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The Hill and Moorland Leader syllabus is structured to ensure leaders are well-prepared to manage groups in a variety of hill and moorland settings. Training typically blends theoretical and practical sessions, focusing on safe group management, detailed navigation, and environmental responsibility.
Assessment involves practical demonstrations of leadership and navigation, as well as a written element on environmental and legal knowledge. Feedback is given throughout, helping you understand areas of strength and where further development might be useful.
Training and assessment courses may vary slightly between providers, but all follow Mountain Training’s national syllabus and standards.
The Hill and Moorland Leader qualification enables you to lead groups on day walks in defined hill and moorland terrain in the UK, in summer conditions. This includes areas that are typically lower than mountainous regions but still require competent navigation, group leadership, and risk management skills. Examples of such terrain include the North York Moors, the Shropshire Hills, and parts of the Brecon Beacons.
This award is highly valued by outdoor centres, schools, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award providers, and walking clubs. It shows you have the skills and judgement to look after others in remote but non-mountainous areas. It also serves as a stepping stone toward higher qualifications such as the Mountain Leader award, should you wish to progress further.
While it doesn’t cover overnight expeditions or more mountainous terrain, this qualification opens the door to a wide range of professional and voluntary opportunities in outdoor education, adventure tourism, and community engagement.
The training course typically runs over three days and combines classroom-based learning with practical sessions on the hill. Following training, candidates are expected to consolidate their experience before booking an assessment, which usually takes place over another three days.
The Hill and Moorland Leader assessment is typically a two-day practical evaluation set in suitable upland terrain in the UK. It focuses on your ability to lead groups safely and effectively in hill and moorland environments. The assessment covers navigation (including poor visibility), group management, route planning, emergency procedures, and environmental awareness. You'll also be evaluated on your leadership style and ability to make sound decisions in varied conditions. Assessors are experienced Mountain Training providers who aim to create a supportive environment while ensuring you meet the required standard. You must have completed the Hill and Moorland Leader training course and met the minimum experience requirements before attending. Adventuro partners with centres across the UK, so you can find and book an assessment that fits your schedule and location.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesIt’s a nationally recognised award from Mountain Training that qualifies you to lead groups on day walks in hill and moorland terrain in the UK and Ireland. It focuses on non-technical ground, typically without the need for ropes or scrambling. The award is ideal for those leading groups in areas such as the Peak District, Dartmoor, or the Black Mountains.
Before attending the assessment, you must have completed the Hill and Moorland Leader training course, be registered with Mountain Training, hold a valid and current first aid certificate (minimum 16 hours), and have logged a minimum of 40 quality hillwalking days in appropriate terrain. These ensure you’re well-prepared for the demands of the assessment.
The assessment typically takes place over two consecutive days in appropriate terrain. You'll be tested on navigation, leadership, group safety, environmental knowledge, and your ability to manage incidents. Night navigation and dealing with emergencies under pressure are also part of the process. Expect a mix of solo and group tasks to demonstrate your skills.
You’ll log your quality hillwalking days using the DLOG system on the Mountain Training website. A quality day involves meaningful time in appropriate upland terrain, with active navigation and decision-making. The DLOG allows assessors to review your experience in advance and helps you reflect on your development.
The Hill and Moorland Leader award covers open, uncultivated, upland areas that are not steep or rocky enough to require scrambling or ropework. This includes areas like the North York Moors, parts of the Lake District, and the Brecon Beacons. It does not qualify you to take groups into mountainous or steep rocky ground—that’s covered by the Mountain Leader award.
Yes. The Hill and Moorland Leader qualification is recognised across the UK and Ireland, and it allows you to lead groups as part of outdoor education centres, Duke of Edinburgh programmes, or private guiding. You should also hold appropriate insurance if you’re working professionally.
The qualification doesn’t expire, but you must keep your first aid certificate up to date and should stay current with best practices. Mountain Training recommends continuing professional development (CPD), and many employers expect this. You’ll also need to be a member of a recognised association like the Mountain Training Association to access CPD resources.
If you don’t meet the standard in one or more areas, your assessor will give you clear feedback and outline what you need to improve. You can re-take the assessment or just the parts you didn’t pass. Many providers offer tailored refresher training. Adventuro's booking platform features centres that provide both assessments and prep courses.
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to register for the Hill and Moorland Leader award with Mountain Training. This applies to both the training and assessment stages. There’s no upper age limit—as long as you can meet the physical and leadership demands of the role.
