This award scheme has been designed for people who wish to lead groups on day walks in lowland countryside and woodland in summer conditions. The scope and accessibility for this scheme makes it very achievable and appropriate for Duke of Edinburgh leaders, teachers, health walk leaders and volunteer staff.
It is a nationally recognised award scheme that opens up a natural pathway to other awards and qualifications for leading and working with others in the outdoors, such as Hill and Moorland and Mountain Leader qualifications.
– You must be at least 18 years old
– You must have attended a Lowland Leader training course (or have been granted exemption)
– You must be familiar with the syllabus
– You must have logged a minimum of 20 walks in lowland countryside in different types of terrain (woodland, coastal, farmland etc, recorded in you DLOG)
– You must have physically attended and completed (i.e. not online) a first aid course which involved at least two full days or sixteen hours of instruction and included an element of assessment
This two-day assessment course is designed to evaluate you against the Lowland Leader syllabus competencies. While it is a formal assessment, it is delivered in a calm, supportive and professional manner to help you feel at ease and perform to the best of your ability. Our assessors aim to create a positive environment throughout.
The course is predominantly practical, with some integrated theoretical elements. There is a strong focus on navigation and effective party leadership to ensure you can confidently deliver safe, enjoyable and well-managed walks.
Course Syllabus:
– Leadership skills and group management
– Walking skills
– Planning a walk
– Basic map and route -finding skills
– Equipment
– Hazards and emergency procedures
– Environmental awareness, conservation, access and land ownership
Detailed guidance notes on the syllabus are available in the Lowland Leader Scheme Candidate Handbook.
9:00am start. Typically, the day begins with introductions and a course briefing, followed by practical assessment of navigation skills, understanding of access and environmental considerations, and emergency procedures. The day typically finishes at around 5:00pm.
9:00am start. The day typically begins with a shorter walk with an emphasis on leading a smooth, well-paced and effectively managed day. This is followed by the confirmation of results and individual feedback sessions. We aim to complete all debriefs by 5:00pm at the latest.
During the course, you will also deliver a short talk (maximum five minutes) on a topic relevant to the Lowland Leader role. This may relate to the local environment — such as ecology, geology or history — or focus on a practical leadership skill.
Full joining instructions, including the precise meeting point, will be provided upon booking. Our courses usually run from one of the following locations:
– Rivington – West Pennine Moors Rivington Hall Barn
– Clwydian Range (near Mold, North East Wales) Tesco Superstore Mold (Mold Town Centre)
– Delamere Delamere Forest Visitor Centre
| Lowland Leader Assessment Date[s] | Course/Activity | Location | Price | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivington – West Pennines Moors | ||||
| Saturday 28th February & Sunday 1st March 2026 Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March 2026 Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th June 2026 Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September 2026 Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th October 2026 Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd November 2026 Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th February 2027 | Lowland Leader Assessment | Rivington – West Pennines Moors | £190.00 |  |
| Delamere | ||||
| Please enquire for relevant course dates | Lowland Leader Assessment | Delamere – Delamere Visitors Centre | £190.00 |  |
Working minimum is four course participants to run this course.
We are happy to run bespoke courses for groups at an agreed location & time. Please contact us to discuss your group needs further.
The price of the course includes;
– Assessment from highly experienced and helpful coaches
– A single point of contact at Mountain Water Expeditions to provide you with consistent support throughout your experience.
– Pre course information pack with lots of helpful advice, kit lists etc
– Accommodation. This is a non-residential course
– Transport to and from the starting point
– Personal kit and accident insurance
– Items of personal walking kit
– Food or drink
For a Lowland Leader training course, you require sufficient fitness to be able to spend two full days walking in Lowland terrain and have some spare energy to cope with any emergencies within the group if needed.
Mountain Water Expeditions will provide an experienced Lowland Leader Course Director
For further information or to book a place on this Mountain Training Lowland Leader assessment course please email info@mountain-water.co.uk
Send us a message with anything you want to know or ask about Mountain Water Expeditions, and we’ll get back to you right away.
