From training to trail: a conversation between Cicerone and the MTA

Hi MTA, can you introduce yourselves and explain who you are and what you do?

The Mountain Training Association (MTA) is the membership organisation within Mountain Training for anyone working towards – or already holding – one of our qualifications. These include walking leaders, climbing instructors, coaches, and camping leaders. We currently have around 9,500 members, including around 100 volunteers who act as Regional Coordinators and Mentors. Our members are spread across the UK and Ireland, with 19 regional groups based in key locations to provide local support and events.

What qualifications and training do MTA offer, and who are they for?

Strictly speaking, the Association doesn’t run qualifications – Mountain Training providers and course directors deliver those. The MTA offers a wide range of opportunities to support members through and beyond their training. This includes CPD workshops (paid and free) and peer-led learning events focused on sharing knowledge and building skills in specific areas. These opportunities are designed to help members revisit what they’ve learnt in training and expand their expertise in areas such as navigation, environmental awareness, and group management. Mountain Training offers 18 qualifications and two personal skills schemes between the providers.

What are the benefits of joining the MTA for those working towards or holding a Mountain Training qualification?

There are plenty of reasons to join, from saving money on kit and equipment to being part of a peer community that will support you through your journey. The Association is a fantastic resource supporting members in the assessment journey and beyond. There are plenty of workshops can help build on specific skills from the syllabus, for example, night navigation workshops run by qualified leaders through to the flora and fauna of lowland environments. There is something for everyone. The Association also runs a mentoring programme where those who have completed training for a qualification can apply to be mentored by someone who holds that qualification and can help guide them towards assessment. 

What are the most popular areas for Mountain Training courses, and what makes them ideal for training?

This depends on the qualification. For Mountain Leader training, popular areas include North Wales, the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, and the mountainous regions of Ireland – all chosen for their rugged, mountainous terrain.

Hill and Moorland Leader courses take place in less demanding terrain, such as Dartmoor, the Peak District, and the North York Moors. The focus is on navigation and group management without exposure to steep, rocky ground.

Lowland Leader courses take place in gentler countryside – areas like the Central Belt of Scotland, the eastern Lakes, South Wales, and South East England are commonly used.

Are there any lesser known but excellent areas for training that people might not consider?

For Mountain Leader and Hill and Moorland Leader training, locations must meet specific terrain requirements. But for Lowland Leader qualifications, there’s much more flexibility – the South Downs, the Chilterns and valley areas within mountain regions can all provide suitable, high-quality training environments.

How do MTA members prepare for assessments?

Once a candidate has completed training, they enter their consolidation period. This is the time to get creative with route planning and be out in their chosen qualification terrain in all weathers. Acting on feedback from the training course and utilising the candidate handbook is essential to progressing through this period. Most importantly, getting outside and practising the skills learnt from training will help gain invaluable experience to prepare for the assessment. This is also where membership of the Mountain Training Association comes in handy.

How can Cicerone guidebooks support aspiring and qualified leaders?

Mountain Training encourages candidates to plan and lead their own walks, and Cicerone guidebooks are a brilliant source of inspiration and practical route ideas. The Walking the Munros guide, for example, is ideal for aspiring Mountain Leaders.

Other relevant titles include Navigation, Scotland’s Mountain Ridges, Winter Climbs, and Walking the Corbetts, offering detailed, well-researched information for leaders and independent adventurers alike.

Why is ease of access to training areas important for aspiring leaders?

All of Mountain Training’s walking leadership qualifications are based on a ‘Quality Day’ – which means getting the most out of your time in appropriate terrain. The less time spent travelling, the more time you have to practise your skills. Accessible training areas also help to remove barriers and encourage more people to visit our countryside, hills, and mountains. Public transport plays a key role in making this possible.

What are some great training areas that can be accessed by public transport?

Transport is a major contributor to emissions and other environmentally harmful impacts in the UK and Ireland. We are aware that travel (often sole occupant, long distance, in a private vehicle) can be a significant part of the climate and broader environmental impacts associated with our qualifications. We want to encourage anyone training for our qualifications to think about the effects of travelling to the hills and mountains and to find ways to do this in ways that ensure these areas will remain in good condition for the future. Public transport is a great way to reduce some of the impacts associated with travel.

North Wales is a standout example – regular bus services run through the Ogwen Valley and Pen y Pass, and it’s easy to reach from Bangor train station in just 30 minutes. There are plenty of other areas across the UK and Ireland with good public transport links – it’s worth researching local options, or asking your course provider. Facebook groups are also great for finding first-hand advice from others who’ve travelled without a car.

What advice would you give to someone considering a Mountain Training course?

Spend time choosing the right qualification by thoroughly reading candidate handbooks for courses that interest you. Mountain Training offers a helpful Which qualification is for me? page on their website to guide your decision.

If you're unsure, consider starting with a Mountain Training skills course. The Hill & Mountain Skills scheme is excellent for new walkers to develop fundamental abilities and gain experience toward becoming independent in the outdoors. These courses come with no qualification commitment – they simply provide an opportunity to learn skills and assess your current level before deciding on further training.

How can people find out more about the MTA and get involved?

The MTA website is the best starting point if you're considering membership. Beyond that, both the Instagram account and Facebook group are very active communities. Members also receive a monthly newsletter with updates and information.

Thank you.