Hill Walking
Geoff Preston
GLNE Mountaineer Advisor
It is apparent that since the rules pertaining to Hill Walking were amended, there is still some misunderstanding as to what is now required in respect of qualifications for leading parties in the hills and moors. The Factsheet entitled, Hillwalking , gives all the relevant information as regards the requirements for Leading parties in the hills. This is available, free of charge, from The Information Centre at Gilwell Park (0845 300 1818) by mail or on the Internet. To help with queries and doubts, which you may have, the following questions and answers may ease (and not add to) the misunderstanding
Geoff Preston | mountain@glne-scouts.org.uk
Q & A:
Q
Do I need to be Authorised to lead groups in the hills?
A
No. If you stay below 500 metres, are within 30 minutes of a road or occupied building and there is no scrambling involved then formal Authorisation is not required, but see POR rule 9.1(b) and 9.1(c)
Q
Do I need to be Authorised to lead groups in the hills?
A
No. If you stay below 500 metres, are within 30 minutes of a road or occupied building and there is no scrambling involved then formal Authorisation is not required, but see POR rule 9.1(b) and 9.1(c)
Q
When would I need to be Authorised to lead groups in the hills?
A
If any of the following applied: on ground above 500 metres or, if the group would be more than 30 minutes from a road or occupied building or there would be any scrambling, (necessary use of hands) involved.
Q
Do I need any experience to become Authorised?
A
Yes. A minimum of twenty days spent in the hills during the previous three years.
Q
Is there a minimum standard, which I have to attain to become Authorised?
A
Yes. The minimum standard required is equivelent to that of The Walking Group Leader Award.
Q
How do I achieve that?
A
It can be done within the County or at commercial centres. Talk to the County Mountain Adviser.
Q
Does it cost anything?
A
Yes it does. Districts/County will meet costs.
Q
As a novice, how long is it likely to take me to become Authorised?
A
Probably a minimum of 12 months, the more experience you have, the shorter that period could become.
Q
If I have a reasonable amount of experience could I become Authorised sooner?
A
Yes. If you have the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience you can apply for assessment and if you achieve the required standard; Authorisation will be issued within a week or two.
Q
Where can I find out more?
A
The County Mountain Adviser can help. Geoff Preston 01277 810977. Geoff Preston Wantz Cottages, St.Marys Lane, West Horndon, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3EL Email: mountain@glne-scouts.org.uk Phone: 01277 810977
The above references to requirements regarding terrain, heights and locations are not definitive, the full definitions will be found in the Factsheet quoted above.
Geoff Preston | mountain@glne-scouts.org.uk
