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| Plas y Brenin offers the full range of training and assessment courses available to leaders and instructors in mountain activities. All of the courses offered are for those who wish to lead or instruct others in the mountain environment. |
How do you gain a mountaineering qualification?
It is assumed that you will already have a level of personal competence before you embark on any of the qualification training schemes. The schemes are designed to concentrate on the additional skills required by leaders and instructors.
Stage 1
Contact the appropriate administrative body (MLTE, MLTS, MLTW, MLTUK) to obtain a copy of the relevant syllabus for the qualification you intend to gain.
(We have listed all of the relevant bodies alongside each qualification). You must make sure that you meet the pre-requirements laid down for each award.
Stage 2
Register with a Mountain Training Board for the appropriate qualification (you are encouraged to register with the home nation board of the country in which you reside). They will supply you with a log book and some guidance as to how you should best prepare yourself for the training and assessment process.
Stage 3
Attend a training course. Training is an integral part of all of the mountaineering qualifications. You must complete stages 1 & 2 before booking a place on a training course. The training course will concentrate on those areas of the syllabus which candidates find difficult to cover on their own and will include guidance as to what is required before assessment.
Stage 4
The assessment course. Candidates presenting themselves for assessment must have completed stages 1,2 & 3 and meet any other requirements laid down by the relevant mountain training board (eg hold an appropriate, valid first aid qualification). |
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 This course provides basic, fundamental training in navigation, largely utilising footpaths and other essentially linear features. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 This course involves the utilisation of skills learned on the Bronze Award and adds the skills required to navigate some distance from paths and tracks. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 At Gold level candidates will be trained to navigate on open moor or mountainside using contour interpretation and compass work.
Candidates will learn to plan routes for specific purposes and they will gain an understanding of how changing environmental factors can influence decision making. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 One-day assessment covering navigating using contour features, planning routes, access, environmental issues, safety, emergency procedures and basic first aid |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
1 |
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 You must complete stages 1&2 above before attending this three day course (register with the appropriate board).
The training course is based on the WGL syllabus. There are theory sessions on weather, group leader responsibilities, risk assessment and dealing with emergencies as well as practical skills. The practical sessions will cover walking, route finding in the hills, navigation, leadership, supervision of camping and overnight issues. Much of the course is practical and you should be prepared for adverse weather. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
3 |
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 If you hold a Walking Group Leader Award this nifty conversion course is an ML Training course that focuses on the skills you need to know without wasting too much time on areas that you have already covered in your WGL training and assessment.
Alongside like minded leaders, you will spend more time on the specific aspects of the syllabus that are relevant to your needs. Leaving with a clear personalised action plan, you?ll have an even better idea of how to get the most out of your ML Assessment.
The course has a practical approach (supported by theory sessions) to develop your personal skills and leadership in the mountains and includes a 'wild camping' expedition with night navigation training.
You must hold the Walking Group Leader award and be registered for the Mountain Leader scheme before you can take advantage of this course. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
5 |
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 You must complete stages 1,2 and 3 detailed above before attending this three day course.
This course covers the syllabus of the award meeting the standards set by the MLTUK. Three mainly practical days are spent on the local moors. Overnight responsibilities and camping skills are covered in theory sessions. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
3 |
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 The training course is based around the ML syllabus and the particular needs of candidates. In particular
we will look at the practical skills and techniques required when leading groups hill walking and camping in the mountains of the UK including aspects of navigation, group management, supervision on steep ground, risk assessment and emergency use of the rope. Consideration of the weather, mountain rescue, the environment and other related topics will also
be covered.
The majority of the course is practically based, however, some is of a theoretical nature. At times you may find yourself outdoors in adverse weather and you should be prepared for this. There will be an overnight camp and night navigation exercise. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
6 |
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 Although not part of the Mountain Leader Syllabus, GPS is a sigificant addition to the Mountain leader?s toolkit. As a Mountain Leader you should be aware of what GPS can (and can?t) do to help you on the hill. This one day ?bolt-on? module is designed to be tagged on the end of a Mountain Leader training course and covers GPS in detail, all from the leaders perspective. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
1 |
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 For ML trainees who feel there is a lot more they should know or ML holders who are a bit rusty. One day out on the hill concentrating on a range of mountain environment topics. It can be tagged onto your ML Training course or be taken as a stand alone refresher. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
1 |
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 For ML trainees or ML holders who lack confidence in ropework skills. If you?d like to improve your confidence-roping, knots, lowering, belaying and anchor choice this is an ideal additional day. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
1 |
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 Many trainees or ML holders need the skills to teach navigation as well as lead in the hills. This day module provides additional skills to add to your tool box when working with your groups. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
1 |
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| This course is designed to satisfy the requests for guidance beyond the syllabus of the various mountaineering and hillwalking awards and focuses on the process and methods of teaching navigation. The course consists of both theory and practical outdoor sessions and should help broaden knowledge and increase confidence for anyone teaching these skills to groups. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 Have you ever wondered about the plants around your feet? Or, why the mountains are here at all? Have you given a thought to those who came before you to work in the mountains? Or thought about how our mountains have been shaped by the vegetation that grows upon them? If you have, this weekend is for you.
Designed for prospective or qualified Mountain Leaders or anyone with an interest in the mountain environment, this weekend starts with an introduction to the geology of Snowdonia, followed by a look at the effects of the last ice age on the landscape. You'll also enjoy an introduction to the plants, animals and birds of Snowdonia and we'll even throw in some myths and legends! In the evening, you'll spend some time identifying flowers, lichens and mosses you have seen during the day. Wrap all of this up with some mountaineering history and a look at how the mountain copes with today's visitor pressure and you have a recipe for an enjoyable, interesting and rewarding weekend. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 Have you ever stood on a hill top or coastal cliff and wondered about the landscape around you? Have you been inspired to find out more about the incredible diversity of plants, birds, animals and trees? Have you considered how the vista came to look like this? Then this is the course for you.
Over five days you'll be taken on a fun and informative odyssey around the unparalleled mountains, moorland, and coastline of Snowdonia. This will be led by our experienced instructors, all of whom live and work, within this beautiful environment.
During your time here you'll take a look at the geographical elements that have shaped the land, examine the habitats that have been created, and uncover the vast numbers of species that now thrive here. This will all unfold out on the hills and shoreline for which this area is famous. We will focus at all times on your responsibilities as countryside users, to sustain the environment we enjoy so much. At the end of each day you will have the opportunity to use our extensive resources to identify any interesting new finds.
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
5 |
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 This intensive course will look at all aspects of leading groups in the hills and includes a three day expedition. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
5 |
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 Open to ML Registrants, Trainees and ML Award Holders, this intensive weekend course serves both as an update for anyone whose training or assessment course was completed some time ago, and as an opportunity for constructive criticism on areas of personal performance for those considering assessment. It is intended as a forum to look at current ideas, techniques and practices. It also provides an opportunity to raise questions and hopefully dismiss fears concerning assessment. Topics covered include micro-navigation, weather, emergency use of the rope and leadership. However the precise structure remains flexible to best suit the needs of the course members. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 You must register with the MLTS before attending the training course.
You must hold the Mountain Leader Award (Summer).
This 6 day course, which is based on the MLTS Winter syllabus, covers all essential practical skills necessary for leading parties in the British hills in winter conditions. Applicants must be prepared to operate in real mountain terrain in the most severe conditions.
The majority of the course is practically based, however, some is of a theoretical nature. At times you may find yourself outdoors in adverse weather and you should be prepared for this. There will be an overnight expedition and night navigation exercise. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
6 |
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 This intensive course is intended for trainees preparing for their Winter ML assessment. In recent years the techniques for safeguarding a party on steep snow slopes and broken ground have been modified. You?ll cover all these techniques along with winter navigation and general skills like snow and ice travel and snow evaluation. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 Candidates for Winter ML Assessment must hold the Summer ML and have attended a Winter ML training course. Candidates should be aware of the arduous and demanding nature of this 5 day assessment and prepare accordingly. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
5 |
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 You must register with MLTUK before attending the training course and to do this candidates must hold a Summer ML and have a further 40 days experience of which 20 must be overseas walking, and 20 must be in winter (The winter experience can be UK or abroad.)
Note. There is no longer a requirement to attend a Winter ML training course prior to registration.
Based at Plas y Brenin this 5 day Summer course will be a mix of theory and practical sessions and will look at a wide range of issues, including anatomy and physiology, legal liability, altitude, marketing, leadership, navigation, altimeters, and environmental considerations, as well as covering many other aspects of working with trekking groups in the mountains of the world.
A key part of this first course will be to develop individual action plans in order to help each individual progress through the next three stages of the award.
* Please note the training course will contain an assessed, timed navigation test.
On completion of the summer IML training course candidates can then progress to either the Summer assessment or the Winter training course both of which are based in the European Alps. This allows individuals some flexibility to complete courses as most appropriate to them. All candidates will have to successfully complete the summer assessment before completing the final winter assessment . |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
5 |
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 This assessment takes place over 4 days with three nights in huts and will be based in Pranlognan in the Vanoise area. This will be a practical course which will allow fitness, leadership, environmental knowledge, route choice, group care navigation and many other skills to be assessed. Candidates will also have to complete a home paper, and present their fact file as part of the assessment.
Candidates will need to arrive for this expedition-based assessment, fit, acclimatized and familiar with all aspects of the syllabus. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
4 |
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 This course will be based in the French Alps and will cover the personal skills required by IML leaders as well as leadership and group care considerations. The course will be predominantly practical in nature supported by some indoor lectures. During the week the aim is to develop the candidate?s skills, judgements and knowledge as well as a full understanding of the terrain where an IML may operate. The technical skills covered during this week will include avalanche awareness and snow pack evaluation, transceiver use and search techniques, personal movement skills, use of ice axe, emergency use of rope, winter belays, use of maps and guides for planning appropriate routes |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
5 |
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 This course will be based in the French Alps and will cover the personal skills required by IML leaders as well as leadership and group care considerations. The course will be predominantly practical in nature supported by some indoor lectures. During the week the aim is to develop the candidate?s skills, judgements and knowledge as well as a full understanding of the terrain where an IML may operate. The technical skills covered during this week will include avalanche awareness and snow pack evaluation, transceiver use and search techniques, personal movement skills, use of ice axe, emergency use of rope, winter belays, use of maps and guides for planning appropriate routes |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
5 |
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 The two day training course will focus on party supervision, safety and coaching movement skills. The module on group abseils will also be covered. Trainees must be registered for the scheme. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 The one day course will cover the main award and the abseil module. Candidates must have registered for the CWA, attended a training course and completed 30 visits to a climbing wall. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
1 |
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 A two day course based on the SPA syllabus. Before attending the training course candidates must have registered with either the MLTE, MLTS, MLTW, have at least 12 months experience of rock climbing and be not less than 18 years of age. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 Before attending the 2 day assessment course, candidates must have attended a Training course, be able to lead Severe grade climbs and hold a valid First Aid Certificate. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 This new award is launched by Mountain Leader Training in January 2010. The award covers the skills needed to teach lead climbing on indoor and outdoor artificial walls. The Single Pitch Award or Climbing Wall award are required in order to register for this award, along with 50 lead climbs (including some at French 6a) and logged sessions working as an SPA/CWA.
This one day course will focus on the safety and coaching elements of teaching leading and will use our two dedicated climbing walls. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
1 |
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| This one day assessment is for candidates who have registered and been trained for CWLA and have 100 lead climbs, at least half of which must be at French 6a or above |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
1 |
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 As coaching in the mountains, crags and walls is moving towards new levels of recognition and awareness this two day course has evolved through the sharing of knowledge, and skills within the departments here at Plas y Brenin. Designed to look at simple processes and good practical application of coaching fundamentals, it is the perfect catalyst for further professional development within climbing and mountaineering instruction.
Our staff, highly regarded in this field and drawing on a diverse range of disciplines, will open your mind with a variety of theory and practical sessions, indoors and outside. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 This workshop comprises both theoretical and practical elements and is primarily aimed at climbers who work with and coach young people. Even if you work only with adults, you will still find much of the content appropriate.
Children participating in any sport are at risk of injury due to inappropriate activities or training techniques, and research carried out on the developing child has implications for those who coach them. The theoretical element looks at how the findings of this research can help shape the way in which climbing coaches working with children structure their work.
All activities involve specific types of movement. The way body position impacts upon climbing style forms the practical element of the workshop since this can lead to an increase in performance and help in preventing climbing injuries. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
1 |
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 These two day workshops identify and develop the skills required to assess others in a mountain context. The programme will examine the generic skills of assessing through theoretical presentations and practical application. Open to Board providers and holders of ML, WGL and SPA awards. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 The 9 day course covers the technical aspects of rock climbing and mountaineering for the mountaineering instructor together with essential training in cliff rescue, as well as sessions on skill acquisition, the mountain environment, strategies for teaching navigation and the role of the MIA holder in the ML scheme. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
9 |
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 Candidates will be assessed over 5 days on personal climbing, teaching climbing, leading in the mountains, emergency improvisation on the crag and the teaching/coaching of navigation. Part of the fifth day will be devoted to a full debrief and discussion. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
5 |
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 We are running a pilot 2 x 5 day MIA training course in 2010 on behalf of Mountain Leader Training |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
10 |
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 This course is designed to help mountaineering instructor trainees during preparation for their assessment. It gives you a chance to ask any questions about the assessment and brush up on any weak areas. Practical work will include teaching climbing on multipitch routes and moving safely over steep ground. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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 This 5 day course will cover teaching and instructing snowcraft and icecraft including ropework and placement of ice anchors. Topics such as short roping, personal movement, route choice and teaching ice climbing will also be covered. The days? activities will be supplemented by evening lectures and activities. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
5 |
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 Before attending you must have attended an MIC training course, have 10 logged days of winter party management post MIC training, have 5 logged days climbing at grade 2 or above post MIC training and hold a valid first aid award. The 4 day course will assess your mountaineering skills, your personal climbing at grade 3 and your teaching skills over two days. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
4 |
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 This course will help MIC trainees in their preparation for assessment. Over the two days we will cover the teaching of winter climbing, short roping, snow evaluation and revise the instructing of basic skills. There will be plenty of opportunity to address issues of concern to trainees. |
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No. Days |
Dates |
Cost |
2 |
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