existing mountain walk leaders and those who have booked their mountain walk leader assessment only. Please only sign up if you fall into one of those two categories.
The purpose of this event is for mountain walk leaders to get together for a weekend of peer-to-peer training, exchange of ideas and discuss experiences leading walks in the mountains. The event is heavily subsidised by OutdoorLads, to support leader training and development.
Over the weekend, we'll aim to get out in the local hills and practice some mountain skills. These could include:
- Navigation in poor visibility
- Route choice on difficult and steep terrain
- Managing groups (in poor weather or with differing abilities etc.)
- Assisting unconfident walkers on steep exposed terrain
The exact topics we'll cover can be decided over the weekend depending on what everyone wants to cover.
We'll be staying in the Fylde Mountaineering Hut (Little Langdale Cottage) on the Friday and Saturday night. Breakfasts and Saturday evening meal will be included, with the Friday evening meal being the usual ODL buffet.
Dogs: This event is not suitable for dogs.
Image / photo credits: Images belong to Nick Read or Fylde Mountaineering Club and used with permission.
What to bring
As this is a bunkhouse, no bedding is provided - please bring a pillow, sleeping bag and towel.
Emergency equipment: while we hopefully won't need any of it, it'll be good to get it all out to discuss when and how we'd use it.
Map and compass: as we'll be doing some navigation practice, please bring these with you.
Mobile Phone: we'll also discuss using apps and electronic navigation.
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of.
Food & drink
Breakfast: Included on Saturday & Sunday morning
Lunch: Please bring you own food for lunch and snacks.
Dinner: Usual ODL buffet on the Friday, Saturday evening meal provided.
Drinks: Tea & coffee included, please bring your own cold drinks and alcohol.