We spoke to Nicola Jasieniecka, Media and IT Development Officer at Mountain Training, to learn more about walking, climbing and mountaineering and how people could make sure their new exercise habits continued post-lockdown.
Introducing Mountain Training
Mountain Training is the collection of awarding bodies for skills courses and qualifications in walking, climbing and mountaineering in the UK and Ireland. Check out this short film which showcases their ethos in the words of people who hold their qualifications.
How can someone get involved?
There are so many ways to start mountain walking including:
For any of the self-guided options, it’s important to do some research, choose routes that have obvious paths and go on a day when the weather is reasonably good to maximise the chances of getting a good view from up high.
We have developed a short e-learning module called ‘Planning a walk’ which is a really good place to start and will help you prepare for your adventure. If you have any doubt about being able to look after yourself, go with someone more experienced or join an organised trip or course.
For people who would like a structured introduction to the mountains, we’ve approved a number of providers across the UK to deliver Hill and Mountain Skills courses. You’ll meet like-minded people and learn the basics so you can start having your own adventures.
What advice would you have for anyone looking to take up mountain walking?
Be adventure smart:
Can I take it to a professional level?
Yes. The UK has a world-respected system of leadership qualifications and there are five levels within walking:
More info here: https://www.mountain-training.org/
Each of the qualifications involves registering with Mountain Training, attending a training course, consolidating and gaining further experience and finally attending an assessment course.
There is also a series of climbing coaching and instructing qualifications which range from Indoor Climbing Assistant to Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor.
People with our qualifications work in schools and outdoor centres, run their own businesses and support walking activity across the spectrum; from young people on a day walk to multi-day expeditions in the Alps.
Is there a disability option?
Those with a hearing or visual impairment may require the support of a leader/guide or, with some training, may walk independently in the mountains. People who use a wheelchair can make use of the ‘miles without stiles’ routes created by the National Parks, some of which include popular mountains.
Those with other physical impairments should discuss their needs with a mountaineering professional. Disability need not limit your aspirations in the mountains; Scottish climber Jamie Andrew is a quadruple amputee and has since become a qualified Mountain Leader and reached the summit of the Matterhorn.
Read the full story here.
How have you got creative during lockdown?
Lots of people have been scaling their staircases to the equivalent height of their favourite peak in a bid to keep active and ‘hill fit’ from their homes.
Unfortunately our providers haven’t been able to deliver training and assessment courses during lockdown but they’re keeping in touch with our candidates and we’re all looking forward to helping the nation get into the hills once again. Some of them have been delivering online skills training in activities that people can practise during lockdown such as plant and bird identification, navigation and planning.
Our existing and prospective leaders have been engaging in online CPD sessions through the Mountain Training Association – it’s great that people can still develop their knowledge and skills from home.
How do you see mountain walking developing in the years ahead?
The most recent Sport England Active Lives Survey showed that the number of people walking for leisure, walking for travel and taking part in adventures sports (which includes mountain walking) is increasing.
That’s really encouraging and we anticipate an increased appetite for mountain walking post-lockdown when people are allowed to exercise for longer and travel further from their homes. Fresh mountain air and a good walk will feel like much-needed medicine for the body and soul after an unprecedented period of restricted movement.
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