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Mountain Leader training courses in the Lake District
The Mountain Leader scheme is a national qualification administered by Mountain Training, providing a level of basic competence for those who are in a position of responsibility in mountainous terrain in summer conditions in the UK. It focuses on good practice which allows safe enjoyment of mountain walking, and it is valid throughout the UK and Ireland. Chris is approved by Mountain Training as a course provider for the Mountain Leader scheme. When you enquire about a course we will send you our detailed course notes.
Why book with us?
There are a huge number of Mountain Leader courses throughout Britain, so why should you book with us?
We present the course syllabus in a relaxed, fun atmosphere, with the emphasis on interactive learning to encourage you to ask questions and get the most out of your time with us.
We offer a 5% discount to all returning clients.
Our clients think we do a great job! Check out some of their comments towards the bottom of this page.
What are the pre-requisites for the Mountain Leader training course?
You must be at least 18 years old
You should have at least 12 months mountain walking experience
You should have an interest in leading groups in the mountains
You must be a member of a mountaineering council: British Mountaineering Council, Mountaineering Scotland or Mountaineering Ireland (you can join one when you register if you're not already a member) - find out why
You must have recorded a minimum of 20 Quality Mountain Days which can have taken place at any point (pre- or post-registration)
Photo credit: shayan nejad
What does the course cover?
All Mountain Leader training courses cover the following areas over the six-day programme:
management & decision making: leader responsibilities, leadership & decision making, planning & weather, hazards & emergency procedures
technical competence: equipment, walking skills, navigation
expedition skills
teaching & learning skills
access, conservation & the environment
the walking environment
Detailed information on each of the above topics can be found in the Mountain Leader handbook, which you can download from the Mountain Leader page on the Mountain Training website. At the bottom of the page there is an accessible version of the handbook, which is large-print text-only, for anyone who finds lots of graphics or small text difficult to process. If you’re viewing it on a phone, using Adobe Liquid View makes it much easier to read.
A typical programme looks like this:
Day 1: Course introductions, mountain day, mountain weather lecture
Start 9.30am, finish around 5.30pm.
Day 2: Steep ground day, access & conservation lecture.
Start 9.00am, finish around 5.30pm.
Day 3: Route planning, remote supervision, emergency procedures, search & rescue, water hazards
Start 9.00am, finish around 5.30pm.
Day 4: Mountain day.
Start 9.00am, finish around 5.30pm.
Day 5: Expedition day one.
Start 9.00am.
Day 6: Expedition day two. Debriefs, feedback and action planning.
Finish around 12.00pm.
Where are the courses based?
Our Mountain Leader courses are run in the mountains of the Langdale and Coniston areas of the Lake District, so bear this in mind if you are booking accommodation - Ambleside is a good place to base yourself. The expedition sometimes starts and finishes at Seathwaite in Borrowdale. Our choice of venue for each day varies with each course, depending on the weather conditions and the participants.
We can also provide courses in other parts of the country on request.
Accommodation
Please see the Essential Information for Qualification Courses page for information about accommodation.
What equipment will I need?
A detailed equipment list can be downloaded here
What about transport?
Please see the Essential Information for Qualification Courses page for information about transport
How much will it cost?
Six-day training course: £430
Course fees are non-residential (you arrange your own accommodation)
5% off to any returning client
When are the courses?
Check out the online calendar for availability on these courses.
May 6th-11th 2024
August 5th-10th 2024
November 4th-9th 2024
If you have a group of 4 or more for training, we can usually provide a bespoke course on a date to suit you.
photo credit: holly ross
What can I do to prepare?
Please see the Essential Information for Qualification Courses page for useful blog posts and resources.
What Do Our Clients Say About Us?
For older testimonials, please see the Testimonials Archive page.
On reseaching options it was clear Chris has extenisve experience and that you offered a more personal experience. The whole booking process from start to finish was seamless, all enquiries answered promptly and detailed infomation about the course and the change in dates (due to covid) was provided. Thank you Anne! The course exceeded my expecations. Chris has inspired me to get cracking with my assessment and begin my career in the mountains. I appreciated the rounded learning experience provided by Chris, Jon and Mark, whose coaching/teaching styles complemented each other.
Georgina Dreher, August 2020
We had such an excellent week with you in the Lakes, thank you so much for all your guidance, patience and direction for all of us. The mountains lend themselves to reflective lessons about myself but your team provided me with so much more insight about how to enjoy these spaces; to see the detail and not rush the moment… the mosses, the lichen, rock formations etc etc. It has excited me to prioritise these times more. Thank you also for your lessons in how to make these precious spaces safe for when I take my cubs and scouts up into the mountains. We are really looking forward to returning for the assessments but for myself, I am mostly looking forward to returning to get another week drinking in your enthusiasm and knowledge of the lakes. Thank you once again, be in touch soon.
Ed Halsey, August 2020
Consensus of whole group was just how much we learned in so little time! Programme was varied and interesting and above all hands on. Felt brilliantly flexible and reflected our needs on the day (we received an extra night nav session during expedition, ropes recap at our evening wildcamp, etc.) Leadership techniques were nicely Interspersed with ML content. Personally, I was also intrigued by how much we can analyse about seemingly insignificant details ... I can’t walk down a set of steps without thinking about standing straight and strong, moving fluidly and dynamically anymore! The trainers all came across as extremely knowledgeable and open to questions - created a pleasant learning atmosphere. Felt confident in making mistakes whereas on some other courses I’ve done elsewhere in the past there has been a sense that we may be ridiculed for doing so. It was great to have 3 different instructors, each with different takes on the same topics. Humour was much appreciated and served to make us all feel relaxed. I also appreciated their patience and perseverance when explaining concepts which I struggled with. A fantastic week and one which I shall remember for a long time. I came away with a clear understanding of the level of ability expected of an ML, enthused about the mountain environment and generally feeling recharged! Will definitely look to book future courses or assessment with you in the future.
Marcus Shanley, August 2020
The enquiry & booking procedure was quick and easy, no nonsense. The knowledge of the trainers was invaluable. Such a pleasure being able to learn from both Chris and John. It brought such clarity to the job of a Mountain Leader and filled me with heaps of motivation to get out and get it done! In the short space that has passed since I finished my course, I have already recommended Chris to several friends who are looking to do their ML. I look forward to coming back to do my assement and RCI training.
Olie Hawick, March 2021
Excellent pre-course info, very thorough, I felt well prepped with what to expect, bring etc. I learned so so much every day. I hoped this would set the bar for what I need to focus on next, and it more than achieved this. The instructors were both top notch, different styles but good to see different perspectives. I first got recommended to you from a friend I'd met on another MTA event, his strong endorsement led to me trying out a couple of Masterclasses which I really enjoyed and benefited from, so kind of a no brainer to continue along the same path for this course. Enjoyed every minute, even when Angle Tarn ate my tent! ;-) Really love the way you encourage us to network and support each other independently in the WhatsApp group - growing a network like this is such a good thing. I'm in a few, generally as a result of Chris Ensoll Mountaineering, and the amount of info, resources, and encouragement they foster is really great. Feels like the course lives on afterwards, brilliant!
Steve Turner, March 2021
Chris said at the start of the course that he was not going to teach us anything, but give us opportunities to learn. He succeeded without doubt. This was by a long way one of the steepest learning curves that I have faced in a long time. Whilst I found the first few days challenging, I learned so much in the week and cannot thank Chris and Jon enough for their support.
Freddie Hyde, July 2021
I have learnt so much during the course and also realised how much more is still to learn! Each day was very intense and full of new information, gaining new skills. I’m leaving the course with tons of knowledge. Very experienced and knowledgeable instructors. It was very interesting to hear the stories from their personal experience and get some tips on what/how to do which you wouldn’t find in a book! Everything was shown and we had a chance to practice to improve our skills. Thank you to Chris and Jon for a great week and for teaching me new skills. It was absolutely brilliant from start to finish.
Barbara McMillan, July 2021
The pre-course info was excellent, I felt I knew exactly what I was getting into and what I needed etc. A really good selection of days which were engaging and although there was a lot of new information, I never felt overwhelmed. I felt particularly comfortable with Jon and Chris and really enjoyed the way they both delivered the information and they both made me feel confident in my ability. I felt like I was in very capable hands. I booked with you mainly due to the location, however the course info was presented really clearly and the reviews were all really positive.
Anousha Wardley, August 2021
I thought the programme and the way it was delivered was excellent. I knew what to expect from the Mountain Leader syllabus in general, however, was very impressed with the delivery and the focus on learning / self development delivered during the week. I was always engaged and thinking about what I was learning. I've spoken to others who have completed mountain leader training with other providers and don't think they cover the topic of movement in anywhere near the same level of detail as covered with Chris. I really enjoyed the movement aspect of the training, especially being a climber myself.
David Baines, November 2021
Thanks to Chris, Stuart x2 and Alex for tip-top course delivery in sporty weather conditions. A thoroughly rewarding week during which I learnt & took away a lot. I very much look forward to returning for assessment in August or October next year.
Dave Mackie, November 2021
The programme covered what was needed and a lot of extra that will be useful when operating in the mountains with groups. A reality take rather than text book. A great focus on making the mountains an inclusive environment; missed by my previous training within the military system. I booked with you because you stood out as a leader in your field. The blog gave amazing credibility and I referred to it through the week and will do so during consolidation.
Stuart Gorman, March 2022
Chris & his team outlined each days objectives and expectations and how they fitted into the Mountain Leader syllabus. The team also provided additional knowledge based on their vast experience. Each trainer spent time with all the group members offering personalised advice and tips. When researching providers I had a few questions; you always answered promptly and professionally. You were also open to conversation / direct dialogue. Additionally your Five Quick Things emails and WhatsApp group showed a level of professionalism above other providers.
Stephen Phillips, March 2022
All instructors were absolutely fantastic and offered different, but complimentary perspectives and experience which made the week even more enjoyable and beneficial. You were recommended by a previous client of yours, plus I liked the way your online presence came across. Amazing week that excelled in every possible way. I particularly like the sensible approach to things: making sure we know the Mountain Leader syllabus but also giving us other options, info, techniques etc to prepare us for work as Mountain Leaders rather than to just pass the assessment.
Pete Faulkner, March 2022
The information on the website beautifully portrayed Chris’s ethos and values. I could feel his love for the mountains and this was an important factor for me. Plus the reviews from previous clients gave me the confidence that Chris was the right guide for me. Chris and Alex are an excellent team, both so knowledgeable in their own way about what they are teaching. I would not have made it through the week without their guidance and supportive encouragement. What makes them the best is their passion for what they do and their ability to empower and support all group members whilst retaining their ability to be personable and approachable. Since the program finished I have been out in the fells everyday, building up my stamina, practicing some of the key skills. Both Chris and Alex have inspired me to move forward towards the assessment even though it was a challenge for me at times.
Jane Jackson, August 2022
I booked with you because I had very good recommendations off people that work with Chris and he seemed to be a very well-known name in the Lakes to provide a high standard of course.Anne was very efficient and helpful throughout the inquiry and booking procedures. All information provided was relevant and timely. There was a lot of content within the course but also time to consolidate what we learned. It was well delivered and thought through. I thought the instructors were very knowledgeable, they helped create an environment that challenged each individual and encouraged us to learn. There were so many gems of information. I thoroughly enjoyed the week despite the bad weather, and will certainly be coming back to book my assessment.
Lucy Downham, October 2022
I watched Chris's YouTube videos and decided to book based on how experienced, knowledgeable and easy going he was.
Alex Smith, October 2022
Overall a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging course. Chris is informative, patient and uses a number of teaching techniques to ensure learning is as deep as possible for course delegates. He is very knowledgeable in all aspects of mountaineering, leading and local areas. He is also precise and straight with his feedback. No hesitation to recommend whatsoever.
Andrew Rivett, March 2023
Thank you so much for an excellent weeks training. I learnt a huge amount about life in the mountains and a good few general life lessons too. I learnt some terrible jokes along the way, but that's not a formal complaint! ;) The first briefing about balancing competence and confidence was brilliant and I feel like I built on both foundations as the week progressed. The social environment created by the inspirational leaders made it a safe place to fail and learn constructively. I absolutely loved it! Thank you to Chris, Anne and Al.
Sally Willett, May 2023
Chris displayed and shared excellent knowledge regarding training to become an ML. His extensive years of experience working in the mountains and coaching mountain leadership skills, both in the UK and abroad were quite apparent and were taught at a high but challenging level for our group. Alex Jones, who led us for our expedition was also excellent. He made me feel at ease and gave me the confidence to apply everything I'd learnt in the week, during the expedition. His mountain knowledge was excellent and he passed it onto the group clearly and in a fun and relaxed way. I felt I learned so much on the course and it has given me a great platform from which to start working towards my assessment.
Lee Jackson, November 2023
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