Mountain Leader Training (Summer) with Plas y Brenin. 18-24th July 2014

Mountain Leader

Training (Summer) Course

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/2/4/0/event_213544672.jpegThe National Mountain Sports Centre

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As one of Sport England's three National Centres, Plas y Brenin is based in Snowdonia, North Wales and is recognised worldwide, as The UK’s Mountain Training Centre.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/1/a/4/event_213548612.jpegWith the highest quality standards of Mountain Training Instructors to provide the best training for all your mountain needs.

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This is a FREE organised event for NBH members

Join me for a Mountain Leader Training (Summer) course
with Plas y Brenin during 18-24th July 2014.

We can extend our stay and return on Sunday 27th July 2014.

Cost: Plas Y Brenin - £550

Please contact me to arrange payment/instalments.

Price includes:
Accommodation the night before your course
Accommodation during your course
Breakfast & evening meal
Bar Lunch/packed lunch
Free tea, coffee or selected hot drinks for the duration of your visit
Afternoon tea & homemade cakes
Instruction/coaching
Equipment hire
Free wifi access
In course transport
Railway station pick up & drop off (please call to arrange)
Parking with CCTV surveillance
Free use of climbing wall, gym, MTB skills course & rolling pool

Price does not include:
Mountain Training registration
Transport
Required equipment to bring

Transport:
I have a Land Rover Discovery with a large roof top box and a trailer for all our luggage, and I can take up to 6 passengers.

Please let me know if you require transport?

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Mountain Leader Training (Summer)
http://www.pyb.co.uk/courses-detail.php?coursecode=MQA03&irisref=174

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Plas y Brenin is managed by The Mountain Training Trust (MTT) on behalf of Sport England. As a registered Charity MTT is committed to ensuring any surplus generated is channelled directly back into mountain sport and providing the best possible opportunities at the most affordable price.

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Course Overview:
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.

Detailed Course Notes:

Pre-requisites
Mountain Training (MT) strictly requires that all students are registered prior to commencing the course. They will not recognise completion of the course by non-registered participants. Copies of the guidance notes are available from MT. Bring your logbook to the course fully completed with your experience. You will benefit most from the course if you are fit and have experience of using a map and compass in the mountain environment.

Course content
The MT Mountain Leader syllabus for the course is closely followed. In particular we will look at the practical skills and techniques required when leading groups walking and camping in the British Mountains. The programme may be revised at short notice to take account of weather and other considerations, in such a way as to satisfy the spirit and detail of the Mountain Leader syllabus. The six days are generally split into the following areas:

Mountain navigation
• An introductory day looking at key skills of mountain navigation

Leadership and group management
• Managing groups over different types of terrain
• The mountain environment
• Route finding

Centre based day
• Risk assessment
• Mountain hazards
• Mountain rescue and incident management
• River crossing
• Equipment â the leaderâs rucksack

Emergency use of rope on the hill
• Confidence roping
• Anchor selection and use
• Short pitches in ascent and descent
• Lowering and abseils

A two day, tent based mountain expedition
• More time spent on topics already covered
• Night navigation
• Campcraft

In addition, there will be evening classroom or centre based sessions, covering some of the more theoretical aspects of the syllabus. We intend to look at the following areas:

Weather forecasting
• Legal responsibilities of Mountain Leaders
• Planning a mountain journey
• Access and conservation

NOTE: During the expedition, all food will be provided. However, you may wish to bring your own, perhaps some goodies.

Useful Books:
“Hillwalking” by Steve Long in preparation for the more theoretical aspects of the course.
Mountain Navigation by Peter Cliff

Also recommended reading:
• Looking at Weather by Ingrid Holfard
• Mountain Weather by Pedgley
• Weather for Hillwalkers & Climbers by M Thomas
• www.mltuk.org - Website of the MLTUK
• Reading relevant magazines is also a good way to keep abreast of current issues.

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Plas y Brenin Main House Accommodation

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For most of our courses you’ll stay in the main house here at Plas y Brenin in a comfy, warm en-suite rooms (normally shared), many of our rooms are twin but we do have a few single and triple rooms plus one four-bedded room. So, if you are coming with friends or family you can request to share a room with them, if you are coming on your own we’ll try to put you in a room with someone of a similar age on your course.

We provide all bed linen plus towels for you so you don’t need to bring them from home (although if you’re on a paddling course we would recommended bringing an extra towel). Each room has tea and coffee making facilities so you can have a morning or bedtime brew without going to the main dining room. Each bedroom has a wardrobe and a bedside table by each bed with lamp/bedlight.

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Our of our bedrooms are based on the ground floor and have disabled access and facilities (including the en-suite) so if you have limited mobility please let us know when you book.

We have three efficient drying rooms so when you come in from a day out you can dry out any kit ready for the next day. Also there are two washing machines and a tumble dryer available for you to use, a wash is £1 (plus you’ll need to have your own washing powder) and the dryer is 20p per 15 mins.

Sometimes we can offer additional nights B&B before and/or after your course if we have accommodation available, please contact our customer services team on 01690 720214.

Facilities Quick List
• All En-suite Rooms With Tea And Coffee Making Facilities
• Ground Floor Disabled Access Bedrooms
• Central Heating And Hot Showers
• Efficient Drying Rooms And Laundry
• Well Stocked Bar Including Our Own Range Of Locally Brewed Ales
• Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea And Cakes And Three Course Evening Meal Included
• Special Dietary Requirements Catered For (Just Let Us Know In Advance)
• Ample Parking
• Free WiFi In Our Bar And Dining Room
• Free Use Of Climbing Wall And Canoe Pool During Your Stay

What Equipment Do You Need To Bring?
• Personal mountain clothing
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm hat, gloves, neck gaiter/buff, sunhat
• Walking boots
• Day rucksack
• Rucksack liner (e.g. rubble bag or dry bag)
• Drink bottle
• Flask
• Lunch bag/box
• Personal first aid kit
• Gaiters (optional)
• Headtorch
• High factor sunscreen
• Midge repellant
• Notebook and pen
• MT logbook and registration for award
• Compass
• Fine permanent pen (for writing on laminated maps)

For WGL Training all maps will be provided

For the ML Training you will also need:
• Expedition rucksack
• OS Explorer No 17 1:25,000 Snowdon & Conwy Valley (ideally laminated if not bring a map case)
• OS Landranger No 115 1:50,000 Snowdon (ideally laminated if not bring a map case)
• Old trainers and clothes for the river crossing
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Stove and pans (plus fuel)
• Knife, fork, spoon
• Mug

At this level we expect students to have most of their own equipment. It is possible to borrow the following items from our equipment stores:
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Walking boots
• Gaiters (optional)
• Rucksack (day and expedition)
• Compass
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Stove and pans (plus fuel)
• Knife, fork, spoon
• Mug