The Lowland Leader qualification has been designed for people who wish to lead groups on day walks in lowland countryside and woodland in summer conditions. The majority of the UK and Ireland is made up of this type of terrain so you'll never be short of places to go walking. The leadership opportunities for Lowland Leaders are varied and far reaching, from the South West Coast Path to the Great Glen Way; walking in lowland areas can be no less spectacular than walking high up in the mountains. And with campaigns such as Britain on Foot and Walking for Health proving really popular, there’s never been a better time to be a walking leader.
The Lowland Leader qualification trains and assesses candidates in the skills required to lead others on walks in lowland countryside and woodland that fit ALL of the following criteria: • Walks must not cross any hazardous terrain (e.g. cliffs, very steep slopes, water hazards etc.). • Throughout the walk the group should never generally be more than 3km away from a key access point such as a car park, lay-by or populated area. Any potential escape routes should also lie within the scope of the defined terrain for the Lowland Leader award. • Walks will require the ability to plan routes, use simple navigation skills using a map and compass and be self sufficient. • Walks must follow paths or tracks that are both marked on a map and clearly visible on the ground and that do not require navigation across untracked areas. • Walks must use bridges or other recognised water crossing points. • Walks must only take place in summer conditions (ie when there is no unavoidable snow or ice on any part of the route). A combination of technical competence, leadership skills and a wide range of experience form the basis of effective group management. The scheme addresses all these elements.

Day 1

Training courses are delivered by Mountain Training approved providers and will include a minimum of 16 hours contact time. The training course will focus on the skills and knowledge required by those leading groups and will assume basic competencies in personal skills such as map reading and walking on paths and tracks in Lowland terrain. The leader of walking groups needs a wide range of skills and knowledge in order to operate effectively. Not only is it necessary to be able to perform each element in isolation but it is also vital that leaders can combine several skills at any one time. For example, they may need to manage the group and navigate at the same time

Day 2

The leader will be made aware of their responsibilities to the group and individuals within it, parents/guardians, employing authorities, other outdoor users and the general public, including the choosing of venues and planning and recording of routes. Current legislation that relates to the care of groups under their charge, including legislation relating to the care of young people and vulnerable adults. Specific responsibilities to choose appropriate objectives, to complete detailed preparations and ensure that the group is adequately equipped and briefed for the activity. The health and fitness benefits of walking, and be able to explain them to a group. Have good communication strategies whilst leading groups. Be aware of group management strategies and the need to adapt to differing groups and situations. Be aware of barriers to participation, including mental and physical disability, ethnicity, fitness/health and be aware of the impact of various medical conditions.